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 15th 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.
Canal Cruises to Avon Aqueduct, Linlithgow Boat Trips, Tearoom, Canal Museum, Charters and Self-Drive Canal Boat Hire. Open from Easter until the end of September
At Play Bugs we have done our very best to ensure there are plenty of activities for all
The museum, located in the centre of Linlithgow within the Partnership Centre, is open 6 days a week.
Following the latest Scottish Government announcement for mainland Scotland, the castle is now closed. Any visitors with pre-booked tickets from Thursday 24 December up until and inclusive of Sunday 31 January will be automatically refunded. Find out more about our COVID response on our website: historicenvironment.scot. Step into a largely intact medieval castle whose defences once guarded the Firth of Forth. An impressive venue used as infamous Fort William in Outlander.
Home of the Dalyell family since 1612, this house reveals their lives and interests through the centuries. The Estate is open all year but the House is open from 1st June- 30th September
Following the latest Scottish Government announcement for mainland Scotland, the palace is now closed. Any visitors with pre-booked tickets from Thursday 24 December up until and inclusive of Sunday 31 January will be automatically refunded. Find out more about our COVID response on our website: historicenvironment.scot. This royal pleasure palace was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots.
The magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace sit above Linlithgow Loch, amid an expanse of parkland known as the peel.
West Lothian Local History Library – all about the history and heritage of West Lothian – and family history too.
This trail takes in 20 attractions all over Scotland connected to Mary Queen of Scots, the most famous and intriguing member of the Scottish monarchs.
Take a trip back in time and walk the trail of the Battle of Linlithgow Bridge.
Beecraigs Red Deer herd, Highland Cattle fold & sheep breeds including the Hebridean can be seen from the Sutherland Way & viewing platform.
Wide range of activities within 370 hectares (913 acres), near historic Linlithgow. Open throughout the year, free entry.
A stunning building with a dedicated art gallery, offering a café with garden, visitor information, events, classes, elegant spaces for hire and much more.
The West Lothian Family History Society was founded to help those who are interested in researching family history and genealogy across West Lothian.
At Rouken Glen Garden Centre, we stock everything your home or garden needs.
Providers of outdoor education and residential experience to schools, organised groups and individuals
Adventure Activity Business: Archery, Abseiling, Climbing, Hill Walking, Team Building and more.
The Club was formed in 1994 and was built mainly by the kind voluntary work of some local Bridgend people on land which was formerly used for shale mining works. The Haughburn Course which we enjoy today officially opened in April 1999.
Kingsfield Golf Centre is the ideal destination if you want to play or learn golf - or improve your game.
The West Lothian Golf Club, founded in 1892, is often described as ‘the best golf course in the area’.
Linlithgow Golf Club is a realtively short but challenging 18-hole course which sits high above the traditional and picturesque town of Linlithgow
A refreshing walk along the shores of the Forth which gives fantastic views of the Forth Bridges. Distance: 4 miles/6.5kms
The Binns parkland was created to impress guests visually. Visitors today can expect and enjoy the same beautiful parkland and stunning views on this gentle walk. Distance: 2 mls/ 3kms
This walk takes in some of the best views in West Lothian including Linlithgow Palace. Distance: 8.5 mls / 13.5 kms
A fascinating walk with historic points of interest along the way. See where William Wallace hid from the army of Edward I in the 13th century. Distance: 9.5 mls / 15kms
The John Muir Way stretches all the way from Helensburgh in the West to Dunbar on the East Coast.
Blackness, the former port of Linlithgow, is a charming coastal village and the Castle attracts many tourists.
The ride follows pleasant lanes past Abercorn Church which is situated in charming wooded setting.
Bike & Go hire scheme has now launched in Linlithgow, West Lothian. This is a fantastic new way to explore and travel the area with this new bike hire scheme.
Bowden has 2 reservoirs which are separated by an earth dam. Both basins are spring fed, draining from the beautiful hills around Torphichen
Xcite Linlithgow Leisure Centre combines health & fitness, swimming, sports and fun for the little ones!
