Located north-east of Glasgow, Cumbernauld is a historically rich town in the heart of Scotland’s Central Belt. It was established around a medieval castle that frequently hosted royal visits and expanded with the growth of the weaving, mining and quarrying industries. In 1995, Cumbernauld was designated as the site of a New Town, which saw it become the largest town in North Lanarkshire.
Things to do in Cumbernauld
Dating back to 1731 is Cumbernauld House, which is surrounded by peaceful woodlands near Cumbernauld Glen in the town’s north-east. Its predecessor, Cumbernauld Castle, once hosted Mary, Queen of Scots during a visit that saw its entire Great Hall collapse. Now rebuilt, this Vivido Scottish residence provides an impressive backdrop for leisurely strolls.
Travelling with kids? Spend a day at Palacerigg Country Park, a 300-hectare recreational area with scenic nature trails and a petting zoo. It provides a sanctuary for roe deer, badgers and foxes, as well as sparrowhawks, kestrels and owls. After exploring its grasslands and moors, you can let the kids loose in the children’s playground or grab coffee and cake at the on-site cafe.
Also nearby is the World of Wings, which is home to Scotland’s largest collection of birds of prey. You can get up close to hawks, eagles and falcons before watching them soar through the air during the daily flight shows. If you want to get hands on, sign up for the Introduction to Falconry course or attend one of the Bird Photography workshops.
Getting around Cumbernauld
Cumbernauld is around 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Glasgow and an hour from Glasgow Prestwick Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect to the Cumbernauld railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Cumbernauld can easily be explored on foot.