National Museum of Rural Life

About this activity

The National Museum of Rural Life is a fascinating and educational museum located in Strathclyde, Scotland. This unique museum offers visitors the opportunity to explore the history of rural life in Scotland through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a working farm.

The museum is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century farmstead and is set within a picturesque 44-acre site. The museum's collection includes a wide range of exhibits and artefacts, including historic buildings, agricultural machinery, traditional crafts, and rare breeds of farm animals.

One of the highlights of the museum is the working farm, which is home to a variety of rare breeds of farm animals, including Ayrshire cows, Tamworth pigs, and Blackface sheep. Visitors can watch the animals being fed and see how they are cared for on the farm. It's a great opportunity for children to learn about where their food comes from and the importance of caring for animals.

The museum's collection of historic buildings is also a major draw for visitors. The buildings have been brought to the site from across Scotland and include a 19th-century farmhouse, a blacksmith's forge, and a schoolhouse. Visitors can step inside these historic buildings and get a sense of what life was like in rural Scotland in the past. There are also interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that allow visitors to learn about traditional crafts and skills, such as weaving and butter churning.

Another popular feature of the museum is the collection of agricultural machinery and tools on display. The collection includes tractors, ploughs, and other machinery that would have been used on farms in Scotland in the past. There are also exhibits on the history of Scottish agriculture and the changes that have taken place over time.

The museum is also home to a range of exhibits and artefacts related to Scottish culture and traditions. Visitors can explore the history of tartan and see traditional Scottish dress on display. There are also exhibits on Scottish music and dance, including displays on the bagpipes and the ceilidh.

Throughout the year, the museum hosts a range of events and workshops, which are a great way to engage with the exhibits and learn more about rural life in Scotland. These events include family-friendly activities such as storytelling, crafts, and games. There are also workshops for adults, such as traditional cooking classes and gardening workshops.