Where is it? Wester Kittochside Philipshill Road East Kilbride, Glasgow, Lanarkshire G76 9HR.

If you are taking public transport then the First Bus no. 31 leaves from St Enoch Centre, Glasgow to Stewartfield Way. The Museum is a 2 minute walk from the bus stop and the journey time from town is approximately 40 minutes. The busses are not so regular to return however and best to plan your return journey in advance. If you prefer to travel by train then you can leave from Glasgow Central Station and travel to Thorntonhall, Hairmyres or East Kilbride station. The Museum is approximately three miles from these station, and can be reached by taxi or bus.

By car, from Glasgow take the A727 to East Kilbride. From Edinburgh follow the M8 to Glasgow, turn off after Junction 6 on the A725 to East Kilbride. The Museum is clearly signposted before you reach East Kilbride. Free and easily accessible car park on site.

How much does it cost? £7 for adults, £6 for concessions and £3.50 for a child (under 5 go free)

Opening times? Open every day from 10am - 5pm

What is there to do? The museum of rural life is the ideal day out for active kids that are interested in animals and wildlife.

Inside the museum ground there is lots of interesting artifacts and interesting information on a variety of farmland animals and equipment and other wildlife. The picture gallery had life size oil paintings of animals that can be found in Scottish farms accompanied by interesting historical facts regarding each animal. There is also a study store which is a place for quiet research for kids interested in finding out more about a specific animal or subject. There is also a garden detective fun house that is ideal for younger kids which is fun and also educational. In here you can build a bird, smell a range of flowers and become a detective by investigating the animals that live inside a hedge. There is also a dress up and play section with kids costumes of ladybirds, bumble bees and caterpillars.

The real fun starts outside however, weather permitting of course, with a fun and educational way of learning more about how farming works in a 1950’s style farmhouse. You can ride a tractor that leaves every 15 minutes from the museum to the farm but taking the 10 minute walk is recommended on a good day. Once at the farm kids can get up close to a whole range of animals and can even get involved sheep shearing and milking the cows.