Lilinthgows Main Visitor Attractions

Linlithgow’s Main Visitor Attractions

The Cross and Cross Well

The Cross, with its iconic well, is the town’s hub: the location of markets, public ceremonies and announcements. From here, the Kirkgate leads up, past the Burgh Halls, to St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow Palace, The Peel and Linlithgow Loch.

Palace, Peel and Loch (Historic Environment Scotland)

Built by the Stewart kings of Scotland and birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, the magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace are set in The Peel, a royal park overlooking Linlithgow Loch. Open every day (10am to 4pm in winter; 9-30am to 5-30pm in summer) Tel: 01506-842896.

St Michael’s Parish Church

One of Scotland’s finest medieval churches. Consecrated in 1242, much of the current building dates from the 15th century. Open daily from 10:30am to 1pm (winter) and 10-30am to 4pm (summer). Tel: 01506-842188.

Linlithgow Partnership Centre - Tam Dalyell House

The former County Buildings of West Lothian, opposite the Cross, have been refurbished and now house the Linlithgow Public Library, West Lothian Local History Library and, from 2019 onwards, the new Town Museum, relocated from Annet House.

Linlithgow Canal Centre

A short walk up from the High Street takes you to the canal basin. This inland port dates from 1822, when the Glasgow and Edinburgh Union Canal opened. The canal basin is home to the Linlithgow Union Canal Society which operates boat trips, Scotland’s only canal museum and a tearoom. The Canal Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 31 March to 30th September 2018 from 1pm to 4:30pm and every day from 2nd July to 24th August 2018 from 2pm to 4pm. Tel: 01506-671215.

Linlithgow Canal Centre - Canal museum, tearoom and boat trips 3

Linlithgow is steeped in history and has a vibrant High Street, along which the town developed. In medieval times the royal burgh was enclosed by a wall, with three entry gates or “ports” - the West Port, the Low Port to Blackness and the High Port to Edinburgh.