WEST LOTHIAN
VISITOR GUIDE 2020/2021 EXPLORE THINGS TO DO FOOD & DRINK
Competition
#MyWestLothian
Photography
Competition For the second year, Visit West Lothian have opened used the excellent photographers of West Lothian to help decide an image for our front cover. The brief was to “show West Lothian in its best light”. Whilst picking one image is always a challenge, the judges selected John’s image of Linlithgow Loch and Palace. The image shows one of West Lothian’s most recognisable landmarks – Linlithgow Palace with a warming picture taken early in February. Linlithgow Palace has a wide history, A favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens from James I (1406-37) onward and the Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots (1542). The majestic ruins of the Palace also stand in for the prison entrance and corridors in the Outlander scene where Jamie was imprisoned. Speaking about his entry, John said “I would like to thank the whole team anyone and everyone involved, not only for their time, but their continued kindness, encouragement, support and generosity in making the competition possible. The image I entered was produced within breaks between the tears having lost my brother and his 2
good friend a few days earlier in a tragic road traffic accident and was captured on my first day out for three days after the tragic event. To grace a cover with one of my images is such an honour and again put more tears in my eyes (this time of joy), but the thing that counts the most with me is the friendships, the love, and the sheer joy I have been shown by sharing and creating imagery over the decades and I never take that for granted ever and never will.” The runner-up entry this year was from Michał Chowaniak of Livingston who submitted a fantastic image from the Scottish Owl Centre, located in Polkemmet Country Park just outside of Whitburn. Visit West Lothian would like to offer a special thanks to The Centre in Livingston for kindly sponsoring the competition and offering a prize to both the winner and the runner up.
www.visitwestlothian.co.uk
Contents
Welcome Welcome . . . West Lothian is a fantastic mix of things to see and do all year round, whether you are visiting with your family, friends or that special someone. Come and enjoy the best of West Lothian and discover our rich heritage, explore our beautiful country parks with their tranquil walks, or even take a trip to one of our shopping centres. You won’t want to miss out on the extensive range of events and activities taking place across West Lothian. One you’re here, we can guarantee you won’t want to leave!
CONTENTS Top Attractions
5&8
Map
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Arts 9 Family Fun
10-16
Shopping 17 Film on Forth
18 - 19
Tours 20 Golf Clubs 21 Accomodation 22 West Lothian
23 - 24
Towns and Vilages Getting to West Lothian 25
Design Mopat Marketing & Design Photography all images supplied by Visit West Lothian except: cover Michał Chowaniak, p3: Visit Scotland, p21: Visit Scotland (Credit: Kenny Lam, Visit Scotland) Guide Published by Visit West Lothian (company number SC346843) While every care has been taken in the accuracy of producing this guide the publisher is not liable for any errors or omissions which may occur. All information is subject to change and is correct at the time of going to print, March 2019. Registered Address: Visit West Lothian, West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston EH54 6FF.
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Queens, battles, assassinations: you’ll find them all at Linlithgow Museum.
Learn more about the town’s fascinating history, our royal links, the trades of the town and the ordinary people who lived their lives here. Our fully accessible museum offers fun interactive displays, must-see objects including our restored trades banners, and our magnificent Mary Queen of Scots statue. Linlithgow Museum, First Floor, Linlithgow Partnership Centre, 93 High St, Linlithgow, EH49 7EZ 01506 670 677 enquiries@linlithgowmuseum.org www.linlithgowmuseum.org
Top Attractions Scottish Owl Centre Discover over 100 owls from around the world, enjoy daily all-weather flying displays and even hold an owl for a photo. The Scottish Owl Centre is home to an interactive education area, gift shop and giant owl chute. Based in Polkemmet Country Park, you can come and go all day.
