Motherwell is a Scottish town which can be found on the River Clyde in North Lanarkshire. A small hamlet until the 19th century, the sleepy burgh was transformed with the advent of the railway.
Motherwell then became the home to an iron and steel works, eventually taking on the nickname Steelopolis. Today, a visit to Motherwell showcases Scottish history all the way back to Roman times.
For more modern delights, you can find museums, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. Explore Motherwell with CrossCountry.
Train tickets to Motherwell
Getting to Motherwell station by train is easy; it’s on the CrossCountry route between Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Central. The journey takes just fifteen minutes from Glasgow and forty minutes from Edinburgh, with a stop at Haymarket along the route.
The best way to ensure you’re getting the ideal price for your journey is to purchase an Advance Ticket on our website or the CrossCountry app. Plus, you can save even more if you’re eligible for a Railcard. There are lots of options to choose from, including the 16-25 Railcard and the Family and Friends Railcard.
FAQs
Motherwell has one main train station: Motherwell Station.
Motherwell isn’t a large town, so Motherwell Station is within easy walking distance of most of the main sights.
At just 8 miles away, Glasgow Airport is the closest airport to Motherwell. Take a CrossCountry train from Motherwell Station to Glasgow Central Station followed by the 500 Airport Express bus.
To save on ticket costs, try and travel at quieter, off-peak times. If you’re eligible, you can also sign up for a railcard and save 1/3 on every journey. Our cheap tickets page has more hints and tips on travelling to Motherwell for cheaper.
If you need more information regarding Motherwell Station, take a look at our station guide.
Experience Motherwell
Places to eat in Motherwell
There are many places to eat in Motherwell, perfect for enjoying breakfast, lunch, and dinner – both close to the station and further afield. Start your day with a full Scottish breakfast at Cafe Roma on Brandon Parade. They’ve got a fantastic breakfast buffet, and you can be sure to receive stellar service.
When you’re in the market for a caffeine fix, you can find lovingly roasted coffee at Papercup. It is the local go-to for silky lattes, frothy cappuccinos, and rich espresso.
To refuel as you explore the town, Da Claudio has an impressive Italian lunch menu. Choose amongst a range of delights like Stufato di Salsicce, a spiced sausage stew, and Pollo al Rosmarino, chicken escalope sprinkled with garlic, paprika, and rosemary butter.
There are plenty of international influences in Motherwell. Just explore the town centre and you’ll see what we mean. One example is Hup Lee, a beloved Chinese buffet restaurant with great all-you-can-eat food and an excellent atmosphere.
Places to stay in Motherwell
One of the closest accommodation options to Motherwell station is the Moorings Hotel, a stunning building covered in green and red ivy. The hotel boasts a contemporary bar and grill and extremely comfortable rooms.
A little further out, you’ll find the equally inviting Commercial Hotel where you can grab a great-value bite to eat and a good night's sleep. Their bar and selected rooms are also dog-friendly, meaning you can pay a visit to Motherwell with your pet. If you’re looking to take your dog with you on a CrossCountry journey, be sure to check out our guidance around taking pets on trains.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Culture and heritage in Motherwell
Motherwell is a town full of culture and history, and there’s plenty to do to get the most out of it. The North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre is the home of thousands of historical records and archives, as well as museum objects. They also have a large outdoor play area with plenty of activities that kids will love. Plus, a viewing tower that rewards a climb to the top with wonderful views of the surrounding area.
M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park is also located in Motherwell. Complete with two exhilarating rollercoasters, an indoor tropical rainforest, a bowling alley, and a soft play centre, the theme park offers an action-packed day to remember for the whole family.
For a dose of nature, head to Strathclyde Country Park, a sprawling expanse in the valley of the River Clyde. Visitors can take part in various water sports, boating excursions, or simply enjoy the scenery on a walk. History enthusiasts can also explore the remains of Bothwellhaugh Roman Fort, tucked within the park near the confluence of the River Clyde and South Calder Water.
Baron’s Haugh is another must-visit for nature lovers; the reserve offers the chance to see all kinds of wildlife, such as otters and kingfishers.
Shopping in Motherwell
As one of the largest towns in Lanarkshire, Motherwell is a popular shopping destination. You can head to Motherwell Shopping Centre on Brandon Parade for a range of restaurants, high street stores, and homeware & gift shops. The shopping centre is a five-minute walk from the station, making it a convenient choice for a day trip.
Motherwell is a walkable town, meaning you can explore the surrounding shops, cafes, and restaurants on foot. There are also lots of charity shops dotted throughout the town, ideal for lovers of bargains and one-of-a-kind finds.
