Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Edinburgh to Carluke
Driving from Edinburgh to Carluke is a scenic route with an approximate distance of 35 miles, offering breathtaking views of Scotland's countryside. The trip can take about 45 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic. Along the way, there are diverse attractions to explore. Here are the top five unexpected places to stop at:
Halfway Point: Bathgate, WLN
Bathgate is a town located in West Lothian, roughly halfway between Edinburgh and Carluke. It is well-known for being a former stronghold of the oil shale industry. The town has a rich history and a couple of attractions, including St. Michael's Parish Church, Bathgate Regal Community Theatre, and the Bennie Museum.
One of the must-visit places in Bathgate is The Goblin Ha', a building with a thatched roof constructed around 1690, which once served as a drinking establishment. Today, it provides an insight into the life of a bygone era, and visitors have a chance to learn about local folklore and music.
Favorite Food Stop in Bathgate: Café Roma, an authentic Italian coffee shop that serves freshly-made homemade food and coffee. From a choice of sandwiches to pastries, Café Roma has a broad range of options to choose from.
First Stop: Livingston, WLN
Located south of Bathgate, Livingston is a new town with modern architecture. It is home to many shopping centres, retail parks, and recreational centres. Among the town’s popular attractions is the Almondell and Calderwood Country Park – a peaceful green space covering around 220 acres.
For a unique experience, the Five Sisters Zoo is a great place to stop by. It is a family-owned zoo with over 180 different kinds of animals, including raccoons, meerkats, otters, foxes, and rare reptiles. Visitors enjoy an interactive experience and guided tours, making it a fun day out for all ages.
Favorite Food Stop in Livingston: Bo'Vine Meats & Wines, a restaurant that serves an assortment of delicious meats, burgers, and seafood, cooked to perfection. The restaurant also has an impressive range of drinks, including wine, cocktails, and craft beer.
Second Stop: Coatbridge, N. Lanarkshire
Coatbridge is a bustling town located in the central belt of Scotland. It is rich in industrial heritage and has several museums, parks, and landmarks. The Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life is one of the town's highlights, offering an interactive experience showcasing the history behind the Scottish iron and steel industry.
For those looking for something unconventional, the Time Capsule Waterpark is the ultimate choice. It specializes in water sports, and visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and flume rides.
Favorite Food Stop in Coatbridge: The Italian Kitchen, a family-run restaurant that serves an excellent pizza and pasta selection, prepared with fresh ingredients.
Third Stop: Hamilton, South Lanarkshire
Hamilton is a historic town located between Coatbridge and Carluke. It is home to many parks and gardens, including the Strathclyde Country Park and Chatelherault Country Park. Moreover, the town's rich history is ingrained in the Hamilton Mausoleum, an impressive building with a unique crescent design, that was once the resting place of the Duke of Hamilton.
The Low Parks Museum is another famous attraction in Hamilton. It showcases a range of Scottish history, with exhibits such as interactive displays, everyday objects, and multimedia information.
Favorite Food Stop in Hamilton: The Taj Mahal, an Indian restaurant located in the heart of Hamilton, offering a unique and authentic dining experience, with an extensive menu and outstanding service.
Fourth Stop: Larkhall, South Lanarkshire
Situated between Hamilton and Carluke, Larkhall is a small town rich in culture and history. It has the Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, which is the highest narrow gauge adhesion railway in the United Kingdom. The railway offers stunning views and a nostalgic journey back in time.
The Clyde Valley Tourist Route passes through Larkhall, and visitors can explore the picturesque landscapes and charming villages along the way.
Favorite Food Stop in Larkhall: Larkhall Bowing Club, a classic Scottish restaurant that serves home-cooked Scottish dishes, from haggis to fish and chips.
Conclusion
Exploring Scotland's countryside on a road trip is always a memorable experience. From Bathgate's The Goblin Ha', to Coatbridge's Time Capsule Waterpark, to Hamilton's Low Parks Museum, and Larkhall's Leadhills and Wanlockhead Railway, each stopover offers its unique blend of history, culture, and entertainment. With a mouth-watering selection of food stops along the way, a road trip from Edinburgh to Carluke is one journey that should be on every traveler's bucket list.