facebook/OwlCentre @ScotOwl @scottish_owl_centre Whitburn
Five Sisters Zoo Come and meet a wonderful variety of animals from lions and lynx, bats and bears to cockatoos and crocodiles! Enjoy an outdoor play and picnic area, fantastic animalthemed indoor soft play and large café, gift shop and free parking. With daily keeper talks, feeding and handling sessions, you’re guaranteed a fun and educational day out!
facebook/fivesisterszoo @fivesisterszoo West Calder
Military Museum Scotland Offering a fascinating insight into Scotland’s military past, the award-winning Military Museum Scotland is open 6 days a week. The museum has indoor and outdoor displays, a cafe and a gift shop, and it is wheelchair accessible. We cover Scottish Military History from WWI to the present day. Our education programme is unique to Military Museum Scotland.
facebook/Military-Museum-Scotland
Military Museum Legion Hall, Wilkieston, EH27 8DU E. milmussco@aol.co.uk T. 07799 565243
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Map
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Linlithgow Museum Torphichen Preceptory House of the Binns Hopetoun House Korean War Memorial Bennie Museum Livingston Designer Outlet Paradise Island Adventure Golf The Centre Aerial Adventure Military Museum Scotland eeek! Escape Rooms Bridge 19:40 Canal Society Linlithgow Canal Centre Potter Around Play Bugs Bathgate Cinema Niddry Castle Golf Club Kingsfield Golf Club Uphall Golf ClubP Williamscraig Holiday Cottages Hilly Cow Wigwams
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Almond Valley Heritage Centre Enjoy a wonderful day of adventure and play among the meadows and play-spaces of Almond Valley. You can encounter friendly farmyard animals, explore the old mill, discover bouncers and woodland go-karts. There are tractor rides, train trips and a programme of seasonal activities. Indoors there’s a soft play, an interactive museum and a tearoom.
facebook/AlmondValleyHeritage
@AlmondValleyHC @almondvalleyhc Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR
Linlithgow Museum The new Linlithgow Museum is in the heart of Linlithgow. Learn more about the town’s fascinating history, its royal links, the trades of the town and the ordinary people who lived their lives here. The new museum will include fun interactive displays, must-see objects including newly conserved trades banners, and a fully restored Mary, Queen of Scots statue.
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01506 670 677 facebook/LinlithgowMuseum
@linlithgowh Parternship Centre, High St, Linlithgow, EH49 7EJ
Art in the Garden – original Scottish works of art installed in our gardens July & August
coffee, light lunches & homemade baking all day!
The Scottish Home of Miniature Gardening New Hopetoun Gardens, by Winchburgh, West Lothian EH52 6QZ www.newhopetoungardens.co.uk
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The Orangery Tearoom for morning
tw hi fo o s r2 Te pe vou ar op ch ga oo le er rd D (va m in fo ec lid an O r t en 31 un y d ran ea lo st til ay ge /co ve 20 ry ffe 20 e rs )
20 small, inspirational, themed gardens to explore and be entertained
www.visitwestlothian.co.uk
Arts Jupiter Artland Jupiter Artland is a magical contemporary sculpture park located on the border of Edinburgh and West Lothian. Set over 100 acres of meadow, woodland and landscaped gardens, Jupiter Artland is an iconic landscape featuring site specific commissions from international artists including Antony Gormley, Charles Jencks, Anish Kapoor and Cornelia Parker, as well
as a seasonal programme of exhibitions and events. Free parking and a stunning café on site.
facebook/JupiterArtland @ jupiterartland @ jupiterartland Bonnington House Steadings, Wilkieston, EH27 8BY
Howden Park Centre Enjoy a busy programme of music, theatre, comedy, dance and family events at Livingston’s four-star arts exhibition venue. Take in a free exhibition and relax with lunch or a coffee from the café bar.
W. www.howdenparkcentre.co.uk facebook/howdenparkcentre Howden, Livingston, EH54 6AE
Burgh Halls A unique landmark building featuring a dedicated art gallery showcasing the work of contemporary artists. The local history display, events, artist talks, café and garden make this the perfect place to visit before or after a visit to Linlithgow Palace.
