The 29 best towns in West Lothian

Amazing day out for all the family. Best zoo we have been too. Loads to see, food vans located around the park which is great and it's actually decently priced too and great quality. There are loads of great animals to see and definitely could spend an entire day there. We all had the best day. Would definitely come back again.

Hands down the best zoo I’ve visited. Animals were so well looked after, staff were lovely - helpful and friendly. Could not get over the amount of different animals. Loved the unusual displays - something for both older and younger family members. Soft play was also a welcome rest. And kids loved it. Would love to return for the Christmas lights and the summer rides and things. Highly recommend. Some of the reviews on here are silly 🤷‍♀️ We spent around 4 hours here but could easily have spent the whole day. Didn’t see many empty enclosures 🤷‍♀️ and the black bear has signs explaining they are monitoring the behaviour as he is still settling in. You can tell that staff are very passionate about the animals and their wellbeing. We watched several staff members interacting with them.

Fantastic enclosures and very happy and content animals. I was super impressed with the animals husbandry and it is clear they have created the best environment for each animals needs. The staff were friendly and clearly cared about the animals on their care. We had a fantastic day out and could have stayed longer. A very well deserved 5 stars.

What an absolute amazing to visit to the zoo with my family. Such a diverse range of animals and a really cosy family feel to the whole park. From the you youngest to the eldest of our party we were all kept engaged and entertained for hours. We will definitely be back.

It's not the easiest of places to get to by road lots of narrow winding lanes. Once there, there are lots of different species of well cared for animals to view. Staff are friendly and helpful. On our visit, lots of their stalls were closed time of year, suppose. Cafe and soft play are in the same out building,it was a bit pricey for food, but it was tasty and plentiful.

I loved it. It is a great place to go with family. I was lucky to see the otters that I love. And one of the bears very nice.As always... there was some shy animal that we didn't see... that happens.

Cafe and playcenter I don't recommend at all. Soup wasn't great, and the chicken tika panini was lukewarm. The coffee tasted dirty or burnt, there were so many flys. Finally the bathrooms smelt horrid and there's no hooks to put your bag up while you go to the loo. The zoo The zoo area was nice and had quite a lot to see, the animal talks were great and gave you a chance to ask more. The walk in bird enclosure was surprisingly my favourite. The carasol and other rides are nice though rather odd seeing more then half of the animal pens say to be quiet, but you could hear the carasol music across half the zoo. We did have concern for one of the monkeys (a vervet) as they had bad sores on their hands and a large gash on their rear.

As a fan of palaces and castles of all kinds, I was impressed. The palace is still undergoing renovation work, but definitely a place worth visiting. Beautiful view of the lake from the top.

A beautiful location steeped in history, the castle is remarkable and the loch is simply stunning especially in early spring. Had the pleasure of being able to walk most of the way around and found the trail pleasant and the locals friendly and accommodating. Would have loved ore time here, maybe another time if I'm up this way I will as I would certainly visit again. Nice location with plenty of amenities nearby.

Went to see the housing and the experience was brilliant, loads to do and everyone was exceptional! Getting to wander around the castle was great and wish I had enough time to explore but there was far to much to do and not enough of the day to do it. Would go again 10/10

We were really looking forward to seeing the palace and we were not disappointed. What incredible architecture and a lesson in history. Staff were friendly and welcoming. We loved exploring the many spaces and levels. A must visit location in our opinion.

Great ruin that the are trying to maintain. They have alot of info regarding its past. Found it really interesting. Allowed to walk almost all halls and stairs, even allowed up on lookout point

Great day out to see the jousting and medieval tents. The kids loved every minute of it. Unfortunately, we didn't make it into the actual palace but gives us an excuse for another visit. Sittjng on the edge of Linlithgow Loch, the view was beautiful and the town itself is lovely. We'll definitely be back soon

Beautiful settings! Nice to see how much work is going into upkeep. At the price paid, I would expect some more lively and animated staff eager to take guests around.

You have seriously got to visit Hopetoun House if you are visiting Scotland! This place is amazing in every sense of the word, including its cafeteria. The views across the estate and the Firth of Forth from the roof is stunning, and the guided tour we had by Helen was fantastic and educational... thank you Helen, and thank you to the Hope family for allowing us to view your magnificent house and be part of your amazing family history.

An incredible place. The building is packed with interesting history, and the grounds are just beautiful especially at the beginning of autumn. All staff is super knowledgeable and make feel every visitor welcome.

My second visit, and a firm favourite. The tour is amazing, the guides know EVERYTHING, and sprinkle some humour in. And the grounds are just beautiful. Definitely worth a visit.

