Hamilton Car Hire

Guide to Hamilton

History

Hamilton has a long history as a playground and stronghold of rulers and royalty. Known as Cadzow in the 6th century AD, it was the location of the summer hunting grounds of Rederech, ancient ruler of Strathclyde. Significantly, this is also the spot where St Mungo converted the King and Queen of the Britons to Christianity, in 568AD. The area subsequently became a barony in the 12th century and was gifted to Walter FitzGilbert of Hameldone in Northumbria in the 12th century by Robert the Bruce. This was the genesis of the Hamilton dynasty in the area – with Hamilton replacing Cadzow as the preferred place name from 1445 AD onwards. Hamilton became a main pitstop for the Scotland to England stagecoach in the 17th century, boomed thanks to the cotton and coal industries in the 19th century and these days is a lively town which is a popular place to live and work.

Arts and culture

As we’ve touched on, Hamilton Townhouse Theatre is a plush, 712-seat venue where you can see all types of live music and theatrical performances year round – it’s Scotland’s first Quest-accredited cultural venue, which means it’s officially recognised for first-rate leisure facilities. Alternatively, if your tastes are a little more cinematic, there’s a multi-screen Vue cinema where you can catch the latest silver screen releases in their full glory. Interestingly, Hamilton also has strong cultural links with France – it’s twinned with the commune of Chatellerault due to the fact that the French King bestowed the title ‘Duc de Chatellerault’ on 2nd Earl of Arran James Hamilton back in the 16th century.

Famous Hamiltonians

Well-known figures associated with Hamilton include iconic explorer David Livingstone, scientist Matthew Bailie, economist Alexander Cairncross, novelist Robin Jenkins, poet Joanna Bailie, legendary Celtic and Scotland football manager Jock Stein, footballer Paul McStay, opera singer Marie McLaughlin, and entertainer Sir Harry Lauder.

Things to do in Hamilton

Visit the mausoleum

A mausoleum built as a tomb and monument to someone nicknamed ‘El Magnifico’ you say? Count us in! This majestic moniker was bestowed upon Alexander, 10th Duke of Hamilton, and when you visit Hamilton Museum, you can see exactly how much he thought of himself. One of Britain’s most magnificent private tombs, it was actually still incomplete at the time he died in 1852, but the finished edifice now has a chapel with huge dome and a decorative floor crafted from the finest marble from every corner of the earth. Architectural awesomeness aside, one of the most entertaining features of this attraction is its echo – it lasts for a mind-boggling 15 seconds, which is more than enough time to belt out the chorus of Frank Ifield’s ‘She Taught Me To Yodel’!

Have a day at the football or races

Hamilton’s professional football team is Hamilton Academicals F.C. (commonly known as ‘Hamilton Accies’) which currently campaigns in the Scottish Championship, although it has often graced the top tier. If you want to see fast, exciting (and sometimes skilful) Scottish football in living colour, head along to The Fountain of Youth Stadium to see the Accies play a home match – you might even learn a few colourful crowd chants while you’re there! Alternatively, if you’re more at home on the turf, horse racing action at Hamilton Park Racecourse is always a treat and your luck may be in if you fancy a flutter – top races held here include the Glasgow Stakes, Lanark Silver Bell and Scottish Steward’s Cup.

Party!

Hamilton’s pub scene punches above its weight and if you’re tempted to join the party, there are several celebrated establishments where you’ll instantly feel at home. For starters, the Academical Vaults has been named the town’s best pub, Hemingway’s is a friendly spot which has previously won the Heart of the Community Award and Chapel Street’s The Junk Yard usually receives rave reviews. If you want to bust a few moves later in the evening, try ROC Nightclub Hamilton or ML3 Bar.

Eating out in Hamilton

Spanish treats

Yearning for the type of tapas that make you wish your meal would never end? Sangria 19 is an authentic Spanish establishment which offers a great deal on tapas for two as well as dishes like chicken with black pudding and cream sauce, deep fried king prawns in paprika batter, and pan roasted lamb cutlets. There are also several vegetarian options, the wine list is extensive, and the customer service is exemplary.

Wholesome classics

Fancy some Great British pub food? Look no further than Carrigan’s, an independent, family-run Hamilton bar and restaurant that’s been filling bellies and putting smiles on patrons’ faces since 1979. You can look forward to trusty starters like mixed pakora, fresh mussels, or mushroom pepperpot, mains like the signature steak pie, classic fish and chips or roast of the day. With a huge selection of wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks, this is the type of place you can happily spend an entire evening.

All scream for ice cream

If nothing satisfies your sweet tooth quite like a traditional Italian ice cream, you’ll be in seventh heaven at Equi’s Ice Cream Parlour and Restaurant. A Hamilton stronghold since 1922, as well as the gorgeous gelato in every flavour under the sun, you can order pasta, pizza and fish and chips. Let your belt out a couple of notches and enjoy yourself – you can restart your diet once you’re home!

Transport in Hamilton

Airports

Glasgow Airport (GLA) is nearest to Hamilton, just 17 miles away, while Prestwick (PIK) and Edinburgh (EDI) are both around 29 miles away. Arrange hire car pickup at any of these air hubs right here at Enjoy Travel and hop behind the wheel once you clear security – as you might expect, airports often offer the best choice of international car hire partners.

Public transport

Good old buses and trains support the public transport network in Hamilton and there’s decent coverage if you need to park your car up for the day. Hamilton Bus Station is located on Brandon Street and operates services to many locations, including East Kilbride, Lanark, Hillhouse, White Hill, Birkenshaw, Coalburn and Wishaw. Hamilton has three train stations – Hamilton Central, Hamilton West and Chatelherault, enabling rail connections to every major Scottish city and the rest of the network south of the border.

Driving

You won’t struggle to get around Hamilton by car and it’s the best way to get around in your own social bubble. If you like the sound of the Clyde Valley Route, it’s just 31 miles long and can easily be completed in a day – taking in hotspots like Gare Loch, Helensburgh and the Rosneath Peninsula, it includes panoramic views, rolling hills and Roman relics. Another popular trip is the quick run to Strathclyde Country Park for a day out at M&D’s Scotland’s Theme Park, where you can swap your car seat for a rollercoaster and all the fun of the fair!