Linlithgow Palace
The jewel in Linlithgow’s crown, the Palace is not only the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, but James V, too. Visitors flock to this site of enormous importance to Scottish history and there’s nowhere more beautiful to relax on a sunny day than its grounds; the Peel.
Check opening times at: Linlithgow.co.uk/palace TEL: 01506 842896
Linlithgow Loch and Peel
Unwind in nature with a gentle walk around the Loch. Few town centres are blessed with idyllic nature at such close quarters. Meet the swans and ducks, have a seat at the Peel, take some photographs, and you’ll forget whatever ailed you.
St. Michael’s Parish Church
One of Scotland’s finest medieval churches and home of Linlithgow’s iconic spire. Consecrated in 1242, much of the current building dates from the 15th century.
Check opening times at: stmichaelsparish.org.uk TEL: 01506 842188
The Cross / Cross Well
The Cross, with its iconic well, is the town’s hub: the location of public ceremonies and festivals. Enjoy a coffee from one of the cafés, or just find a place on a bench, and contemplate the world going by.
Beecraigs Country Park and Cockleroy
Nestled in the Bathgate Hills, Beecraigs caters for many leisure activities within its vast grounds. There’s visitor information, guides and gifts, and it’s home to the award-winning (and carbon-neutral) Hideaway Café. Linlithgow.co.uk/BeecraigsCountryPark TEL: 01506 284516
Adjacent to Beecraigs Country Park is a prominent hill named Cockleroy. On a clear day, you can see the Perthshire mountains, the Isle of Arran, North Berwick Law, and the Ochil’s from its 278m summit. Well worth the short, steep walk from the Beecraigs Country Park car park on a nice day.
West Lothian Cycle Circuit
West Lothian Cycle Circuit opened in May 2023, beside Xcite Linlithgow in McGinley Way, EH49 6SQ. The 1km tarmac, traffi c free circuit, is available for club use as well as individual bookings.
For further information visit westlothiancyclecircuit.org, or for bookings call Xcite Linlithgow on TEL:01506 237960
Linlithgow Canal Centre
A short walk uphill, south of the High Street, brings you to the Canal Basin, where the Linlithgow Union Canal Society operates the Canal Centre from buildings built for the opening of the Canal in 1822. Here you will find a range of boat trips — some to the Falkirk Wheel — a self-drive canal boat, electric dinghies, crewed charters (for a special occasion, or just a relaxing cruise with your own group), as well as Scotland’s only Canal Museum & Tea Room. Check opening times at: lucs.org.uk TEL: 01506 671215.
Linlithgow’s Golf Courses
Linlithgow’s golf courses host a wide variety of events, many of which are open to the public. From Kingsfield Leisure’s ( kingsfieldgolfandleisure.co.uk TEL 01506 671607) fabulous Family Putting Green to Linlithgow Golf Club’s (linlithgowgolf.co.uk TEL 01506 842585) 5,851yd course,
West Lothian Golf Club (westlothiangc.com TEL 01506 825060), Linlithgow’s golf courses have something for everybody. All offer great value packages and a warm welcome.
Linlithgow Museum
A font of civic knowledge for residents and visitors alike, this museum really demonstrates Linlithgow’s history; not only through kings, queens and battles, but industry, innovation and folk history, too. It’s not just about the past, either. Did you know that Star Trek’s “Scotty” will be born in Linlithgow in 2222?
Across the High Street from the Cross Well, the museum is based in the Linlithgow Partnership Centre (also home to the library, police station and council offices). Check opening times at: Linlithgowmuseum.org TEL: 01506 670677
More Attractions in the area
We’d love you to spend your whole trip with us in Linlithgow, but there are some spectacular attractions in the wider area. For more information about West Lothian, just click over to visitwestlothian.co.uk
The Kelpies and Helix Park
In Falkirk, a few miles to the west of Linlithgow, where the Forth & Clyde Canal enters the River Carron, is the Helix Park and the Kelpies: the world’s largest equine sculptures. A café, children’s adventure zone, and guided tours make it a great family visit. Great for runners, walkers and cyclists alike. thehelix.co.uk TEL: 01324 590 600
The Forth Bridges
The Forth Bridge, a World Heritage Site, which carries the railway north of Edinburgh, is a must-visit. The view from the historic town of South Queensferry takes in the three major bridges spanning the Forth Estuary: the Forth Bridge (1890), the Forth Road Bridge (1964), and the Queensferry Crossing (2017). theforthbridges.org
Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Railway
Experience the power of steam, riding in a historic carriage, hauled by a lovingly restored steam locomotive. You can also visit the Museum of Scottish Railways, with over 200 locomotives, carriages and wagons, Santa trains, Thomas the tank engine days, afternoon tea trips, or enjoy a meal or a snack in the station coffee shop. Open on scheduled running days from April to October. bkrailway.co.uk TEL: 01506 822298
Hopetoun House
One of the most splendid examples of Georgian architecture in Britain. Five miles from Linlithgow, Hopetoun House is set in 150 acres of rolling parkland. Check opening times at hopetoun.co.uk TEL: 0131 331 2451
Blackness Castle
This castle fortress by the sea was built by one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons. Blackness was the seaport for Linlithgow in the days of the Stewart Kings. Check opening times at
historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/blackness-castle
House of the Binns
The House of the Binns is the family home of the Dalyells, who have lived there since 1612. It is a National Trust for Scotland property and well worth a visit. The grounds are open all year round (gates shut at 7:30pm). Check opening times at nts.org.uk/visit/places/house-of-binns TEL: 01506 830175
John Muir Way
Linlithgow is a great place to access the John Muir Way; a long-distance walking and cycling route across Scotland’s heartland, from Helensburgh to Dunbar, which was Muir’s birthplace. John Muir is recognised as the father of national parks in the United States. Born in Scotland, his family emigrated to the USA in 1849, when he was 11 years old.
johnmuirway.org
The Falkirk Wheel
The Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift and an iconic example of modern British engineering, links the Union Canal to the Forth and Clyde Canal. Boat rides, visitor centre, café and shops.
scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel TEL: 08700 500208