Beautiful place to visit. Been here twice as a visitor and again as a volunteer. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff with lots of history to share. A must for Outlander fans as the house has featured in many episodes as various different buildings. If Midhope castle is a must on your list, I'd recommend buying the combo ticket as it makes it cheaper to visit there.

This is a magnificent house set in a beautiful estuary parkland. It is blissfully peaceful and restorative to the soul. Access is along a housing estate which is narrow in places but the brown tourist signs are worth following for access. The ticket hut was staffed by a friendly and welcoming lady who gave us much useful information for our visit. Parking is easy and the walk to the house level. The house is stunning. Views are extensive and along the Royal path to the Forth bridges. The café is again staffed by friendly people and the soup, cheese scone, bacon bap and salad and jacket potato all very nice. Seating is very comfortable. Volunteers are knowledgeable about the history of the house and enable a greater engagement with what can be seen. There a a few modest walks around the grounds some of which take in the views across the Firth of Forth. We would thoroughly recommend it for a visit and maybe come back again to take it all in.

Enjoyed the history and the grand rooms in Hopetoun House. The regal yellow and red drawing rooms were especially impressive as was the ballroom which had 3 huge chandeliers. Also enjoyed the woodland walks with the resident Roe deer herd.

Absolutely loved our visit. The house is beautiful. The staff are so kind, helpful and knowledgeable. Definitely going back again. Thank you all for a lovely day.

A full family day out! Activities for all ages in the place. Mining museum to catch a glimpse of history in the area. Animal encounters (we got to pet the chick's, guinea pigs and polecat). Outdoor adventures with a new fort on offer to climb and slide. Jumping pillows, excavation sand pit and go-karts to name a few. Great value for money and reasonable priced drinks and snack at the outdoor snack van too.

Lovely day out on a sunny day with the kids! Amazing playing areas all around the park. Café, toilets. Also an indoor area in case of raining, with picnic tables

Was slightly disappointed with my family visit having read about it on their website. In no particular order: 1. The interactive items in the museum were not working 2. Many of the soap dispensers were out of soap and they have lots of hand washing stations 3. The train ride was listed as 30mins on the website but only lasted 15mins. It isn’t circular, it goes along the track, engine turns and then you go back 3. The cafe was quite good - look out for the specials menu though as we never seen it tucked on the side wall until leaving. They forgot our salad that was listed on menu but they quickly rectified this. 4. There are no prices displayed for any of the drinks or ice creams. 5. If you have an EV forget about using their charger - it’s is a slow charger with a £1.50 connection charge and a maximum stay of 1hr before a £10 overstay charge occurs; I recon you might be able to get 5/6%. The museum was informative and interesting to look at. Once you go outdoors however you can see poor maintenance and condition of a lot of things unfortunately. Tractor drive was something to do. Only takes you along passed the horses and back again. Train journey doesn’t take you past any of the animals. Play park area is good for the kids but very little shade for a sunny day.

Visited with grandkids & family. Ticket prices are a bit steep, bit hey ho...what can you do...stump up! It started raining on the day we visited, so did our best to get around. Would I visit again...No U don't think so.

We absolutely love it here. So much fun for the kids and the animals all seem well cared for and happy. Love the handling sessions.

Plenty too do my girl loved it no bad price too get in good variety of animals too see only thing a felt was it was waste of££ for train ride as we only seen couple of horses and sum sheep couple of ducks another down side was the wasps that was going about still five star for me

Great place to take the children with all the animals and there are big play areas that have trampolines, slides and swings.

Beecraigs Country Park is a great place for anyone who loves the outdoors. There are miles of trails for walking and hiking, from easy paths around the loch to steeper climbs like Cockleroy Hill with amazing views at the top. If you enjoy biking, there are trails for all levels, including a skills area to practice jumps. Horse riding is also available, and families will love the adventure play area for kids. Orienteering adds a fun challenge, and there’s plenty of space to explore whether you’re on foot, bike, or horseback. It’s a perfect spot for outdoor fun and adventure. The park is also full of wildlife and peaceful spots to relax. You might see red deer or Highland cattle as you walk through the woods or along the water. The nature trails are beautiful and quiet, ideal for spotting animals or enjoying a calm walk. It’s also great for dog walking, with many paths and even a secure dog area. There are picnic tables near the Visitor Centre, and on clear days you can see all the way to Edinburgh and the Forth bridges. Beecraigs is a lovely place to unwind, enjoy nature, and spend a relaxing day outdoors.

Lovely area, with lots of different options for walks, including a nice, mainly shaded walk around the Loch, which is great for hot days. Nice play park, suitable for various ages, Lots of picnic tables too, and water for dogs available. One criticism would be that they could do with putting more bins around the site.