W. www.linlithgowburghhalls.com facebook/linlithgowburghhalls Linlithgow, EH49 7AH
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Family Fun Beecraigs Country Park
Beecraigs Country Park
Set in the scenic Bathgate Hills this country park offers a great day out with a visitor centre and Hideaway CafĂŠ, walks and trails, mountainbike routes and skills area, animal attraction, play area, hireable BBQs, caravan and camping site (with glamping pods too).
T. 01506 284 516 W. www.westlothian.gov.uk/ beecraigs
Linlithgow, EH49 6PL Polkemmet Country Park T. 01501 743 905 W. www.westlothian.gov.uk/ polkemmet
Polkemmet Country Park This country park has close links with its local community and proximity to the M8 makes it accessible to so many. West Lothian Leisure run the visitor centre, golf course and driving range. The park provides scenic walks and trails, hireable BBQ units and play area.
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Whitburn, EH47 0AD Almondell & Calderwood Country Park T. 01506 882 254 W. www.westlothian.gov.uk/ almondell-and-calderwood Broxburn & East Calder EH52 5PE
Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
Scottish Outdoor Access Code
Picturesque country park steeped in history, sitting alongside the River Almond with a Visitor Centre, small play area, hireable BBQ, a network of paths and trails to explore, with good path links to neighbouring villages. Calderwood Site of Special Scientific Interest is a natural woodland, located on a plateau bounded by Linhouse & Murieston Waters, home to a wealth of wildlife. Rated as a four-star visitor attraction.
When heading outdoors, remember to follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code to help protect West Lothian’s county parks. Please ensure you take your litter home with you and leave the parks in the same condition you found them
www.visitwestlothian.co.uk
Attractions
Linlithgow Palace Inside one of the most spectacular ruins in Scotland you will walk in the footsteps of royalty. This royal pleasure palace was the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots. Visit the great hall where monarchs hosted banquets, tour James IV’s suite of chambers or say a prayer in the private oratory of James V. The palace has been a filming location for Outlander and Outlaw King.
Blackness Castle Step inside a largely intact medieval castle whose doughty defences once guarded the Firth of Forth. Known as ‘The Ship that Never Sailed’ for its boat-like shape, Blackness Castle was built in the 1400s for Sir George Crichton, Admiral of Scotland. The castle’s striking appearance made it an ideal location for appearing in Outlander, Outlaw King and Mary Queen of Scots.
Cairnpapple Hill Stand on a once-sacred hilltop where people first held rituals and raised monuments some 5,500 years ago. You can visit a Neolithic henge, see the site of a great timber circle and descend into a Bronze Age cist grave.
Linlithgow Palace T. 01506 842 896 Blackness Castle T. 01506 834 807 Cairnpapple Hill T. 01506 634 622 Torphichen Preceptory T. 01506 653 733
Historic Environment Scotland host a range of outdoor events throughout the year. For more details on these, please visit the Visit West Lothian website for up-todate information
Find out more: historicenvironment.scot/events www.historicenvironment.scot/ visit-a-place
Torphichen Preceptory Explore the high tower and other remains of the base of the powerful Knights Hospitallers and a seat of government for William Wallace in 1298, sitting within a ring of ancient sanctuary stones. The Preceptory is located in the pretty village of Torphichen.
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facebook/HistoricScotland @welovehistory @historicscotland
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Attractions
House of the Binns The House of the Binns stands as a living tribute to one of Scotland’s oldest families, the Dalyells, who have lived there for over 400 years. This pretty 17th century house features family portraits and a unique collection of porcelain, paintings and furniture.
T. 0844 493 2127 Binns View, Linlithgow, EH49 7NA
Bennie Museum The Bennie Museum showcases the captivating history of Bathgate’s town and its residents. You can learn how Bathgate played host to the world’s first oil refinery.
