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The largest town in West Lothian, Livingston is a modern, thriving centre with many attractions for visitors and residents making it the perfect place to visit for a day out in the central belt of Scotland.
History
Once a farming region, Livingston started to grow along with the discovery of shale oil in 1852 in the surrounding area. As the world’s first oil boom arrived on its doorstep, the original village of Livingston was home to many of the areas local miners.
A pretty village, Livingston Village as it is now known is well worth a visit to take a stroll down the old Main Street and view the original miners cottages, small shops and enjoy a glass of something cool or bite to eat in the Livingston Inn. Built in 1760 one famous resident, Robert Burns, drew his inspiration for his song “The Bonnie Lass of Livingston”.
Scotland’s New Towns Act was passed in 1946 to ease the overcrowding and Livingston was one of five new towns created.
With excellent road links and rail links offering four trains an hour between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Livingston has grown from strength to strength attracting new businesses, housing, schools and excellent retail and recreational facilities.
What to see and do in Livingston.
Visitors flock from far and wide to take advantage of the luxury brand labels available at discounted prices in the Livingston designer outlet. The Designer Outlet also boasts a large cinema complex, cafes, restaurants and bars along with indoor Adventure Golf – a huge hit with the kids. Across the road is another major shopping centre - The Centre - featuring UK High Street brands along with a great selection of eateries.
For those with young children, pay a visit to Almond Valley Heritage Centre and find out more about Livingston’s farming history. They can take a tractor ride, talk to the animals and in Spring can count the baby chickens or bottle feed a lamb. Mums can relax with a coffee whilst children play in the soft play area.
The new Eliburns Park, has a great selection of outdoor activities for children with hidden tunnels, climbing frames, a flying fox and adventurous swings. Adjoined by several football pitches Sunday morning sees local and visiting teams compete for the goalposts. Not forgetting, our home team at Livingston Football Club. Surrounded by fields and woods, this is a great area to enjoy a country walk. Take a moment to watch the fisherman casting off for carp, trench, orfe, rudd, roach and perch at Eliburn Reservoir.
Older children can display their skills at Livingston Skatepark – one of the UK’s top skateboarding locations – or pay a visit to indoor motor racing at Racing Karts. “Big Kids” can enjoy an adventure filled afternoon at Delta Force Paintball.
Other sporting venues include Xcite Livingston with a gym, soft play and fun swimming pool featuring slides, fountains and rapids. Young children can enjoy Beach Party evenings on the last Friday of the month.
The refurbished Howden Park Centre, is a super venue for the local Arts and Crafts and Performing Arts enthusiasts. Check out their timetable of events, performances and activities. Visitors can also enjoy a coffee or light bite in their inviting restaurant.
Livingston is fortunate to be surrounded by a wealth of excellent golf courses and visitors to Livingston can enjoy a round of golf at the beautiful Deer Park Golf and Country Club. Complete with health club, guests can also enjoy a drink or meal in their restaurant and also enjoy a fun game of 10 pin bowling.
What's On
Ian Waite and Vincent Simone - The Ballroom Boys
Strictly Come Dancing favourites Ian Waite and Vincent Simone are joining forces in 2019 with their brand new production The Ballroom Boys.
Made in Dagenham
Made in Dagenham is based on the true story of the 1968 sewing machinist strike at the Ford factory.
Celebrating West Lothian being recognised as an ‘Area for a Beautiful Future’.
TV presenter Helen Skelton will be at West Lothian Civic Centre park to celebrate West Lothian being recognised as an ‘Area for a Beautiful Future’ in an index celebrating the steps that communities are taking towards a cleaner, greener, smarter future.
Den Building Adventures
A special long weekend of family fun when we can all wish each other a Brilliant Beltane. Turning our backs on the cheesiness and chocolates of an increasingly commercial Easter, we’re celebrating happier, simpler days when life was closer to nature, and ancient traditions marked the passage of the seasons.
Summer of Love
Taking you back on a nostalgic musical journey to that incredible summer of 1967 - an eclectic explosion of flowers, psychedelia, freedom, peace and love and, of course, timeless music that inspired a generation
Cicero
Livingston boy, Cicero is coming back to his roots to perform songs from his award-winning 1992 album Future Boy.
Dogs Trust West Calder Fun Day
Join us on 25th August 2019 from 12pm to 3pm at West Lothian College in Livingston for our annual Fun Day!
Play in a Week - Livingston
Drama fun for 8-12 year olds during the summer holidays.
Livingston Soapbox Race
Livingston's first ever Soap Box Race takes place on Sunday 18th August 2019. Expect to see an exciting range of home made soapboxes navigating obstacles and ramps with all the usual thrills and spills of a Soap Box Race.
Things to Do
Almond Valley Heritage Centre
A wonderful day of adventure and play featuring friendly farmyard animals.
Deer Park Ten Pin Bowling
Welcome to tenpin bowling at Deer Park. Check out all the available offers, prices and packages that are available.
Paradise Island Adventure Golf
Set amidst tiki huts, palm trees & exotic plants, Paradise Island creates a fun atmosphere for everyone, but there’s only one thing to remember; its not the taking part that counts..it’s the winning!
Linhouse Glen
Situated to the south of Livingston and to the north of the Linhouse Water, Linhouse Glen is a mixture of habitats including heathland, native woodland and species-rich grassland
Howden Park Centre
West Lothian's most exciting venue for arts performances, music, theatre, comedy, dance, exhibitions, classes and food.
