Things to Do in West Lothian
19 attractions and days out
Photo © Des Nelson, Google Maps
West Lothian sits easily between Edinburgh and Falkirk, and its attractions reflect that in-between character: royal history in Linlithgow, country parks around Livingston and Broxburn, and family days out that need no long drive to reach. Linlithgow Palace and The Linlithgow Story Museum anchor the historic end of things, with the Spy Mission Treasure Trail giving the town's streets a game to follow.
For an outdoor day, Beecraigs Country Park, Almondell and Calderwood Country Park and Muiravonside Country Park each offer woodland and water without straying far from Bathgate or Kirknewton. Younger visitors are well served too, from the Scottish Owl Centre and Almond Valley Heritage Trust to Livingston Skate Park and Potter Around, so a wet afternoon or a sunny one both have somewhere to go.
⭐ 4.9
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
Potter Around
Get creative with clay at this welcoming pottery studio where families can design their own ceramics, enjoy the onsite restaurant or bring a picnic, with full accessibility and baby facilities.
⭐ 4.8
Zoos & Animal Parks
Scottish Owl Centre
Meet dozens of magnificent owl species at this world-class Bathgate sanctuary set within Polkemmet Country Park, where families can enjoy flying displays and get close to these fascinating birds of prey.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Almondell and Calderwood Country Park
Enjoy woodland trails and scenic riverside walks at this sprawling country park near Almond Lodge, complete with onsite dining, parking and facilities for a family day out in nature.
⭐ 4.7
Sightseeing & Attractions
Linlithgow Palace
Explore the magnificent ruins of this royal Scottish palace where Mary Queen of Scots was born, featuring grand halls and stunning lochside views. Wheelchair accessible with onsite parking and facilities.
⭐ 4.7
Parks & Play Areas
Muiravonside Country Park
Explore woodland trails and open spaces perfect for family adventures, with baby changing facilities available. Note that certain areas have limited accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
⭐ 4.6
Farm Parks
Almond Valley Heritage Trust
This Livingston heritage centre combines farm animal encounters with tractor adventures and covered play spaces, perfect for families with young children throughout the year.
⭐ 4.5
Horse Riding
Houston Farm Riding School
Located in Uphall, this equestrian centre welcomes riders with onsite parking, though families should note limited facilities and no accessibility provisions for wheelchairs or babies.
⭐ 4.5
Ice & Roller Skating
Livingston Skate Park
This outdoor skate park at Northwood Park offers skating action for families, conveniently located across from Almondvale Shopping Centre with basic facilities for active youngsters.
⭐ 4.5
Parks & Play Areas
Beecraigs Country Park
This expansive 370-hectare countryside escape close to Linlithgow offers families countless outdoor pursuits, with picnic spots, dining options and ample parking for a full day's adventure.
⭐ 4.5
Trails & Treasure Hunts
Linlithgow Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Explore Linlithgow's landmarks while cracking clues on this family-friendly spy adventure that transforms sightseeing into an exciting team challenge to rescue the town.
⭐ 4.5
Museums & Galleries
The Linlithgow Story Museum
Discover the fascinating heritage of this historic Scottish town through engaging displays at Annet House on the High Street. A compact museum experience with nearby parking available.
⭐ 4.4
Indoor Soft Play
Spacebugs at Craigwoods
This two-storey indoor play centre in Livingston offers active fun for families, with onsite parking and the option to bring your own picnic for a full day of adventure.
⭐ 4.3
Inflatable & Bounce Parks
Innoflate Livingston
Bounce into adventure at this cutting-edge inflatable park featuring high-tech trampolining and Britain's pioneering augmented reality climbing experience, with full accessibility throughout.
⭐ 4.2
Indoor Soft Play
The Hive Soft Play
This wheelchair-accessible soft play venue offers energetic fun for children with onsite parking, accessible facilities including baby changing areas, and snacks available to purchase during your visit.
Indoor Soft Play
Space Bugs
Young astronauts can explore an out-of-this-world adventure zone featuring cosmic tunnels and quirky extraterrestrial friends at this galaxy-inspired play centre in Broxburn.
⭐ 4.4
Swimming & Leisure Centres
Xcite Linlithgow Leisure Centre
Active family fun awaits at this West Lothian leisure facility on McGinley Way, offering swimming and fitness activities for all ages to enjoy together.
⭐ 4.3
Cinema & Theatre
Vue Livingston
Located at the designer outlet centre, this modern cinema offers family screenings plus accessible facilities, parking and snacks, making it perfect for a rainy day treat.
⭐ 4.2
Indoor Soft Play
Playbugs Play Centre
Little ones can burn off energy at this industrial estate soft play venue featuring climbing frames and slides, with an onsite restaurant serving snacks and meals for hungry families.
⭐ 3.9
Pottery & Ceramic Painting
Maisie Gray Pottery & Crafts
Let your family's creativity shine at this welcoming Linlithgow pottery studio where everyone can craft their own ceramic masterpieces in a fully accessible, pushchair and wheelchair-friendly space.
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