Coatbridge is close enough to Glasgow that you can jump on the train to enjoy the nightlife – but it has a few hidden gems of its own, if you know where to look.
Formerly known as the ‘Industrial heart of central Scotland’, Coatbridge had a thriving coal, steel, and iron industry. All of these have come and gone since the eighties, leaving a large town with less industrial influence than it once had. This basically means the air’s a lot cleaner but fewer people are employed.
Image Credit: Tudoran Andrei/Shutterstock.com
Historic Coatbridge
Coatbridge is ancient… like most of Scotland. Coatbridge is another of our many towns that were founded before America was even discovered. When we use the phrase “As old as the hills” we mean business. History has it that the inhabitants of this Lanarkshire town can be traced back to the Celtic Tribes of the Damnonii and the Selgovae… we only know this because that was what the Romans called them. This also explains why Scottish tribes have distinctly Italian names.
Important clans in the area were the Campbells, the friendliest of the highland clans towards the lowlanders, the Hamiltons, and clan Douglas. Clans Livingston, Wallace and Stewart are also scattered throughout this area. Over the years much of this area has passed between hands. Now, it is all North Lanarkshire and classified as the ‘unpretty’ area of Scotland, along with everything else South of Pitlochry.
(This isn’t true by the way, it’s all stunning).
What else to note about Coatbridge? Its proximity to Glasgow meant it was the ideal place to brew up most of the iron and steel for the ships that were built on the Clyde. Shipbuilding was a huge industry here all through the last century. Most of it is closed down now, along with most of the building industries in our braw country.
So without prattling on too much, let’s talk about the best sights to see and the best things to do in Coatbridge if you happen to be spending any time there.
Coatbridge At-a-Glance
So if you happen to be passing through this fair town, what are the main sights to see? Listed below are the attractions we don’t recommend you miss out on.
The Time Capsule
The Time Capsule has been a firm favourite for Scots families since the mid ’90s. It has two areas; one for ice skating and another for swimming. Both are exciting as all heck when you are ten and you have never been in a wave machine before. If you are in Coatbridge and looking for something to do with the kids then the Time Capsule water and/or ice park is the main attractions.
They also have some outdoor and indoor gaming areas that you can use. It’s just a great place for teenagers and youngsters alike to hang out where they can still be considered ‘cool’… If they even still use that word.
The Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
The Summerlee Museum on the site of what was once one of Scotlands most important ironworks Editorial credit: TreasureGalore / Shutterstock.com
We mentioned before that Coatbridge used to be known as the industrial heart of Scotland – and the Summerlee stands as tribute to that forgotten era. The museum is based around a turn of the century ironworks and can take you through the differing processes that made Scotland such a thriving Industrial nation. It was from this whole area that the Clyde shipyards drew their people and their metals. The whole of Lanarkshire is still covered in piles of spill, evidence of old mines, and other urban decay.
It’s awesome. You should come visit.
Hollywood Bowl
Now we put Hollywood Bowl as a broad title here for the entertainment park in Coatbridge. Just off the motorway, you will find a bowling alley complete with arcade centre, a vast cinema, and two or three different fast food places, all in the same space. You can drop the kids off on a Saturday morning and pick them up at night, full and happy… if you can afford the bill.
So if you have teenagers and need things to do in Coatbridge pack them off to the Hollywood Bowl Park and be done with it.
The Golf Asylum
Our kids theme continues today with the Golf Asylum in Coatbridge, which is exactly as crazy (golf) as it sounds. It also has real golf; putting, driving ranges… you name it. The Scottish weather isn’t always as reliable as our nation of golfers would like it to be. This indoor golfing centre is Professional Golfers’ Association approved. Don’t be fooled. Golf is one of our national sports… it’s way more popular than caber tossing is nowadays.
Drumpellier Country Park
Technically slightly outside of Coatbridge, Drumpellier Country Park is the last stretch of open countryside before you hit the big city. It encompasses 500 acres, two lochs, woodland, a bog, a moor, some meadows and some grassland. It is also home to the Monklands Canal, a bird watcher’s paradise and a lovely place for wildflower lovers. If you are in Coatbridge in springtime take a wander on one of the Bluebell trails… it’s just beautiful.
Drumpellier is great for a picnic, has its own play park, and is really easy to lose an afternoon in. Be careful you don’t get lost though, especially not in winter. It’s a big old icy park out there and most of it isn’t lit.
Where to Eat, Drink, and Party in Coatbridge?
Local legends tend to hang out at the Segton Bar and rumour has it that Merlins offers some decent nightlife. Asides from that, Coatbridge is next door to both Glasgow and Edinburgh… close enough to get a taxi home from any nightclub you wish…
If you are looking to get your munch on with the children in tow then head down to Burger 7 on Bank Street. Everyone loves a good burger bar and their finger foods are delicious. If you are looking for more upscale dining then try the Mondo hotel, their food is reportedly awesome. The Mint is the place to go for cocktails, or so the cool kids tell us.
If You Like your Footie…
Head over to the Cliftonhill Stadium which is home to the local team Albion Rovers FC who currently ply their trade in Scottish League Two (Division Four). They have been around since 1882 and although they have spent mort of their time in the lower divisions, they did reach the Scottish Cup final back in 1920 and in 1933-34 season they won the second division title.
Still Have Five Minutes?
If you still have more time to kill then head on over to our entertainment section. There is bound to be something there to tickle your fancy and help you kill another five minutes or so… it’s kind of what we do.