T. 01506 634 944 Open all year facebook/Benniemuseum 9-11 Mansefield St, Bathgate, EH48 4HU
Hopetoun House Scotland’s finest stately home set in acres of beautiful parkland overlooking the River Forth and UNESCO Forth Rail Bridge. With spectacular views and elegant design, the fabulous five-star visitor attraction is a unique gem of Scotland’s architectural heritage and will be familiar to many Outlander fans!
W. www.hopetoun.co.uk facebook/HopetounHouse @HopetounHouse @hopetoun-house South Queensferry, EH30 9RW
Korean War Memorial
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Located at Beecraigs Country Park, this is the only UK tribute to the memory of the veterans who lost their lives fighting in the Korean War. This memorial is built in the traditional style of a Korean shrine and contains the names of all 1,114 men who fell. The shrine is surrounded by two mounds in the shape of yin and yang and provides a peaceful setting for guests to remember the fallen.
W. www.westlothian.gov.uk Hill Cres, Bathgate, EH48 4JW
www.visitwestlothian.co.uk
Family Attractions Fun
Aerial Adventures Bringing the excitement of extreme adventure to The Centre, Aerial Adventures introduces a range of unique adventure activities ensuring a thrilling experience for kids and adults. With three rides, HiRide® and HiFall and HiClimb you’re bound to have a fun day out. For the younger ones, there’s a soft play as well.
T. 01506 443 692 E.
info.livingston@aerialadventures.co.uk
facebook/AerialAdventuresUK
Livingston
eeek! Escape Rooms eeek! Escape Rooms is Linlithgow’s landmark exit-game provider and one of Scotland’s leading heritage escape rooms. Set down your modern tools and discover the past by visiting their unique rooms located within a vibrant historical town. Their first room challenges you to “change the course of history” and save Mary Queen of Scots. Do you think you can manage it? Tickets start at just £15 per person.
T. 0730 562 7750
Kids Gone Wild
Visit the website for more information and bookings:
Kids Gone Wild offer outdoor learning and play sessions to schools, groups and families across West Lothian. Join in activities such as den building, bushcraft, outdoor cooking, bug hunts, mini highland games and the Woodland Play Gym. Don’t miss their school holiday camps over the Easter, Summer and the October break!
Paradise Island Adventure Golf
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Set amidst a tropical paradise, this is golf as you’ve never seen it before; surrounded by tiki huts, palm trees and exotic plants. With interactive courses and colourful decorations, this is a fun environment for all ages to enjoy. Come along and challenge yourself, your family or friends. Located inside the Livingston Designer Outlet.
W. www.eeekescaperooms.com facebook/eeekescape @eeekescape 18 High St, Linlithgow, EH49 7AE
T. 07399199666 W. www.kidsgonewild.co.uk facebook/Kidsgonewilduk @kidsgonewilduk
T. 01506 415 546 E. livingston@paradiseislandgolf.com W. www.paradiseislandgolf.com facebook/piagliv @PiagLivingston @piadventuregolf Livingston www.visitwestlothian.co.uk
Bridge 19:40 Canal Society Enjoy a boat trip along the Union Canal from Broxburn on our narrowboat Bluebell. Seeing the canal from the water is a very different experience to walking along the towpath. You’ll experience the tranquility of watching the world go by as we pass through pretty - and historic - countryside. Being on a boat on a canal is very therapeutic.
Aqueduct and Charters for private parties (up to 12 people) as well as special seasonal boat trips such as our Santa and Easter Bunny trips.
Follow our facebook page for news of our seasonal trips and activities T. 0779 557 3927 W. www.bridge19-40.co.uk facebook/bridge1940canalsociety @bridge1940unioncanalsociety
Potter Around Potter Around is a pottery painting studio with a difference. Set on a working farm in picturesque Kirknewton, you can paint, make jewellery, spin the potter’s wheel, knit and more. Along with a fantastic range of activities, Potter Around can also provide you with the best tools, materials and most importantly, knowledgeable, friendly staff.
