A Five Minute Whirl around Motherwell the place where the Mole wrench originated. Seriously read on and you will see. Asides from having a semi-famous football team, Motherwell is where most people in Central Scotland were educated. If you didn’t go to College or University in Glasgow then you went to Motherwell College.
Contrary to popular belief Scotland has one of the best education systems in the world and has a rich history associated with inventors too. Fortunately, modern times have seen an education system in Scotland that lets anyone go to University if they are smart enough…and not just if their family can afford it.
Image Credit sevenMaps7/Shutterstock.com
On the subject of smart cookies; Thomas Coughtrie, who invented the Mole wrench, was from Motherwell. Katie Leung – who played Cho Chang in Harry Potter? She’s from Motherwell… Sir Tom Devine is also from Motherwell. This man is the leading historian on Scottish modern history in the world… all Motherwell. See? We’re clever, we promise!
The Mole Wrench – Nothing to do with pulling up Fury animals was invented in Motherwell. Image credit Olha Trotsenko/Shutterstock.com
A Motherwell Little History
Throughout history, Motherwell has been a known lowland town of some repute. It is one of the larger towns in North Lanarkshire and s the HQ for the county council. It is also home to the only theatre space for a fair few miles radius. Legend has it that Motherwell was founded on the sight of an old Roman road that ran alongside the river Clyde.
Now Rome and Scotland have an interesting history. The warriors of Rome got so far north through England, decided it wasn’t worth it, and turned round and went home again. No joke. Do you think Trump was the first leader to decide a wall would keep out the rabble? No. The Romans checked out Scotland as far as the Antonine wall, turned around, headed south, and threw up Hadrian’s wall on the way back just to make sure we stayed where we were.
The history books will tell you the Romans didn’t think there was anything up here worth saving. We know the real truth though… one glance at our culinary offerings and they ran in fear. They won’t be the last.
It is thought that Motherwell took its name from the Lady Well somewhere around the centre of town. This well was so-called because it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The first recorded usage of the town’s full name was in the 16th century. Before that? Who knows…? But someone must have stolen the stones from the old Roman bathhouse because no trace remains.
So Motherwell in the new century then. What can you do in it? Still, quite a lot if we are honest, but let’s look closer.
Things to do in Motherwell that aren’t Boring
Some of the best things to do in Motherwell are listed below. If you have a few days to spend there, make sure you check out the following sites.
Go watch that Semi-Famous Football Team
Motherwell has been a pretty mich permanent resident in the top flight of Scottish football since their formation, and they have only played outside of it in six seasons since the 1903-4 season. Honours are less common though, although they were Scottish Champions in 1931-2 and the Scottish Cup a couple of times; most recently in 1991. They have also played in Europe a few times but have yet to get past the 1st round. Unless they are playing Rangers or Celtic you can usually pay on the day and it is a nice day out being a fairly comfortable and friendly place which is now all-seater.
Motherwell’s last Scottish Cup Win. A Cracking match that finished 4-3 after extra time.
Shop!
Everyone in the rest of Lanarkshire stops into Motherwell when they need new clothes. There aren’t all that many shops by comparison to nearby East Kilbride – but it can save you a few quid on the bus and there are enough shops to at least get your Christmas shipping done.
Motherwell has a precinct in the centre of town that has everything you need for general survival and even the odd special occasion. The absolute star of the show in Motherwell shopping precinct is the doughnut stand though. In the very centre, someone has placed a fresh doughnut stand. Honest to goodness… on a cold day with a hot coffee, it tastes a little like heaven.
M&D’s Theme Park
Yep! On the boundary between Hamilton and Wishaw and just off the motorway turn off you will find M&D’s Theme Park. They have a Ferris wheel, some bumper cars, chair rides, a roller coaster – everything you need for the best kids day out in Motherwell that is even humanly possible. You will love it. It’s where every primary school trip in Lanarkshire has been to for the last ten years.
Avoid this area at night. It isn’t dangerous or anything, but youngsters drive around it showing off their cars to each other. It’s weird but they don’t have much else to do. Keep your distance and throw air fresheners at them if you need to appease.
North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre
For years, college students and those getting on and off at Motherwell Train Station have been bewildered by the purple glowing light in the sky at night. It illuminates the top of the heritage centre so that planes don’t fly into it… not really. It’s just there to look pretty and make everyone second-guess themselves.
Inside you will find plenty of marvellous exhibits, all of which will fill you in about local culture and heritage. They give guided tours, family history advice and guidance, store the archives for the local area and that purple thing is actually a viewing tower. Locals don’t use it but tourists will find it is the quickest way to learn about us Scots.
The National Shrine to Our Lady of Lourdes
Also known as Carfin Grotto, this is a bit of a pilgrimage area. It is serene and peaceful, and attracts visitors by the dozen. We don’t know all that much about it besides what we could find out on trip advisor. It isn’t a well-known attraction but it should definitely be on the list for anyone religious who wants to kill five minutes in Motherwell.
Dalzell House
If you are into your historical buildings and love a bit of architecture, then Dalzell House is a must see. Just to save any confusion, Dalzell is pronounced ‘Dee-ell’. This is a manor house that is set in the banks of the river Clyde, was built in the 15th century, and is now a category A listed building. It has some spectacular architecture and was built in Dalzell clan lands that have been in the family since roughly the 12th century.
So yes… if your second name is Dalzell you are a big hit in Scotland.
Dalzell House- Originally a 15th-century tower house, with extensive additions made in the 17th and 19th centuries.
Image Credit: lennystan/Shutterstock.com
Other Notable Attractions in Motherwell
Motherwell is packed full of things to do and we just couldn’t cover them all here. However, if you are spending time there you should also try to see:
- Strathclyde Country Park
- The Motherwell Civic Concert Hall
- The Aquatec – for swimming and ice skating!
Got Another 5?
If you still have a little free time then why not visit some of our other travel pages? You may just find plans for the road trip of your life!
