Country Life
Don’t forget your wellies for a visit to the National Museum of Rural Life
JUST outside Glasgow might not be considered rural in many peoples’ books, but a short bus ride from the city centre and you will find yourself at the National Museum of Rural Life.
For anyone visiting the area, this unique museum should definitely be on the itinerary.
The National Museum of Rural Life is run from Wester Kittochside, East Kilbride, a working farm, and is part of the National Museum Scotland group. So, much like its counterparts at the National Museum in Edinburgh and the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian, you can expect a modern, interactive and exciting experience.
The main building of the museum houses an exhibition covering Scotland’s rich rural history. Each section of the exhibition is packed with curious artefacts and stories; the tractor store houses vehicles of all shapes, sizes and ages, and the tool gallery has over 300 years of complicated looking machinery on display.
Whether you are a history aficionado, farming fanatic, or just a kid that loves tractors, the exhibition is brilliant!
There are several interactive displays throughout the museum that are designed with kids in mind.
Young nature lovers will enjoy exploring the Garden Detective exhibit, where they can investigate the artificial garden for signs of bug, birds and plants. The Science Gallery is also full of interesting curiosities and information about farming over the ages, all displayed in a way ensured to engage younger visitors.
On your trip you can join Clyde the horse who will guide you through the museum’s exhibitions to find out about the land, people and ways of working that have shaped Scotland’s rural past. Clyde’s family trail is available to print out at home and is great for keeping kids busy. The map and work sheet are full of puzzles and you can take on the Clyde’s Super Spotter challenge to make sure you don’t miss a thing. The exhibiton at The National Museum of Rural Life is fantastic, but the
main attraction is a quick tractor ride along the road. Whether you opt for a tractor trailer trip or the scenic 10-minute walk, the museum’s working farm will be a highlight for everyone.
Piglets, cows, sheep and chickens – there is a veritable menagerie to meet and learn about on the farm. The funny Tamworth pigs sniffing around their enclosure, the resident Highland cows being ridiculously photogenic, and the farm cats diligently prowling for mice – a trip to the museum’s farm is a brilliant way to learn a little more about animals and farming life.
It is very much a working farm, so this isn’t an opportunity for petting or playing with the animals, but there is still plenty to get involved with.
You can even try your hand at milking in the 1950s byre. The original farmhouse is also open to the public and remains almost untouched – it truly is like stepping back in time. It’s a great piece of history to explore, and kids will love the new addition of the dressing up box.
General manager at the National Museum of Rural Life, Shirley Maciver, is delighted to be welcoming visitors back to the farm and museum.
“There’s so much for families to enjoy at the National Museum of Rural Life,” she says, “from our working farm to displays which explore Scotland’s unique rural history.
“Our farm is home to Ayrshire, Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle, Tamworth pigs, sheep, hens and Clydesdale horses, and with each season there is something new to see.
“We’ve just introduced a family trail which is full of top tips, object highlights and activities to help you make the most of your visit.”
Whether it’s during the height of spring or the depth of winter, there is plenty to explore at the National Museum of Rural Life. The intriguing exhibits combined with the simple joys of tractor rides and baby animals, make for an unforgettable day out.