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01506 238 961 facebook/PotterAround @Potter_around
Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8DD
Linlithgow Canal Centre The Canal Centre offers a unique opportunity to take a boat along the Union Canal. Enjoy a boat trip along our peaceful waters or pop into our cosy tearoom and free museum. Avon Aqueduct cruises run on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, departing at 2pm sharp and returning by 4.30pm. Tea, coffee and biscuits included. Booking is not necessary. The Canal Tearoom is a great place to relax and enjoy fresh baking and tea or coffee. It is open from 1.30pm-5pm. Town trips and the Tearoom also operate every day during July and the first two weeks of August.
facebook/lucs99 @LUCS_Canal Manse Rd, Linlithgow, EH49 6AJ
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Xcite Leisure Centres Xcite gives you and your family a choice of leisure activities to enjoy, from gyms and fitness classes to swimming, sports and activities for kids, including school holiday programmes. Xcite is operated by West Lothian Leisure, with facilities open to everyone to come along on a pay-per-use basis or via membership.
Ten venues across West Lothian. Find your nearest by visiting their website. W. www.westlothianleisure.com facebook/Xcitewestlothianleisure
Edinburgh Monarchs Experience the fastest Friday evening around as your local motorcycle speedway team - the Monarchs - battle against teams from across the UK in this spectacular spectator sport. Seven riders on each team go handlebarto-handlebar over 15 thrilling heats on a tight dirt oval. The team with the most points at the end wins and the bikes have no brakes!
See website for more details and full fixture list.
T. 01506 734 404 W. www.edinburghmonarchs.co.uk facebook/edinburghmonarchs @edinmonarchs @edinmonarchs
PlayBugs Softplay A fun-filled indoor soft play, party and activity centre catering for babies through to older children. Plenty of fun and playtime for children of all ages. So, come along and let your little ones run free – there’s plenty for everyone!
T. 01506 670 113 W. www.playbugs.co.uk facebook/playbugs.softplay Armadale Stadium Bathgate Road, Armadale EH48 2PD
Bathgate Cinema
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If you have a keen movie interest or simply just want something to do at the weekend, then Bathgate Cinema’s large variety of films allow for a great day out, whatever the age. With showings at various times each day, and attractive ticket prices, Bathgate Cinema would be the perfect solution to anyone looking to see the best and most recent movies at affordable prices.
T. 0751 999 5827 W. www.bathgatecinema.co.uk facebook/bathgatecinema Ticket Prices: all tickets £4.99 All day, every day! No extra charges for VIP seating St Davids, George St, Bathgate, EH48 1PH
Shopping The Centre Situated in the heart of Livingston, Scotland’s largest retail town, The Centre offers a friendly, relaxed environment in which to shop, eat and meet. With over 155 shops and restaurants, there is a huge choice of brands to choose from. The Centre hold a variety of family fun events throughout the year.
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01506 432 9621 facebook/shopthecentre
@shopthecentre @thecentrelivingston Livingston
Designer Outlet Enjoy this unique indoor shopping experience at Scotland’s largest designer outlet, with over 80 iconic brands offering discounts of up to 60% and a number of quality restaurants and café. Whether you’re shopping, catching a movie or playing a quick round of adventure golf, it’s the ideal place to explore with family or friends
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01506 423 600 facebook/LivingstonDesignerOutlet
@LivOutlet @livingstondesigneroutlet Livingston
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Blackness Castle Shaped like a ship and situated on a promontory which juts out into the Firth of Forth, this 15th century castle is known as 'the ship that never sailed', due to its shape.
headquarters of the infamous Black Jack Randall. It features in Season 1 and in Season 2 https://www.historicenvironmen t.scot/visit-a-place/places/blac kness-castle
You can only visit the exterior of the building. Inside is derelict and dangerous. All internal Lallybroch scenes are shot in the Outlander Studios in Cumbernauld.
