St Thomas' Catholic Church

The red sandstone façade of St Thomas' catches you as you wander into Lanark's quieter corners. Built in the Victorian era, it's a proper statement of faith - all Gothic revival flourishes and that distinctive Scottish red stone that ages beautifully. Inside, the light floods through decent stained glass, and there's a real sense of the craftsmanship that went into it. Nothing flashy, but solid and dignified.

It's the sort of place that appeals most to architecture enthusiasts and anyone interested in how Scottish industrial towns expressed themselves through their buildings. If you're into Victorian ecclesiastical design, the proportions and detailing reward a proper look around. Families with young children might find it a bit quiet and still for long, though older kids studying local history will get something from it.

You can usually step inside without fuss - it's a working parish church, so check the noticeboard for service times if you're timing a visit. Allow 20 minutes, maybe 30 if you're photographing the stonework. The churchyard itself is worth a wander.

Sit it alongside a broader Lanark exploration rather than making it a destination on its own. The town's got decent bones, and if you're based at Ecosse Glamping nearby, this fits into a morning's ramble. The red sandstone theme echoes through much of the town's older quarters - worth noticing as you move between spots.