Great views. Country roads to get here. Be careful driving a Motorhome here. Local van drivers may take as much road as they like. The majority of drivers are courteous.

We came to Beecraigs Country Park this morning hoping to see the animal attraction (Highland cows, deer, sheep, etc.), but unfortunately it has been closed down for years which was very disappointing since it’s still mentioned in many places online. There are no animals here anymore. The park itself is nice for walking and nature, but if you’re visiting mainly for the animals, be aware they are no longer part of the attraction

I paid £14.85 for one night as a backpacker (no vehicle, one-man tent, no elec). A great location in the forest and the facilities were top notch. Feels petty but I reserve 5/5 for campsites that charge backpackers around £10.

Wonderful place to walk, lots of route options and safe for dogs off-lead, as well as plenty of bins, so generally it’s very clean. My only criticism is that the visitor centre cafe isn’t dog-friendly, so I can’t buy a coffee to take on my walk, like it do at other places.

Beecraigs country park has a playground, Toilets next to carpark seating and Barbecue area. Dog-friendliness also good for bikes. Beecraigs country park has a caravan and tent site.

Truly fantastic hidden gem of a place. Very informative and great opportunity to see these beautiful birds up close. The flying demonstration and keeper talk was great. Entry prices are £11.50 for an adult and you can go in and out as much as you want during the day.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Visiting the Scottish Owl Centre was absolutely magical! From the moment we arrived, the staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about these magnificent birds. The centre houses over 140 owls from around the world, and each one felt treated with care and respect. The flying displays were a breathtaking highlight — watching the owls soar gracefully, hearing their wings in motion, and learning about their habits in such an up-close setting was an experience I’ll never forget. The centre’s grounds are lovely, with picnic areas and an adventure playground for children, making it a full day out for families. And the gift shop offers unique items so you can take a little piece of the experience home. If you’re anywhere near West Lothian (or even further!), I highly recommend making the trip. It’s informative, inspiring, and utterly enchanting. Whether you’re an avid bird lover or just looking for a memorable day out, the Scottish Owl Centre is a must-visit.

Absolutely amazing centre, went for it opening on a weekday and it was really quiet. Enclosures are brilliant and customised to each owl, staff were all friendly and knowledgeable, the flying show was brilliant the owls got so close and all the information was great. Would definitely go back

AMAZING!!! Highly recommend this place. They know their owls and treat them well. Very well maintained and clearly well managed. We did the owl encounter and were able to hold an owl (with a leather glove of course) and it was amazing to experience. The whole time they are teaching and informing. Love the staff, love the owls.

I think it was a brilliant experience. While it is like a zoo, the aim of the centre is to give the owls a chance to recover their population and provide a safe haven. The enclosures are well looked after and the owls are so pretty. It's nothing like an owl cafe.

I'm not kidding, plan to spend all day here. We arrived at around 11am and stayed until 4:30! The 'Meet the Birds' talk was very informative, even answering any extra questions from the audience. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. The two flying displays show off different birds, so make sure to stay for both! All birds seemed to be well cared for. It was lovely to hear how the centre helps owls all around the world.

We visited on a rainy day but that didn't matter at all. There were so many different species of owls to admire, I didn't realise that owls live in every corner of the world except Antarctica. It was really interesting to read about each species and where they were from. The centre has a good breeding programme and there were several enclosures where mums were in their nest boxes with eggs and babies. There is an undercover seating area packed with interactive displays suitable for children and adults alike. The talk and introduction to Tony the Tawny was very informative and the flying displays showed off these magnificent birds. Lovely gift shop. Also the neighbouring cafe was good. We'll definitely be back! I've posted a photo of my favourite owl, the southern boobook from Australia.

We were staying in nearby Linlithgow so took the bus. Easy, short trip. Blackness is incredible. What an amazing castle ruin to explore. And it has the bonus of providing a wonderful view of the Forth bridges. We explored every space and would highly recommend a visit.

Awesome castle. Loved it. Parking was in short supply but you can park in the village and walk to the castle pretty easily. This is one of the better preserved castles you can visit. It's very easy to imagine living here.

Blackness Castle is one of Scotland’s most atmospheric fortresses — a dramatic, sea-washed stronghold that looks like it’s floating on the Firth of Forth. Often called “the ship that never sailed” because of its long, narrow shape and pointed towers, it’s easy to see why it’s become such a favourite for film fans (including Outlander). We explored the ramparts and courtyards, climbed the towers for sweeping coastal views, and wandered along the old pier that stretches into the water. The mix of sea air, gulls, and centuries-old stone gives it an unforgettable mood — part fortress, part film set, part time capsule. The castle is well-preserved and full of nooks to explore, with information boards that bring its history to life. It’s also a brilliant spot for photography, especially at sunset when the light hits the water and walls just right. If you love castles with character, Blackness Castle is one of the most striking and memorable in Scotland.