Midhope Castle
Built by one of Scotland’s most powerful families, the Crichtons, Blackness was never destined as a peaceful lordly residence; its enduring roles were those of garrison fortress and state prison. It has spectacular views across to the Fife coast and Forth bridges and sits on the John Muir Way, with scenic walks towards Bo’ness in the West and through The Hopetoun Estate on the East. Check out their website for their events programme and opening times.
Nestled in a quiet corner of The Hopetoun Estate, Midhope Castle is a derelict 16th-century tower house, once home to The Livingston family and Drummond families. A stone inscribed "AD 1582 MB" commemorates Alexander Drummond and his wife Marjory Bruce. Now the property on the Earl of Hopetoun, the building has been out of use for quite some time, and had very little interest, until Outlander came along.
While you are visiting Midhope, take some time to check out the magnificent Doocot (dove/pigeon house) which was also used in Season 3 of Outlander. And in the woods near the parking area, is where they filmed Jamie living in his cave.
As featured in …
Midhope is at the top of every Outlander Fan’s must see list. It was chosen as the setting for Lallybroch, the Fraser family home and where Jamie’s sister Jenny and her family now live. Everyone wants that iconic photograph sitting on the steps of Lallybroch waiting for Jamie to walk through the archway.
Blackness Castle is becoming something of a film star, in its own right, featuring most recently in the feature film Mary Queen of Scots, and in the Netflix film about Robert the Bruce, Outlaw King. It is also one of the iconic locations from the Outlander TV series, where
While every effort is made to have Midhope available to the public, especially throughout the busy tourist season, do please check the Hopetoun House website before visiting, as sometimes there are closures, for events, pheasant shooting(in the winter) and of course ongoing Outlander filming. https://hopetoun.co.uk/estate/ outlander-at-hopetoun
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Hopetoun House Hopetoun House, arguably Scotland’s premier Stately Home, and home to the same family, since it was first built in 1699, needs ample time to be savoured. The Earl of Hopetoun and his family still live in the house and it has a warm family feel throughout. You will enjoy the stunning vista of the Adam building exterior, as you approach and can walk throughout the extensive grounds. Once inside you will appreciate the contrast between the original Bruce house and the grand Adam additions. The grounds and house have been used extensively in Outlander. It is the home of the Duke of Sandringham in Season1, and in Season 2 it stood in for several French locations. In Season 3 the back alleyway and several areas in the grounds were used for the stables at Helwater, where Jamie has been indentured following his release from Ardsmuir Prison. The magnificent front vista of Hopetoun House also appears as the outside of the home of the Earl of Ellesmere.
The House and grounds have been used for filming in a number of period pieces – Mr Jones, Belgravia etc.
Linlithgow town and Palace
Birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, the historic Royal Burgh of Linlithgow is well worth spending a morning. The magnificent ruins of Linlithgow Palace sit in beautiful parkland, by Linlithgow Loch, right in the centre of the town. Wander through The Palace and hear the tales of the Stuart Kings and Queens through the ages (new for 2020- audio guide). The Palace and surroundings feature in the Outlaw King, as Perth Castle and the setting for the crowning of Robert the Bruce. Outlander fans will also recognise the entrance to The Palace as the entrance to Wentworth Prison, and some filming took place in the corridors inside too. Sitting next to The Palace is the beautiful St Michael’s Parish church, built at the same time as the Palace, one of the largest
Parish churches in Scotland, and still a very active Parish church today. St Michael’s also had all its pews stripped out for the setting for Robert The Bruce’s wedding and his father’s funeral.
Leaving The Palace, walk down the hill to the traditional market cross. The period legal drama Garrow’s Law was filmed here. Take time for a wander along the traditional High Street, with its independent shops and heritage sites and pop into the local museum. Also Featured in …. Behind the High Street you will find The Canal Basin of the Union Canal, which featured on Great Canal Journeys.
