David Livingstone Centre

David Livingstone was born in Blantyre in 1813. From the age of ten he worked in the cotton mill and attended school in the evening. He studied medicine at Anderson College in Glasgow and then joined the London Missionary Society. He left for Africa as a medical missionary in 1840. Livingstone made numerous journeys of exploration. His most famous discovery, the Victoria Falls, was made on his trans-continental journey in 1855. He died in Africa in 1873, aged 60, while investigating the mystery of the source of the Nile.

The David Livingstone Centre is the birthplace of Scotland's greatest explorer. At the centre you can share the adventure of Livingstone's life, from his childhood in the Blantyre Mills to his explorations in the heart of Africa - dramatically illustrated in the historic tenement where he was born. There are many excellent facilities including interpretation, gift shop, tearoom, playground and riverside walks. School visits can be provided with a costumed historical character. Topics include David Livingstone, Explorers, the Victorians, Africa and the Slave Trade, Archaeology, Traditional Games and others. Some wet weather accommodation is available if booked in advance.

For further information about making a visit to the David Livingstone Centre, please contact the Property Manager on: 01698 823140.

Should you wish to bring an educational group to an NTS property it is essential that you contact the Property Manager in advance to make arrangements.

Click here to download a printable booking form (PDF format).

Click here to download a printable Property Information Sheet giving details on the educational potential of the property (PDF format).

Should you require a free visit to help plan excursion, please contact the Property Manager in advance.

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