I will say that I was disappointed to find the castle closed on the day we were passing through. I can certainly say that this castle and surroundings are a must visit so close to the airport. Parking will likely be a problem depending when you visit, but there are some great spots down by the water - good luck hahaha. The walk up to the castle along the walkway is amazing - great view. The castle and grounds are in great shape and feel free to walk around the area and along the beach for some other great views. The cost of entry is very reasonable and there is a lot to go through. Try to arrange your visit when open to get the most out of the visit. Thanks.

From afar, it looks almost like a battleship going to war, it is one of the most unusual castles, I have seen.Plenty of parking, good rates to see, gift shop, and the castle, with a outer viewing platform so you can get a good picture of this awesome castle. You can walk to most the platforms and up most of the towers.

Was about to head back home after being in Edinburgh for a few days and map showed this so did a detour and glad we went. Really stunning castle with so much history and right on the sea. Beautiful outstanding scenery. Will definitely go back. Love my Blackness mug.💙🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙🧡💙🧡

A remarkably well-preserved castle situated in a unique and breathtaking location. The castle is quite impressive, offering a palpable sense of history. The visit was thoroughly enjoyable, allowing for ample exploration. We strongly recommend purchasing the guidebook, which provides detailed information on the castle's features, such as its 5.5-meter-thick walls and its architectural evolution over the centuries. It is highly recommended for those seeking a prime example of a Scottish defensive castle. The staff we encountered were really chatty and friendly and really wanted us to have a good visit. 100% recommended visiting.

A good outlet mall, comfortable to walk in, and with adequate supporting facilities. However, parking is charged, and if you want to buy very cheap goods, you need to come here from time to time to try your luck.

Lovely shopping centre when we visited on 13/10/25, we have now received a letter from ukpa saying we did not pay for parking here, which we did! Proof on my bank account! They start your parking time the minute u enter the car park, even if u didn't park and just leave they have ur number plate on camera! Not paying the ridiculous £100 fine they have issued! So be aware folks when parking at this centre!!!@😡😡😡

This place is truly impressive – it offers a huge selection of brand-name stores and a great location near the M8 motorway, making it easily accessible from Edinburgh or Glasgow. The interior is spacious, with restaurants and a cinema, perfect for a full-day visit. You can find outlet deals and enjoy a great time with family or friends.

Always a pleasure to spend my time at quality places. A great centre for all you need.

Exceptional Value & Service at Livingston Designer Outlet! What a fantastic and successful shopping trip to the Livingston Designer Outlet today! The core appeal of the outlet—the great discounts—was certainly in full effect. However, the real highlight was the consistently excellent service across the board. The staff at both Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein were incredibly helpful, giving me insider tips and advice on combining offers for additional money off my purchases. Beyond apparel, I was delighted with the quality and savings at other premium stores. Finding high-quality products at both Molton Brown and Hugo Boss made the entire day feel like a brilliant investment in luxury at outlet prices. If you're looking for an enjoyable shopping experience where staff genuinely help you maximize your savings, the Livingston Designer Outlet is the place to go!

You need two days to get around all these amazing shops. We will be back.

So many shops here. So many great prices. One of the best outlet malls I have ever been too. Lots of food courts and pubs.

My family took me on a day boat for a canal ride and picnic lunch. It was our 30th Anniversary and it was one of the best days out we have ever had. Friendly staff who were really helpful, and the boat was great, had a sink toilet and plenty of space and cushions. Can recommend.

Absolutely loved our canal trip! First time being on a canal boat and I will definitely do it again. We did the trip to the Avon Aqueduct and it was amazing. So relaxing and stress relieving. Next time I think we'll do the Falkirk Wheel trip. Tea, coffee and biscuits were also available too at no extra charge which was fab.

Great place to experience. Small museum, cafe with toilet facilities. We did the Viaduct cruise. It was a very sociable couple of hours.

We really enjoyed our wee cruise on the canal boat out to the aqueduct and back. Friendly helpful and informative staff. Free Refreshments on board.

Booked online for the Falkirk Wheel afternoon trip. Arrived in plenty of time, was greeted by a lovely lady, i forget her name, it was her first time doing this particular job but she was amazing, as were the boat crew. Lovely afternoon all in all, highly recommend this trip

Easy access to Linlithgow centre, nice place with plenty to see and a good selection of pubs and restaurants.