A Public Art Walk
Enjoy this free self-guided walking tour of public artworks in the heart of Livingston all year round! Perfect for a short little break when you have a bit of time on your hands
Museum of the Scottish Shale Oil Industry
Almond Valley holds the Scottish Shale Oil Industry collection, recognised as a museum collection of national importance, comprising the surviving official records of the shale oil companies.
Klondyke Garden Centre
We are a traditional garden centre offering a wide variety of quality gardening products and stunning plants.
Delta Force Paintball
Delta Force Paintball Centre is based in the Bathgate Hills and offers visitors an adrenaline fuelled experience!
Livingston Skate Park
A great public place where you can hang out with friends and take part in a number of sports for free!
Deer Park Golf & Country Club
Regarded as one of the finest and most challenging golf courses in central Scotland, the 18hole course boasts spacious tree lined fairways and views over Fife and West Lothian.
Pumpherston Golf Club
Pumpherston is a 6000 yard, par 70 course with greens constructed to USPGA standard. The course offers a true test for golfers of all abilities
Breich Water
A nice, gentle walk which begins at one of our most popular family attractions. Distance: 4mls / 6.5kms
Livingston 7 Mile Cycle Ride
This circular ride explores some of the nicest parts of Livingston, the parts you never see from a car!
Selmmuir Fishery
The fishery is located in the peaceful surroundings of Selmmuir Forest. Located just south of Livingston, the fishery is easily reached from anywhere on the central belt.
Xcite Craigswood
Xcite Craigswood caters for the casual sports player as much as for the serious athlete.
Xcite Livingston
Xcite Livingston has a fantastic leisure pool with flumes and teaching pool – great for the kids!
Livingston Football Club
The Livingston Football Club hosts regular games for all the Lions supporters, but it has so much more to offer; there are fantastic weekly coaching sessions for kids as well as sessions for adults.
Livingston Designer Outlet
Livingston Designer Outlet, is home to over 70 stores - offering savings of up to 60% on premium and designer brands including Fossil, Fred Perry, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger.
Food & Drink
Chiquito
Already discovered Mexico? Think again! There’s always something new to try at Chiquito, and more to Mexican that just hot, hot, hot.
Deer Park Beefeater Grill
The Beefeater brand launched in 1974 offering tasty food and great value. Located right beside the Premier Inn and just off the M8, this makes the restaurant easily accessible.
Frankie and Benny's
The instantly recognisable red neon sign and warm inviting interior will ease you into the Frankie & Benny’s experience before you can take your coat off!
La Campana
La Campana (which means The Bell) offers an exciting blend of traditional and modern Italian cuisine with Scottish influences, as well as fine wines>
Oscar's Bar and Grill
With an emphasis on fine food and wines, a tempting menu of popular dishes is available all day, every day, with an extensive wine list and choice of premium brand beers and spirits
Pizza Express
Pizza Express can be found inside the Livingston Designer Outlet. This makes it an ideal stop off midshop or a nice reward at the end of an afternoon’s shopping
Pizza Hut
In 1958, Frank and Dan Carney had an idea for a great local pizza restaurant in Wichita Kansas
The Lime Kiln
Our friendly service, delicious food, good value and warm welcome will make any occasion special.
Tony Macaroni
Tony Macaroni Livingston is the latest addition to the Tony Macaroni family, and serves authentic Italian cuisine created using only the finest ingredients
Wagamama
Wagamama is a japanese-inspired restaurant where you can enjoy tasty, large portions of food in an informal setting.
Cafe Alba
Situated in Alba Business Centre, our beautiful Café is the perfect place to catch up with a friend for breakfast or lunch.
Livingston Inn
Built in 1760, Livingston Inn stands in its own grounds and is set within a Scottish conservation village in Livingston, West Lothian.
The Larder Cook School
This bespoke cook school opened in October 2014 and now deliver a range of cookery activities for adults, children and corporate customers.
Getting Gooey
Enjoy a chocolate filled day out with family and friends at Gooey Events Limited, Livingston.
Monarch @ Deer Park
Set within the prestigious Deer Park clubhouse the cuisine here is simple and elegant.
Accommodation
Bankton House Hotel
Our picturesque charm is not easy to define. Set within its own grounds, linked directly to foot paths and cycle routes of Murieston waters, the country settings can be easily enjoyed by its guests.
Livingston Inn
Built in 1760, Livingston Inn stands in its own grounds and is set within a Scottish conservation village in Livingston, West Lothian.
Mercure Hotel
3 Star Hotel in Livingston town centre with 120 Bedrooms, meeting and event rooms and leisure centre.
Premier Inn Livingston
The Premier Inn, Livingston is a comfortable stopover which offers excellent value in a convenient location.
Ashcroft Farmhouse
Superior accommodation; all ground floor rooms. Fantastic breakfasts using free range products
Bankhead Farm
Bankhead Farm has converted a farm courtyard into beautiful modern visitor accommodation.
Whitecroft Bed and Breakfast
Rooms all on ground floor, small and friendly using local and award winning produce from Ramsay of Caluke.
Home from Home B&B
Home from Home Bed and Breakfast in Livingston is ideally located for tourists and business travellers' alike.
Visit West Lothian, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian. EH54 6FF UK Registration No. SC346843
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