5 Best Things to do in West Lothian
Looking for the best things to do in West Lothian? We’ve got you covered. From meeting lions and bears at Five Sisters Zoo to exploring miles of woodland in Beecraigs Country Park, a trip to this part of Scotland is sure to be memorable.
The area is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots– the most intriguing of all the Scottish monarchs. Make sure you visit Linlithgow Palace during your stay, where you can learn more about where she lived, hid and died.
Ready for your next trip? Then read on to learn more about the five best things to do in West Lothian…
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace is one of the most popular tourist attractions to visit in West Lothian and it’s just 15 miles west of Edinburgh. The site was first occupied around 2,000 years ago and was once the royal nursery for James V, Mary Queen of Scots and Princess Elizabeth.
Highlights of the palace include the great hall, the chapel, the royal apartments and the three-tiered courtyard fountain, which only operates at weekends in July and August in an attempt to preserve it for the future.
The roofless ruins are next to Linlithgow Loch – the largest natural freshwater loch in Lothian at over 100 acres in size. There are some lovely walks and views around the water if you want to have a leisurely stroll before returning to your Linlithgow campsite for the night.
If you’re a history buff (or just like exploring ruins) then check out our list of the best castles to visit in Lothian.
Beecraigs Country Park
This country park is a short drive from Linlithgow Palace, and it’s a pleasant place to spend a few hours before or after exploring the historic ruins.
It’s a four-star visitor attraction that spans across 913 acres of parkland, with a wide range of activities for all the family including an adventure playground, a mountain bike trail and a target archery area.
There are miles of woodland paths to explore on foot, bike or horse and admission to the park is free. Head to the visitor centre where you can get further information on the area, browse a selection of gifts and grab a bite to eat.
Beecraigs is one of a few hidden gems of nature in Lothian – others being Almondell & Calderwood and Polkemmet Country Parks. These lush green spaces are also worth a visit, particularly if you’ve prepared a picnic or just fancy a bit of people watching.
If you prefer to be by the sea and feel the sand between your toes, then take a look at the best beaches in Lothian when planning your visit.
Five Sisters Zoo
One of the best family-friendly day trips in West Lothian can be had at Five Sisters Zoo. It began life in 2005 with a small collection of rabbits, guinea pigs and goats but today it’s home to over 165 different species of mammals, birds and reptiles from across the globe.
Whether you’re feeding the lemurs or meeting the meerkats, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. The keeper talks here are fantastic and you’ll get to learn more about Carmen, Peggy and Suzy the ex-circus bears, as well as four male lions who were also rescued by the zoo.
The zoo also has an excellent outdoor play area with swings, slides, a carousel and a pirate ship. Of course it’s weather dependent but if it happens to be raining, kids can always burn off some energy in the animal-themed indoor soft play area instead (it also has special baby and toddler zones).
Starting to get hungry? Treat the family to some lunch at the Leaping Lemurs restaurant or get some snacks at the Brown Bear café. Remember to check the zoo’s website for further details and admission prices before visiting.
Instead of squeezing everything into a day trip, book a break at a local campsite so you can relax and make the most of everything in Lothian.
Almond Valley Heritage Centre
If you’re with the family and up for an afternoon of adventure, then you must visit Almond Valley Heritage Centre.
It’s the only ‘Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST) Accredited Farm Park’ in central Scotland, and it’s a place where you can meet unusual but friendly farm animals, such as reindeer, Clydesdale horses, Tamworth pigs and rare-breed chickens.
Kids will have the time of their lives exploring the imaginative and interactive play spaces, driving go-karts through acres of woodland or pedalling tractors around their very own farmyard. In the ‘Bones and Stones’ tent they’ll get to try a bit of archaeology – unearthing skeletons from beneath the sand.
When they’re all out of energy, go for a short train ride on the narrow-gauge railway around the fields and past the waters of the mill lade. It’s a fantastic excuse to sit back and relax before heading back to your Livingston campsite.
Ready to start planning your next trip? Read our main Scotland camping guide for some more hints and tips on what to do around the country.
West Lothian Golf Course
Like your club-and-ball sports? Then you might want to head to one of Lothian’s golf courses for the afternoon.
West Lothian Golf Course is a championship par 71 course that, on several occasions, has hosted the Scottish PGA Young Professionals Championship. Plus, the scenic backdrop is pretty awesome as you can look across the Forth Valley and beyond as you play.
There’s also the nearby Bridgend & District Golf Club which is a challenge for even the lowest handicap players. If you’re with people who aren’t so passionate about driving iron, direct them to one of the on-site gin or whisky tasting sessions instead.
There is so much fantastic scenery to admire here, so try one of the best places to walk in Lothian while you’re in the area.