National Museum of Rural Life

Take in the sights, smells and sounds of a 1950s working farm, complete with dairy cows and sheep, at the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.

About National Museum of Rural Life

	Wester Kittochside Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR
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	03001236789
	National Museum of Rural Life Website
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Listed Under Attractions - Museums / Attractions - Days Out / Attractions - Visitor Centres

There's so much to see and do at the National Museum of Rural Life. Spend a day in the countryside, uncover Scotland's unique rural history and meet the animals on the farm!

The nine million pound project comprises a museum and visitor centre, the Georgian farm buildings of Wester Kittochside, the species-rich fields around it and a large events area.

In The Museum
Learn about the land, people and ways of working that have shaped Scotland’s rural history, and discover Scotland’s largest collection of tractors, combine harvesters and other farming machinery.

Explore The Countryside
Just a short walk or ride from the museum is our working farm. The walk takes about ten minutes, with paths overlooking fields and hedgerows. Our Farm Explorer tractor-trailer runs regularly from the museum.

Meet The Animals
Our working farm is home to Ayrshire, Aberdeen Angus and Highland cattle, Tamworth pigs, sheep, hens and Clydesdale horses. With each season there is something new to see, from new born lambs to fresh harvesting.

Visit The Farmhouse
Visit the Georgian farmhouse where Lanarkshire’s Reid family lived for ten generations. See rooms as they would have been in the 1950s and explore the bothy, outbuildings and kitchen garden.

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Upcoming Events at National Museum of Rural Life

Nature

Nature Track Packs

28th June 2025 - 31st August 2025

National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride

Explore the countryside at the National Museum of Rural Life this summer with our Nature Track Packs.

Days Out

Dog and Duck Day

13th September 2025

National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride

Join the National Museum of Rural Life for a fun-filled day of working dog displays, crafts and family storytelling when they host their Dog and Duck Day on Saturday 13th September!

Workshops

Adult Workshop: Eco Printing

27th September 2025

National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride

This full-day workshop with natural dyer and textile artist Elisabeth Viguie-Culshaw is suitable for both beginners and those with some natural dyeing or eco printing experience.

Workshops

Adult Workshop: Willow Basket Making

4th October 2025 - 5th October 2025

National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride

Join Max Johnson from Seileach Basketry for a fun, relaxed introduction to Willow Basket Making at the National Museum of Rural Life!

Family and Kids

Autumn Explorers

14th October 2025 - 17th October 2025

National Museum of Rural Life, East Kilbride

Become an Autumn Explorer this October half term and join the Museum of Rural Life for family storytelling and creative activities!

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