Linlithgow Travel Guide - Scotland

Nestled in the central belt region of Scotland you will find Linlithgow, a wonderful small town that is incredibly rich with history. Do not be fooled by its size or its sense of peace and quiet; some of Scotland's most important history and most important historical figures are inextricably linked to the town of Linlithgow. The town is a perfect place to explore on foot, because it is small enough to walk around yet full of enough interesting and amazing things to create a truly memorable experience.

The main attraction and most important of the historical sights in Linlithgow is Linlithgow Palace. This is a former royal palace and is where James V and Mary Queen of Scots were born (in 1512 and 1542, respectively). It is situated midway between Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle, making it a perfect stopping point for royal families travelling between these two places. Construction of Linlithgow Palace began in 1424, and it quickly became a favourite palace of the royal family thanks to its glorious scenery, fresh air, and peaceful surroundings. It fell into disrepair in the early 1600's and was nearly destroyed by a huge fire in 1745. Although the roof is long gone, the ruins of Linlithgow Palace are awe inspiring and dramatic.

Starting in the Great Hall, visitors can get a real sense of the size and stature of the palace and the surrounding grounds. Also impressive are the many stone sculptures located throughout the grounds and the three level fountain located in the centre courtyard. The fountain is still operational and it is turned on for all to see on Sundays during the summer months of July and August. The Peel surrounding Linlithgow Palace is gorgeous, with green grass, beautiful foliage, and plenty of space to walk along Linlithgow Loch and around the palace itself. St. Michael's Parish Church is located adjacent to Linlithgow Palace and is a popular place to visit all on its own.

To get a full sense of the history and heritage of Linlithgow, plan to spend some time exploring the Linlithgow Story Museum. This is a wonderful collection of information, artefacts, displays, video presentations, and much more, all focused on detailing the town's intimate connection and history with the Stewart dynasty. A complete history of the royal family is presented, along with a great deal of information about how the ordinary people of Linlithgow lived and worked during those times. It is an extremely interesting place where visitors can get a feeling for the amazing history of the town. After exploring the museum, step outside to the peaceful garden located behind the building, where you will find places to rest and relax while enjoying the spectacular views of Linlithgow Loch, Linlithgow Palace, and St. Michael's Parish Church.

Just outside of Linlithgow is Beecraigs Country Park, a large expanse of park area located in the nearby Bathgate hills. There is a huge array of activities to interest all types of holiday vacationers, including climbing, kayaking, archery, canoeing, and more. It is also home to a thriving deer farm, a traditional saw mill, and a busy trout hatchery complex. Beecraigs Country Park is a terrific place to spend a day or even several days; for the really adventurous, spend a night or two in the campground located within the park itself.

Getting to Linlithgow is easy and convenient. For international travellers coming in via Edinburgh International Airport, it is just a short 18 kilometres to the town. It is easy to hire a car, take a taxi, or ride the bus into town from the airport. From other cities in Scotland, the train is the best way to get to Linlithgow because the town is conveniently situated along the Central Scotland rail line. First Scotrail offers a number of trains each day, linking Linlithgow to cities such as Stirling, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Falkirk.