In the last few years we started looking at our home region/country the same way we'd explore on holiday - you'd be surprised at how much there is to see and do within a short drive. Last weekend we went to this museum and it was fab! It tells the story of the industrial psst of the area, how people worked, and how they lived. Always makes you appreciate what we have nowadays. There are lots of machines from the industrial revolution, information on the life of the people in the area, workers' cottages dressed like they would have looked through the decades, and you can visit a mine (we didn't as just missed the last one). Definitely well worth a trip - and it's free!

A real gem just 20 minutes from Glasgow by train. There is plenty of variety to the site and you don't need to be into the heritage beforehand to have a great time. The reconstructed cottages were really fun and coffee & cakes in the cafe were just right. The highlight of the visit was easily the mineshaft tour. Sandra & Remy were fountains of knowledge and absolutely made my day throughout the whole experience. So much atmosphere and history packed into just 25 minutes - do not miss it. I will be going back when the trams are up and running again but there is no need to wait, I was pleasantly surprised by just how much there is to see and do even while they are out of action.

Always passed signs on the M8, so finally visited today with our grandson. Plenty of interesting things to see and do for all ages. Seeing all the machinery was great especially the working winder. There were a few groups of kids, probably from holiday clubs. They were all enjoying themselves having their picnics. Had a bite of lunch which was fresh made, quickly served and excellent and plenty of it, serving staff smiling and courteous. The museum is free of charge, there is a free car park across the road but can fill up quickly, if you get there for museum opening you can get parked. All in all we had a fantastic day and would recommend to all

Came here for a day out with my husband for couple hours. What a fabulous place. Easy to find on sat nav but also sign posted well through coatbridge. Free entry. Amazing museum which has alot of exhibits mostly based on lanarkshire and Scotland. There is free parking and toilets, and a lovely cafe although we didnt stay for drinks x Outside is a lovely walk around the canal, childrens play area then coal mine and cottages. Well worth the visit.

If you have any interest in Industrial History this is the place for you. Everything is so incredibly interesting and user friendly. The section on Ironmaking was especially interesting for me as my father worked on Blast Furnaces all his life. He would have been enthralled, as I was, by the large section on this subject. The remainder of the interior section of the museum is so well laid out and pays tribute to the Engineering genius and phenomenal industry that Scotland produced. So much to see and take in. Lastly we paid £2 ( a bargain ) to go escorted into the Drift Coal Mine. The two lady guides were amazing in their enthusiasm, knowledge and friendly attitude in taking us into this coal face area. Unfortunately time ran out for us to explore the canal basin area and some outside exhibits, I live a long way off from Coatbridge but will definitely return to take in more. A MARVELLOUS Place, what an outstanding achievement.

Located in the heart of Coatbridge, a museum dedicated to local industry. Plenty of free parking. The site has plenty to see from the main museum building housing toilets and a cafe plus satellite buildings housing more machinery, cottages - each giving a view of furnishings of an era plus a part canal. Visitors get see an awful lot in a very short space of time. Exhibits are well laid out and information easy to read. Found the staff to be useful and friendly too. Visited the on site cafe offering lite snacks / coffees / teas / drinks etc - thought prices were ok too. Unfortunately the tram system was not working - an electrical fault, perhaps next time. The down side if the museum is that there were a number of external exhibits in conservation vs being preserved. More shelter from the unpredictable Scottish climate is over due - my fear is that some exhibits may be on their last legs and when they are gone…… Despite this view, Summerlee should be on your bucket list. Simply a remarkable venue detailing an interesting history of industry / life in Scotland now sadly gone.