A prestigious award winning wild play area in New Lanark
Since opening in 2014, Clearburn Picnic and Play Area has become well loved by visitors to New Lanark and the local community alike, and has even scooped three prestigious awards.
Not your average playpark, Clearburn is comprised of adventure play areas, a giant willow storytelling dome and stage, a burn, a secret hideaway tree house, campfire and bug hotels amongst other features. There is plenty to keep the little (and big) ones entertained, whether you’re visiting New Lanark for the day, or popping in for a short while.
The design of the Picnic and Play Area was led by children from New Lanark Primary School, Robert Owen Memorial Primary School and Lanark Primary School, and supported by the Big Lottery Fund and Heritage Lottery Fund supported Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP). You can see the name of every school child involved in the project carved into a bench that sits near the willow tunnel.
The area fits in with the utopian socialist ideals which the New Lanark Mills and Village were developed on by their founder David Dale, and later Robert Owen. Robert Owen in particular, is celebrated as the founder of infant care in the UK, setting up the first ever work-based nursery.
If you haven’t visited already, what are you waiting for?