For more information about the excellent range of filming locations in West Lothian, check out www.filmonforth.co.uk facebook.com/filmonforth
@filmonforth
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Tours Mary’s Meanders Join Emma and Anne, award-winning tour guides offering a variety of different tours across West Lothian and further afield. Why not immerse yourself in Scotland’s history through the wonders of the silver screen with Scotland’s History on Film tour, or retrace the steps of one of West Lothian’s most well-known royal with a Mary, Queen of Scots tour?
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0781 868 7066 facebook/MarysMeanders @marysmeanders
Tours start from Linlithgow, with virtual tours available online
Wild at Art Small group art holidays, short breaks and tailor-made art experiences. Connect with our beautiful locations in an authentic way - through doing art. Being creative allows us to really understand a place and connect with its culture and the people Relax, create and enjoy... and let us do the rest! Book your space on one of our small group art holidays or let us design an exclusive art tour for you and your companion(s).
We offer: Painting / drawing / weaving / pottery / ceramics/ creative writing / singing / photography / jewellery / silversmithing / stonecarving / printmaking.
Hipsters and Hobos
T. 07572082759 W. www.hipstersandhobos.com
Guided foraging walks, wild food courses and sustainability workshops throughout the year. Discover new ways to bring nature into your life and simple practices to lower your environmental impact. From weekly wanders to fermentation, natural beauty, tea blending, mushroom growing and retreats, join me and live a little wilder. Suitable for all ages. Guided walks and events throughout the year, various locations. 20
T. 07884 966165 W. www.wildatartscotland.com @wildatartscotland Check website for details
facebook/hipstersandhobos @hipstersandhobos @hipstersNhobos
www.visitwestlothian.co.uk
Golf Clubs
Kingsfield Golf Club
Uphall Golf Club
Kingsfield is a four-star golf club and activity centre, offering a full array of golf-related activities including a 9-hole course, driving range and fantastic family putting green for all ages and abilities. They also have a number of events running throughout the year.
West Lothian’s most progressive club! With fantastic events and offers throughout the year, there’s always something new happening at Uphall Golf Club. With a full golf membership available and a mix of social and medal golf, there’s something for all keen golfers to enjoy.
T.
01506 671 607
facebook/uphallgolfclub
facebook/KingsfieldGolf
@UphallGolf
@KingsfieldGolf Kingsfield Golf & Leisure, Linlithgow, EH49 7LS
Uphall, Broxburn, EH52 6JT
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Williamscraig Holiday Cottages Williamscraig Holiday Cottages is a family owned and run business based near the historic town of Linlithgow. A selection of converted agricultural buildings have been made into comfortable and stylish self-catering holiday accommodation, ideal for family holidays or special events such as birthday get-togethers or wedding preparations. All cottages have a wood-burning stove (logs provided), free WiFi, and 2 of the cottages have their own secluded hot tub. The cottages each have their own grassed area, outside lighting and hard-paved driveway, as well as superfast fibre broadband and CCTV cameras which allow guests to see badgers in the evening. There is a play park and woodland walk with teddy-bear hunt and each cottage has kids’ cutlery and crockery, high chair and travel cot T. 01501 785205 W. www.crosswoodhill.co.uk
T. 07795 040 608 W. www.williamscraigholidaycottages.com E. williamscraigholidaycottages@hotmail.com
Hilly Cow Wigwams Make your wigwam trip memorable by staying at Hilly Cow Wigwams. Come stay at Leyden, a working farm. Enjoy the comfort of camping in our heated wigwams, the perfect glamping trip whatever the weather. Enjoy fabulous views while relaxing around the campfire with marshmallows and wine. Hilly Cow Wigwams can offer all the sights of the farm, walks and cycle routes but is close enough to enjoy all the attractions of the Lothians. The perfect wigwam site for a peaceful break, whether it be for fishing, pony trekking, cycling or touring holiday. T. 07824 770 568 W. www.hillycowwigwams.co.uk Kirknewton
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www.visitwestlothian.co.uk
Livingston Livingston is a shopper’s paradise, with a long history of industry. 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 area’s local miners. These days, you can find a wide range of shops and attractions – from The Centre and Designer Outlet to Almond Valley Heritage Centre, and plenty in between! Howden Park Centre offers a wide range of events all through the year, from big-name comedians to the annual panto. 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 enjoy a fun game of tenpin bowling.
