Top Things to do in West Lothian
Top 7 Historic Sites in West Lothian, Scotland
Discover the best top things to do in West Lothian, United Kingdom including Torphichen Preceptory, Linlithgow Palace, Blackness Castle, The House of the Binns, Duntarvie Castle, Camps Viaduct, Cairnpapple Hill.
Restaurants in West Lothian
1. Torphichen Preceptory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Nestled in the heart of Torphichen, West Lothian, lies Torphichen Preceptory. Maintained by Historic Scotland the Preceptory is one of two examples to be found in Britain, the other is located in London. The earliest known records of its existence are from 1168. In its current state it consists of the two trnscepts and the tower, though foundations from various other parts, such as the cloisters, still exist. The original church was the only Scottish link to the Preceptory of the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and today it is manned by members of the Order of St. John.
2. Linlithgow Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,409 reviews
Linlithgow Palace is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. The magnificent ruin of a great Royal Palace set in its own park and beside Linlithgow Loch. A favoured residence of the Stewart kings and queens from James I (1406-37) onward. Building work commissioned by James I, III, IV, V and VI can be seen. The great hall and chapel are particularly fine. James V (1512) and Mary Queen of Scots (1542) were both born here. Surfaces inside the Palace are mainly stone slabs and small cobbles in the courtyard. The ticket office, shop and courtyard are accessible to visitors with disabilities. More mobile visitors should be able to access the first floor which forms the main part of the property. Access is available to Linlithgow Loch and extensive peel (park).
Reviewed By NeilSK - Lincoln, United Kingdom
A key part of Scottish history this beautifully located castle is well worth a proper tour. Although semi-ruined, a huge amount is preserved of this large building, to the point that at times you risk getting lost in it's multi-level labyrith of corridors, stairways, towers and huge rooms. You can always look out onto the lovely courtyard to check where you are though! It is also well worth visiting the church next door and walking down to the lake for impressive views and photographs
3. Blackness Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 808 reviews
Blackness Castle is now open and we are delighted to welcome you back. Booking in advance is essential. Find out more and book at restarthistory.scot. Built in the 15th century and massively strengthened in the 16th century as an artillery fortress, Blackness Castle has been a royal castle, prison, armaments depot and film location for Hamlet and the BBC production of Ivanhoe. Blackness Castle is often referred to as ‘the ship that never sailed’ due to its great stone ship appearance. From the castle you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Firth of Forth and Fife.
Reviewed By juliedZ1845MO - Elsenham, United Kingdom
We visited here to pass some time before our flight home and it was totally worth it. It's not complete, there are steps that can be a bit steep if you aren't so fit and a big section is in thearea that's up a rocky section, they could really do with putting steps in here. That said the views are stunning, the history is fascinating and overall it's well worth a visit.
4. The House of the Binns
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 89 reviews
About The House of the Binns Set in beautifully landscaped parkland overlooking the River Forth, this fascinating laird’s house near Linlithgow has been the home of the Dalyells for 400 years. The present house was built in 1612 by Thomas Dalyell, an Edinburgh merchant who made his fortune at the court of King James VI and I in London. Thomas’s son, General Tam Dalyell, formed the legendary regiment of Royal Scots Greys. There are many mementos of him in the house, as well as colourful legends about his dealings with the Devil to discover. A warm welcome awaits visitors at the home of the Dalyells, with rooms rich in family history and personality. The house is open from June - September. The grounds are open year round from 9am-7.30pm.
Reviewed By JF1959 - Larkhall, United Kingdom
Wonderful house, full of charm and history. With some of the family still residing on the property, hours of entry are limited. Tours of the property are by guide only and the best way to be informed of the history of the house and its residents. The Dalyell family have lived in the house for over 400 years and from General Tam Dalyell and his card game with the Devil in the 1600's, to Labour MP Tam Dalyell who sadly passed away earlier this year, there is a wealth of history contained within its walls. It is also worth taking a walk in the grounds and to the Tower for views overlooking the River Forth and surrounding countryside.
5. Duntarvie Castle
6. Camps Viaduct
7. Cairnpapple Hill
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 52 reviews
This site is closed for now. We’re working hard to gradually reopen the places you love while making sure the experience is safe for everyone. Explore a rare ceremonial complex in the Bathgate Hills. The broad summit of Cairnpapple Hill was a significant site for ceremonies and burials for at least 4,000 years.
Reviewed By adlkasnflkshfks - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Cairnpapple Hill offers a wonderful spiritual experience. From the surrounding area it looks nothing special; just a hill with a radio tower on the top and even as you climb to the summit there seems nothing exceptional about the place. Once you step out onto the summit, however, the panoramic view across central Scotland takes your breath away. You can see for many miles in all directions, even as far as Arran to the West on a clear day. You can see the valley of the Forth and right across to the Ochils to the North and the Pentlands to the South West. Just by looking around you can see why the ancient people built a ceremonial centre and buried their dead here. You feel close to the sky and you can see and feel the living world about you. The henge dates back over 5000 years and was ancient when the Romans found it almost 2000 years ago. Cairnpapple might not appeal to most people. I guess to many people it would look like a simple bare hill. It is no coincidence, however, that these ancient works are sited here. The modern concrete ‘cairn’ and some of the interior restoration works are a bit of a distraction but if you sit outside on the warm grass on a summer’s day and look around you, you can really connect with the past and feel part of the endless progression of time. If you are spiritually and/or historically inclined I would strongly recommend a visit to Cairnpapple. You won’t be disappointed,
