Linlithgow

A historical town, Linlithgow perfectly blends old and new offering visitors an array of wonderful sights, events and shopping and dining.

History

Steeped in history, the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow houses the remains of Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of James V and Mary, Queen of Scots. Visitors today can enjoy a visit to the Palace, now a ruin, and a leisurely walk around its adjoining Loch.

Adjacent to the Palace, is St Michael’s Parish Church. Constructed in the 15^th century, it is the most complete example of a surviving late medieval church in Scotland.

A walk down the High Street reveals many historic buildings along with several old "wynds" and "closes". The Linlithgow Community Museum tells the Linlithgow Story tracing the town’s historical links and some of Scotland’s great Kings. Outside the town, other historical residences include the House of the Binns and Blackness Castle.  Stately Home, Hopetoun House, is also worth a visit and is situated only 10 miles away.

Paper making and whisky were once important local industries.  1822 marked the completion of the Union Canal, linking Edinburgh and Glasgow via the Forth and Clyde Canal.  This was a very successful transport route until 1842 when it was succeeded by the Glasgow and Edinburgh Railway. Today there are thriving local trades and larger corporations within and on the outskirts of the town.

Things to see and do in Linlithgow

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely day’s shopping visiting some of the town’s small, independent outlets where they can buy arts and crafts material, gifts, flowers, books and delicious cupcakes and special occasion cakes.

Eateries include mouthwatering delicatessens, cafes, bars and fine dining restaurants.

The fourth Saturday of the month marks the arrival of the Farmers Market who bring a selection of the finest, local, seasonal produce.  Situated in The Cross area of the High Street, this is well worth a visit.

The beautifully restored Linlithgow Burgh Halls is a popular choice for Art Exhibitions, not to mention a popular venue for hire for weddings and events. It also offers a self-help visitor information service.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities the Linlithgow Canal Centre (LUCS) is the perfect spot for a gentle cruise or leisurely walk. Linlithgow also boasts several golf courses and local fisheries for avid anglers. The Star & Garter Hotel incorporates a microbrewery where you can create your very own beer under the expert guidance of their expert master brewer! Beecraigs Country Park provides excellent woodland walks with a play park for younger children and sailing, canoeing  and white-water rafting can also be enjoyed for the more adventurous at Low Port outdoor centre.

Walkers can also enjoy the John Muir Way a two hour circular spy trail exploring some diverse areas of Linlithgow including a walk along the canal, through the town centre and finishing up at Linlithgow Palace.

Interactive Visitor Guide

You can now plan your journey before you arrive with the interactive Linlithgow Visitor Guide! Should you like a paper copy when you arrive, they are available at various venues throughout the town.

Events

A lively community, Linlithgow plays host to a variety of popular events throughout the year.

June sees the Linlithgiw marches, a civic procession of local dignitaries through the town centre. Scotch Hop is a fantastic, fun Scottish dancing event for all ages which takes place on several dates in July and August outdoors in the forecourt of Linlithgow Palace. The fantastic Party @ the palace takes place over a weekend in August and offers 2 days of music and fun for all the family.  Linlithgow's Classic car day takes place later summer and spectators can enjoy getting up close to some beautiful sporting motors. The Linlithgow folk festival which takes place in September is enjoyed by lovers of folk music. November marks the ever popular, magical children’s Advent fayre which leads us up to Christmas.

BIDs

Linlithgow has two BIDs (Business Improvement District) a Town Centre BID and a Mill Road Industrial Estate BID. BIDs are where businesses come together and agree to invest collectively in projects and services that the businesses believe will improve their trading environment.

Linlithgow Town Centre BID is a business-led initiative dedicated to improving the town centre for its traders. This BID is funded by the businesses themselves, supplemented by significant financial support from West Lothian Council, and is administered by a group of town-centre businesses, who comprise the BID Board.

The Linlithgow Mill Road Industrial Estate is home to great companies serving both local and international customers. The Business Improvement District (BID) has been established by the businesses based on the Estate to ensure that it becomes an even better place to do business from.