Linlithgow A historical town, Linlithgow perfectly blends old and new, offering visitors an array of wonderful sights, events and shopping and dining. 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. 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 mouth-watering delicatessens, cafés, bars and fine-dining restaurants. A lively community, Linlithgow plays host to a variety of popular events throughout the year. June sees the Linlithgow Marches, a civic procession of local dignitaries through the town centre, and 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.
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Bathgate Bathgate is a traditional Scottish town with bustling streets surrounded by gentle rolling hills. Originally a small, rural farming community, the discovery and extraction of coal, lime and ironstone and opening of the Edinburgh and Bathgate railway in 1849 saw industry and the population grow as it became a key point for the distribution of raw materials to the major ports of Glasgow, Grangemouth and Leith. The discovery by James Young of shale oil saw the development of a new chemical works in 1852, making it the world’s first commercial oilworks manufacturing paraffin oil and wax. By the mid-20th century, the mining industry had ceased. As an incentive for the continued development of new business, the UK government offered manufacturers enhanced financial packages to relocate. This saw the arrival of the Austin Motor Company and Morris Motors in 1961. Alas, in 1986, the plants were closed and so began a period of economic hardship. Today Bathgate town centre is a designated Business Improvement District with plenty to offer. Stroll through the town and explore its wide variety of local shops. From well-known stores to small, independent retailers you can select a prime cut of beef, choose an outfit, try on some jewellery, get fitted for your wedding dress or order the most delectable cakes for a special occasion.
Smaller towns and villages Outside of the big towns, there are plenty of small charms – from Broxburn and Uphall in the east and Whitburn in the west. Many of these locations are easily accessible by the excellent public transport links West Lothian has to offer. You can find out plenty more about these towns on our website.
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www.visitwestlothian.co.uk
Getting to West Lothian
West Lothian is easy to reach! With a wealth of transport links and a good road network, you can easily reach the many sights here with minimal effort.
By Train If you prefer to travel by train, take advantage of West Lothian’s excellent rail links. West Lothian conveniently has four main railway stations which will quickly whisk visitors across Scotland and further afield. Uphall, Livingston North and Bathgate are on the same line connecting visitors from Edinburgh main-line stations in the east to Glasgow Queen Street in the west. You can also travel onwards to Helensburgh Central and Milngavie via Glasgow Queen Street. Linlithgow offers a direct route between Edinburgh main-line stations and Glasgow Queen Street, via Falkirk High and Cumbernald.
By Bus There are regular bus services from Edinburgh to Linlithgow, Livingston, Bathgate and elsewhere within West Lothian. The two main operators, Lothian Country Buses and First Buses, offer a wide variety of connections right across the area – including through the night with the addition of night bus services. To plan your journey by bus visit www.plusbus.info or www.travelinescotland.com/
By Car Two of Scotland’s main motorways cross West Lothian, making access to the area very straightforward even for new visitors. Travelling west from West Lothian and joining the M8, subject to the time of day, visitors can reach Glasgow City Centre in approximately 40 minutes. For travel to Stirling and northwards, travellers should join the M8, head east towards Edinburgh and then take the junction for the M9.
Visit our website Our website contains comprehensive listings for the whole of West Lothian. From up-to-date events, to maps and guides, you can find it all.
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