Uplifting retreat holidays for widows and widowers - Fire & Rain Soul Spas® are a more relevant alternative to other quality holiday offers such as health spa retreats, singles’ holidays and spiritual retreats.
Mary’s Meanders is an independent tour guide company specialising in providing fully customised private tours from Linlithgow.
Modern italian restaurant with a full a la carte menu, lunch and early evening menus. open 7 days a week.
Best Indian restaurant offering fresh, authentic Indian cuisine open for lunch and dinner, recently awarded by VisitScotland
This is a popular Pakistani/Indian restaurant in Linlithgow. A takeaway and delivery service is available. Established in 1984.
If you are looking for good quality, traditional restaurant with a wide range of British Food, then come to The Bridge Inn.
Where’s the beef? The answer is Champany Inn. While dedicated to beef, there's still a wide choice of alternative and supporting dishes, accompanied by a selection of world-class wines.
We are a family run business that takes pride in our service and cuisine. We are particularly proud of our home-baked cakes and desserts.
Here you will discover a wonderful array of delicious foods and wines in the beautiful setting of historic Linlithgow, near Edinburgh.
The Granary Cafe is a family owned, neighbourhood café in the heart of beautiful Linlithgow.
Platform 3 offers its customers a relaxed environment in which to enjoy a varied selection of draught and bottled beers, real ales, wines etc.
It is a rare find to discover a hostelry that retains a strong connection with its past and that has remained true to itself.
A lively bar with a wide range of drinks and food options in the centre of Linlithgow.
A Linlithgow Company famous for outstanding wedding and celebration cakes– renowned for the delicious quality of the cakes as well as their eye catching bespoke designs
Fish and chips are a real Scottish tradition, and the Golden Chip serves up fantastic ‘fish suppers’ - along with pizza, burgers sausage and black pudding suppers – to residents and visitors alike.
Whether you’re looking for pre-play sustenance or to satisfy your hunger after a game, the Tee Caddy offers a warm welcome and plenty of value for money.
Champany offers its visitors the choice of sixteen, sumptuous bedroom suites with all the warmth of typical Scottish hospitality.
You will immediately feel at home when you enter the Court Residence, West Lothian. Specially designed to meet the needs of corporate, leisure and tourists alike.
Why not enjoy a weekend break or overnight stay in the quaint Star & Garter hotel!
Aran House is an ideal Bed and Breakfast establishment to enjoy your stay while visiting central Scotland.
Delightful, 5 star, multiple award winning Bed and Breakfast set in a quiet rural retreat, close to the historic town of Linlithgow.
Bo’mains Farmhouse is a 4 star Bed and Breakfast with 4 en suite bedrooms, 1 private room and a family room
Located 2 miles from Linlithgow. The B&B is ideally placed to reach all the main attractions. Edinburgh Airport is only 10 miles away and there is easy access to Edinburgh by car and bus
A private 2-bedroom self-catering apartment situated on the outskirts of historic Linlithgow.
Lismore House offers guests spacious rooms and a comfortable, welcoming base in which to relax during their stay.
Enjoy spectacular views from every window and enjoy the tranquillity whilst being only 30 minutes from Edinburgh
Strawberry Bank House enjoys a prime location within the historic town of Linlithgow and offers Bed and Breakfast accommodation to all business and non-business customers.
Garden Cottage is a self-catering upside down cottage, carefully renovated from a small 400 year old stone built stable and located just off Linlithgow High Street
3 family-friendly, luxury 4 star cottages (each sleeps 6) in beautiful countryside near Linlithgow
High-quality new build holiday cottages available for short and medium term lets.
Self-catering holiday cottage accommodation, near Edinburgh, just outside historic Linlithgow.
3 Burnside Cottages is a charming, terraced, ground floor cottage three miles from Linlithgow.
Open all year, modern toilet facilities, ideal countryside retreat, perfect base from which to explore Central Scotland, Trossachs, Glasgow & Edinburgh. Caters for touring caravans, motorhomes, trailer tents and tents. Two Little Lodges glamping units also available to hire.
Visit West Lothian, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian. EH54 6FF UK Registration No. SC346843
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