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National Museum of Rural Life

East Kilbride, United Kingdom•4.6(1.4k)•Museum, Heritage Site

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Explore Scotland's rural heritage through interactive exhibits, outdoor spaces, and family-friendly activities at this engaging museum.

The National Museum of Rural Life offers families a unique opportunity to discover the history, culture, and traditions of rural Scotland. Set across indoor galleries and outdoor spaces, the museum showcases how people lived and worked in the Scottish countryside, with exhibits that bring rural life to vivid detail. | Visitors can explore both museum galleries and outdoor grounds, making it an ideal destination for families with children of varying ages and interests. The venue is particularly welcoming to families, offering pushchair-friendly facilities and dog-friendly grounds so the whole family can enjoy the experience together. | The Shielings Café provides refreshments throughout your visit, allowing families to relax and refuel while enjoying the venue. With its combination of educational indoor exhibits and accessible outdoor spaces, the National Museum of Rural Life successfully balances learning with leisure, making it an excellent choice for a memorable family day out.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 17:00
Friday: 10:00 – 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

2 years – 10 years

Perfect for

#History
#Tractors

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

The Shielings Café

Café open daily from 10:00–17:00

Hours: 10:00–17:00 daily

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What Parents Say

KiddyCompass™ Family

We analysed 81 parent reviews from the past 12 months and distilled the key insights for you.

Updated 31 March 2026

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Google Reviews

4.6(1.4k reviews)
J
Jean Burns

Jean Burns

4 months ago

Had a great day very funny to see the duck parade and also the ride up to the farm on the tractor. Cute wee piggy's to see. Farm house is so nice looking back through the past.

J
Jr Jr

Jr Jr

4 months ago

1st time visiting and with my grand children. It was worth the money £12 for adults and £9 for children, under 5s free., also discount s for students and pensioners.This allows you to visit the museum and farm for one year . Plenty animals for kids to look at. Also an old farm house which you can look around. Tractor ride is also free which will take you up to the main bit of the farm. We chose to walk up but on reflection should have taken the tractor ride as we had a double pram . We did get tractor back down to the museum and pram was folded down and put in the back of tractor. Plenty to look at in museum and facilities are good with a cafe (this was a bit expensive if your on a budget) We finished off our day to the play park which has ample tables and benches.

D
Dan Barker

Dan Barker

4 months ago

A good experience, went mainly for the farm and it was a good day going there. Friendly staff, great views and was good to see how things are on a working farm. Also got to see cows being milked too which was a surprise!

G
Gianni Di Meo

Gianni Di Meo

6 months ago

Nice friendly staff across the board probably minus one in the cafe but the rest all friendly. Great set up, registered for the year very good and will return. Good tractor ride up to the farm, park pretty good with plenty of picnic tables. A lot of tractors to see downstairs aswell as a few activity areas. Good to pass a few hours time.

O
Ondra V

Ondra V

6 months ago

Am amazing museum full farming things, a tractor collection, The best is the farm with animals and a farm house. They have cows, and chicken. Very friendship staff and you can expect free tractor trailer rides every half an hour. Book them at the till even if they are free! Also a history of the local area and the family.

Reviews last updated: 15 February 2026

Events at National Museum of Rural Life

This venue was last updated on 15 February 2026

Frequently asked questions about National Museum of Rural Life

Is National Museum of Rural Life free to visit?

National Museum of Rural Life is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is National Museum of Rural Life suitable for?

National Museum of Rural Life is best for children aged 2 to 10.

Is National Museum of Rural Life dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at National Museum of Rural Life.

Is there parking at National Museum of Rural Life?

Yes, National Museum of Rural Life has on-site parking.

Is there food at National Museum of Rural Life?

Yes — The Shielings Café is on site at National Museum of Rural Life. Café open daily from 10:00–17:00

Is National Museum of Rural Life pushchair-friendly?

Yes, National Museum of Rural Life is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at National Museum of Rural Life?

National Museum of Rural Life is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to National Museum of Rural Life by public transport?

National Museum of Rural Life isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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