National Museum of Rural Life

Spend a day in the East Kilbride countryside and delve into the country’s rich agricultural heritage. Discover what life was like for country people in the past and how this has shaped Scotland's countryside today. Explore the modern exhibition building, tour the Georgian farmhouse and then meet the animals on the farm.

The changing landscape of farming

Inside the museum, you’ll find a fascinating collection that chronicles the evolution of Scottish farming practices. From traditional hand tools to the impressive display of Scotland’s largest collection of tractors and combine harvesters, the exhibits showcase the shift from manual labour to modern machinery.

Meet the farm animals

A visit to the National Museum of Rural Life wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the working farm. Here, you can find a variety of farm animals, including Clydesdale horses, pigs, sheep, hens and Ayrshire, Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle. However, the museum asks that you do not pet or feed the animals.

Visit the farmhouse

Step inside the historic Georgian farmhouse, which belonged to the Reid family for ten generations, and experience a bygone way of life with rooms decorated in the style of the 1950s. Explore the farmhouse kitchen garden and outbuildings and get a glimpse into the daily routines and self-sufficiency of rural families.

Tractor rides

The Farm Explorer tractor ride is a great way for young ones to explore the site (tickets on a first-come first-served basis). The museum also has a play park and picnic area.