National Museum of Rural Life
National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride: Hours, Address, National Museum of Rural Life Reviews: 4.5/5
National Museum of Rural Life
National Museum of Rural Life
4.5
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
About
Spend a day in the countryside, uncover Scotland's unique rural history and meet the animals on the farm. In the museum, learn about the land, people and ways of working that have shaped Scotland's rural history, and discover Scotland's largest collection of tractors, combine harvesters and other farming machinery. Just a short walk or tractor-trailer ride from the museum is the working farm, home to Ayrshire, Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle, Tamworth pigs, sheep, hens and Clydesdale horses. Visit the Georgian farmhouse, with rooms decorated as they would have been in the 1950s, and explore the bothy, outbuildings and kitchen garden. Round off your visit with a stop at the onsite cafe, or bring your own picnic to enjoy in the outdoor play park and picnic area. We’re Good to Go: A range of safety measures have been put in place. Book online at nms.ac.uk/rural before your visit.
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4.5
363 reviews
Excellent
210
Very good
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Average
29
Poor
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Terrible
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capt-ll
Glasgow, UK56 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
The museum is very educational and always on rotation so definitely worth a revisit. The staff at reception very friendly and informative.
We ordered two panini's but they had ran out. The girl offered us toasted sandwiches with our chosen fillings instead. We weren't left disappointed.
The tractor ride to the farm was great.
The farm visit and getting to see all the animals and new born babies was so lovely. The staff were very nice and we got a peek at the lambs after feeding times which was wonderful. I could spend quite some time wandering. The hens are real characters and Daisy's Jeepers Creeper was too cute and enjoyed some nose nuzzling.
The house...so perfectly preserved and beautiful. So great to see. It would be nice if visiting parents showed more respect and didn't allow their children to bang things around that shouldn't be touched.
On our walk back down we met a lovely scarecrow in a stunning garden setting. We also chatted with the lovely lady who let us in to see the lambs when she was out riding.
We will absolutely be back soon.
Thank you for a wonderful visit.
We ordered two panini's but they had ran out. The girl offered us toasted sandwiches with our chosen fillings instead. We weren't left disappointed.
The tractor ride to the farm was great.
The farm visit and getting to see all the animals and new born babies was so lovely. The staff were very nice and we got a peek at the lambs after feeding times which was wonderful. I could spend quite some time wandering. The hens are real characters and Daisy's Jeepers Creeper was too cute and enjoyed some nose nuzzling.
The house...so perfectly preserved and beautiful. So great to see. It would be nice if visiting parents showed more respect and didn't allow their children to bang things around that shouldn't be touched.
On our walk back down we met a lovely scarecrow in a stunning garden setting. We also chatted with the lovely lady who let us in to see the lambs when she was out riding.
We will absolutely be back soon.
Thank you for a wonderful visit.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
polythenegirl
Paisley, UK49 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Great day out for young children. I thought it would be a quick visit but we ended up spending 4 hours there. Easter holidays so there was a craft room set up and a storytelling session which my 4 year old loved. Took the trailer ride to the farm, children loved seeing the baby animals up close. Great cafe, small but good play park, lovely staff throughout.
Written 13 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Derek J
Glasgow, UK2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
was such an enjoyable day out with the kids, they had a blast with the farm animals and wee suzy fell flat into a muddy puddle just like peppa LOL but can’t recommend enough for young kids!
Written 28 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
ScottishMay
Glasgow, UK11 contributions
Jan 2022
My husband is an expert on bacon rolls and he would say its the best bacon roll ever! Full of bacon on a roll.
Written 19 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Steven Macdonald
2 contributions
Jan 2022 • Family
Great place, however, tainted by the chap who drives the tractor. Utterly disgusting attitude. Gave us a row for standing oppose the tractor pick up. Tractor was supposed to be on the hour, dropped us at the farm and he told us at 3, I’ll give you to 330, any later and you can walk it. I tried to keep it together for the kid’s sake but I was absolutely raging at the guy. It would be a zero review if the rest of it wasn’t so good.
Written 5 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
We are really sorry to hear about your experience on the Farm Explorer tractor. This does not represent the normal high quality service we deliver and we will address the matter with our team. If you would like to discuss the matter futher, please contact info@nms.ac.uk
Written 10 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lynne1153
Edinburgh, UK802 contributions
Dec 2021
Our family visited here today whilst staying in the local area and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! It was a great mixture of things to see, a nice short walk to the farm, seeing gorgeous animals and great cakes in the cafe! Would definitely recommend.
Written 28 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
MJG
Glasgow, UK27 contributions
Nov 2021 • Family
Fantastic staff, immaculately maintained. Great for our pre-school boy who loves the place. Fantastic value annual pass.
