Blantyre – Everybody loves this place… take it from a Scot. It’s the kind of town that folk in Edinburgh work all their lives to retire in. It’s just far enough away from the metropolitan centres of Hamilton, East Kilbride, and Glasgow, to be a nice, peaceful neighbourhood. Rumour has it that there are areas of Blantyre where you can still leave your door unlocked without fear of burglary… it’s just that nice.
Blantyre was famously birthplace to David Livingstone and this is commemorated with bridge as well as a church and primary school in the town being named in his honour. As well as being part of the popular-to-this-area Livingston clan; David went on to explore Africa. To this day, the second biggest town in Malawi is called Blantyre. So we Scots do have something in common with the Tropics, after all.
The David Livingstone memorial bridge at Blantyre, spans the River Clyde.
Image: TreasureGalore/Shutterstock.com
High Blantyre
High Blantyre is thought to be the oldest part of the town and Bronze Age remnants have been found here. The town itself is an amalgamation of several sweet little hamlets – which is probably what makes it so nice. Historically there is also a Priory in the area which dates back to the early thirteenth century. It is safe to say that this area has been populated for a long, long, time.
So asides from being a lovely place to live and having roots as far back as the Bronze Age, what sort of things does Blantyre have to offer your average visitor? We took a wee five minute look and put together the best bits, on your behalf.
The Best Bits of Blantyre
So if you were having a holiday in central Scotland and found yourself with a few days on your hands in Blantyre – what should you do? Here are the best bits according to the locals…
The David Livingstone Centre
Every school within a ten-mile radius comes here at some point to learn about the great explorer himself. The centre is packed with his journals, objects related to his life, and the tools of his exploration. It is closed until the 2020 holiday season but has just undergone a 6.3 million pound refurbishment courtesy of the National Lottery fund. We can’t wait to see what they unveil. Legend says they have added a whole bunch of activities, as well as restoring the ancient house to its former good looks.
We expect a café and a gift shop at the absolute minimum. This centre attracts visitors every year so it won’t stay closed for long. Watch this space and feel free to report back that it is open!
Statue of the famous explorer situated at the centre.
Image: Ulmus Media/Shutterstock.com
This is one of those quaint attractions that make Blantyre such a sweet place to live. This lady is a pottery teacher and she has all of her own kit. You can go to her and learn how to make pots or she can come to you and do a class. She’s not the best-known attraction in the area but if you are looking for a taste of local, to learn a new skill, and to pass an afternoon in the blink of an eye? Then this is the place.
Blantyre Priory Ruins
For those that love a free day out all wrapped up in historical interest; we suggest you go and visit the ruins of Blantyre Priory. This scheduled monument is found straight across the river Clyde from Bothwell Castle… which would make for a lovely afternoon of ruin spotting if you visited both.
The ruins of the thirteenth-century Priory are set in their own parks and on the crux of the river. You could probably take the tent down and camp in summer. It’s a beautiful area.
For any Urban Explorers or War buffs this is just the ticket. This woodland park is in a former quarry… presumably, red sandstone although we are not certain. There is a pond, and sometime during the war, they hid a bunch of big guns down in there. You can visit the gun site, take a hike through the woods, have a picnic by the pond, and learn all about anti-aircraft guns while you are there.
They have just put forth plans to turn the gun site into a living museum. Keep your eyes peeled; this will probably get better in future.
Other Notable Attractions
There are loads of other things to do just outside of Blantyre that we haven’t covered yet. Some of our best bits from the surrounding areas include:
- The Plaza/East Kilbride Shopping Centre – the best place to shop south of Glasgow.
- The Hamilton Water Palace – a swimming pool with flumes and watery fun.
- Glasgow City Centre – you are only a twenty-minute ride by train into the city centre, go and explore!
There is always something to be getting on within this perfectly situated area. With Glasgow and East Kilbride to the north, Motherwell to the south, and Hamilton only a stone’s throw away, you have access to a whole range of attractions.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Party in Blantyre?
The best place to take the family for an affordable feast in Blantyre is the Carrigan’s Blantyre branch. This is pub food at its very finest. They have a solid reputation for good food and good value throughout the area. If you want to entertain a client try the Parkville Hotel; but for romance, Riva is a fine Italian.
As for partying, try the Hoolet’s or the Doon Inn for a good pint. If you want to dance the night away we would suggest that you hop on a train into the city. Blantyre is a little on the quiet side when it comes to nightclubs!
Are You A Football Fan?
Well if you are then you might want to pop down to the KG Stadium (also known as Castle Park) which is home to Blantyre Victoria who play in the SJFA. OK, the standard of football is more akin to crass roots than the Scottish Premier League, however, from a historical viewpoint, the club is part of Scottish (and particularly Celtic) folklore. Why – well arguably two of the “Hoops” greatest managers began their playing careers with the club; these being Jock Stein and Billy McNeil. If that’s not enough to perk the interest of Scottish Football fans then you can also add in Joe (Jaws) Jordan who also began his long and distinguished career here which encompassed Leeds, Manchester United and of course Scotland. Who knows you could see a future footballing great playing on a Saturday afternoon.
Jock Stein Who guided Celtic to the European Cup in 1967 began his playing career with Blantyre Victoria.
Image: cornfield/Shutterstock.com
The town used to have two clubs but the other Blantyre Celtic folded in 2010, although they have sort of reformed as a youth team.
Got Some Spare Time?
If you find yourself wondering what to do now that you have finished this five minute guide then fear not! You can always indulge in another. Here at Five Minutes Spare we are always here, always ready, and open 24/7. If you have a spare five minutes then we have a topic to suit you. Come on over and have a look… you never know what you might find to tickle your fancy.
