Car Hire in Hamilton - South Lanarkshire Gateway
Hamilton, the historic county town of Lanarkshire, sits in the heart of the Clyde Valley surrounded by fascinating heritage. From the magnificent Hamilton Mausoleum with its remarkable echo to the nearby New Lanark World Heritage Site, this area punches well above its weight culturally. The town offers easy access to Glasgow while being close to some of Scotland's most interesting attractions - Chatelherault Country Park, the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre, and the beautiful Falls of Clyde. With a hire car from Hamilton, you can explore the Clyde Valley's orchards and historic mills, or head further afield to Loch Lomond or the Borders.
Hamilton and Clyde Valley
Chatelherault Country Park
Duke of Hamilton's hunting lodge in beautiful parkland. Visitor centre, Cadzow Castle ruins, and ancient oaks with wild White Park cattle.
Hamilton Mausoleum
Extraordinary 19th-century tomb with the longest echo of any building in the world - 15 seconds!
New Lanark World Heritage Site
Perfectly preserved 18th-century cotton mill village. Robert Owen's social experiment brought to life.
Falls of Clyde
Spectacular waterfalls near New Lanark. Wildlife reserve with peregrine falcons and badgers.
David Livingstone Birthplace
Museum in Blantyre celebrating the famous explorer and missionary. Recently refurbished.
Driving from Hamilton
Main Roads
- • M74 - North to Glasgow (20 mins), South to Carlisle and England
- • A72 - East through Clyde Valley to Lanark
- • A723 - North to Motherwell
- • A724 - West to East Kilbride
- • A71 - Southwest to Strathaven and Kilmarnock
- • M8 - Via M74 to Edinburgh
Driving Tips
- • Clyde Valley roads are scenic - great for fruit farm visits
- • New Lanark is well signed from Lanark - allow time to explore
- • Rush hour traffic to Glasgow can be heavy
- • Good connections to all of central and southern Scotland
Parking
Town centre parking at Palace Grounds and various multi-storeys. Chatelherault has free car park. New Lanark has large car park (charge applies). Most retail areas have free parking.
Why Hire a Car in Hamilton
- Easy access to Glasgow without city centre hassle
- Explore Clyde Valley and its heritage attractions
- Visit New Lanark World Heritage Site
- Southern gateway to the Highlands via M74
- Beautiful drives through orchard country
- Good value alternative to Glasgow rentals
Nearby Destinations
Local Tip
In spring, drive the Clyde Valley fruit growing area between Crossford and Lanark - farm shops sell local strawberries, raspberries, and jam, and several farms offer pick-your-own. The blossom in April is spectacular.
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