Written 28 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
itchyfeet2014
Glasgow, UK2,189 contributions
Nov 2021
This was a lovely morning out.
The museum is well located, just off the main road, with plenty of parking. We were offered the tractor ride up to the old farm buildings. This was good fun, as it was quiet we had the whole carriage to ourselves. Children would really enjoy it. The old farmhouse was charming and stepping into the past for while.
We walked back to the main museum fir lunch in the cafe.
There was plenty of interest for everyone here and a great insight to farming life. I recommend this museum highly.
The museum is well located, just off the main road, with plenty of parking. We were offered the tractor ride up to the old farm buildings. This was good fun, as it was quiet we had the whole carriage to ourselves. Children would really enjoy it. The old farmhouse was charming and stepping into the past for while.
We walked back to the main museum fir lunch in the cafe.
There was plenty of interest for everyone here and a great insight to farming life. I recommend this museum highly.
Written 16 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Graeme
East Kilbride, UK1,098 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Beautiful day so popped in. Work to get House open underway and it will re-open Thursday 7th October. Tractor will hopefully be back on after some tractor path work. Even with COVID restrictions the Farm is a haven of quiet.
Written 6 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
David T
4 contributions
Aug 2021
This place was surprisingly good - perfect for the historic enthusiasts. finished quite quick but theres plenty to do nearby.
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Syeda N
Birmingham, UK1 contribution
I am thinking of going with my nephew but it says we need to book a 1 hour slot but i don't think 1 hour is enough?? Can someone clarify if we only have 1 hour there ?
Graeme
East Kilbride, UK1,098 contributions
Fear not. Winter brings lower visitor numbers so quieter. Just book and come along. Staff are great and no one will chase you.
Passenger06024348090
Tremblay-En-France, France
Can I bring a dog
National Museums Scotland
Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
Hello, Thanks for your question and for all responses above.
Non-assistance dogs are allowed outdoors on the site as long as they are kept on a lead at all times. They are not allowed in the museum building or the farmhouse, however. Dogs are allowed outdoors at event days, as long as they are on a lead.
joanmaclennan46
Glasgow, UK11 contributions
Opening Hours Tuesday 4th December
Jimbo190947
Livingston, UK185 contributions
I'm afraid I don't know but t hey are on thebwebsite
YVR_Traveller_9
Toronto, Canada169 contributions
Are there sheep and goats on the farm?
Graeme
East Kilbride, UK1,098 contributions
Scottish Black Face sheep but no goats. 2 Highland cows, Tamworth Pigs, Ayrshire Cows, Chickens, 2 Clydesdale Mares, not forgetting 2 black cats.
Can you do horse riding in the place and if yes how much is it and do you have to book first
Graeme
East Kilbride, UK1,098 contributions
There is no horse riding on the Farm other than regular exercise of the Stock Person's own Irish Cob or at events like the Heavy Horse Show but not by the Public.
parsimoniouss
1 contribution
Can you tell me about the additional discretionary charge to the entrance fee? And exactly how much is it?
National Museums Scotland
Edinburgh, UK12 contributions
Hiya,
Thank you for your query. The full admission price is £7, this includes a discretionary donation of 70p. The admission to the Museum without the discretionary donation is £6.30.
The discretionary donation helps support the Museum and its work, and with your permission also allows us to collect Gift Aid – we can reclaim tax on the whole amount paid – which makes a real difference to our income.
I hope that you are planning a visit to the museum soon as spring is an exciting time to visit, with flowers out and new born animals on the farm. There are special activities on over the Easter weekend as well - find out more at the National Museums Scotland website.
Can u take ur dog along. ?
FiRuss
30 contributions
I did not have a dog, however the website confirms that dogs are allowed outdoors as long as they are on a lead. You are unable however, to take your dog inside the museum or the farmhouse unless it is an assistance dog.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Museum of Rural Life
- National Museum of Rural Life is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 - 17:00
- Hotels near National Museum of Rural Life:
- (0.54 km) Holiday Inn Glasgow - East Kilbride, an IHG hotel
- (1.63 km) Premier Inn Glasgow East Kilbride (Peel Park) hotel
- (2.82 km) Busby Hotel
- (3.67 km) Premier Inn Glasgow East Kilbride (Nerston Toll) hotel
- (5.02 km) Best Western Glasgow South Eglinton Arms Hotel
- Restaurants near National Museum of Rural Life:
- (0.11 km) Season's Restaurant
- (0.11 km) Cow on the Hill
- (0.33 km) Shielings Café
- (2.51 km) The White Cart
- (2.26 km) Gardenhall Inn