South Lanarkshire is rich with quaint, characterful villages scattered across its beautiful green valleys.
While the area is also home to larger towns such as Hamilton and East Kilbride, today we’re shining a light on its villages. Many of these historic communities date back hundreds of years and have played a significant role in Scotland’s past.
If you’re based in Glasgow, they make for an ideal day trip—perfect for wandering along old streets and enjoying lunch in a cosy local café.
Here are six charming and beautiful villages to visit in South Lanarkshire in 2026.
5. Carnwath
Describing the village, Visit Lanarkshire says: "Carnwath is a village on the Southern edge of the Pentland Hills in Lanarkshire. A conservation area set in the rural countryside. Carnwath is at the heart of Scotland's central belt and is reputed to be the town furthest away from the sea anywhere in Scotland." | Visit Lanarkshire
6. Quarter
The South Lanarkshire village is found on the hill above the Clyde Valley. It has a proud coal mining and iron works history with Keir Hardie working there as a pony driver and hewer. | Wiki Comms