We booked 2.5h Cruise to Avon aqueduct from Linlithgow and back. We really enjoyed it! Crew was really nice and friendly. We could leave our baby pram in little museum because you can't take it on board. Definately recommend !

A great tour around the stately home. Well presented and very informative. Book in advance. Stunning views from the grounds and tower pathways.

Great "living" house. Lovely grounds, views and walks. Superb staff - well worth a visit.

Booked for a guided tour, which was very interesting. Arrived too early, so walked the grounds. No cafe on site, but it looks like there could be a kiosk on some days. Staff friendly and informative.

Visit on 1940s event day. Well organised event with a popular theme. Enjoyed the house tour, guide was well informed.

Great tour around and very fun and informative. Guide was great and the boys enjoyed being able to ask questions. A good way to spend an hour or two.

The House of the Binns offers a fascinating glimpse into a family home that has stood for over 400 years. Book a guided tour in advance to learn more about the Dayell family. The grounds offer great views of the area and there are plenty of picnic benches around. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds. No catering on site but there are cafes and garden centres just a short drive away.

Informative guide, great views if you walk up to the tower and lovely wee coffee van in the grounds fri /sat

Absolutely disgusted by the treatment of management, went to watch the queen performance and left at the 1st break due to sensory overload. Way to loud, could only hear the drums and guitar, vocals were distorted with how loud it was, went to complain to management and asked for ticket to be reimbursed and was told no cause no one else complained. Told it was a rock concert and was ment to be loud. Loud to the point I had toilet roll in my ears due to the noise amd this still didn't help. No help from management what so ever. Won't ever be back. Management a disgrace. Feel sorry for anyone with sensory issues. Disgusted at the way we were treated, the minute I asked for my tickets to be reimbursed without even hearing why was a straight no. £26 per ticket for a really bad concert. Absolutely dumb founded that we were treated like that.

First time I have visited for many years. Enjoyed my afternoon at 60s music show. The only thing was there was no one to welcome us + direct us where to go.

Brilliant theatre, always choose the same seat everytime I visit. Seen some fab acts there, long may they continue. Back at the end of Nov for another musical evening. Can't wait.

Theatre is lovely! The bar area is nice and the staff are so friendly. It's clearly had a good facelift and would most definitely be back to watch more shows. When we went the bar did not do any warm snack but a large variety of bottled beers and alcohol and canned soft drinks. As far as I can tell no taps for soft drinks or beer. The parking is a little difficult, me recommendation is to park behind the library (navigate to Aldi) then walk past the library and across to the theatre.

What a night we had Johnny lee Menthis was more than we expected, as a lifelong Elvis presley fan who wasn't lucky enough to see the real Elvis it was a treat to see Johny and the band and the audience getting involved the way we all did what a perfect night. We will be back to see other tribute bands in the future. Plus Johnny waiting at the end to let us all have our pictures taken with him was a 1st. Top night top marks top event.

Great venue for training room was spot on and staff could not have been more helpful, will definitely be back, thank you xxx

Brilliant venue. I wish them every success.

Lovely place to come and take a walk - you have several different routes you can take. There's a play park for kids, BBQ area, woodland walks, walks by the water. There is a visitor centre that sells coffee and ice cream; but the last time I went it was cash only. Sheep (shut farmers gates behind you), horses and now I've noticed 2 highland cows as well! ☺️☺️ The walk I do is often 45 minutes along a stream to find Lins mill to see the barges etc, the sheep, cows and then another 45 minutes back!

Great place for walking and cycling .good, free parking. Links to routes to Edinburgh via the canal and into Livingston and a continuous off road, approx 14 mile,loop through parks and along the railway path around Livingston. Spectacular views from the numerous bridges over the river almond including the very high viaduct.

Absolutely stunning place! Holidaying in Scotland and found this place. Me and my partner spent 2hrs walking here, we could of went longer if we didn't have other plans. Such beautiful scenery and peaceful place. We will definitely be going back, but for a longer walk and a picnic.

Could have the large area beside the river and between the bridges levelled out a bit to make it better for all sports and general family play.

Beautiful for a short or long walk, dog loved it, nice cool off in the river. Had people visiting from Alaska and even they thought it was really lovely

Another amazing place with natural water fall this time only 15 minutes away from Livingston

Lovely, well maintained park. Great for all the family, as it has a play, picnic and BBQ areas, a visitors shop, toilet facilities and plenty of open spaces. Lots of walking paths, some along the river and others allowing you to avoid the water all together. If your lucky you will see some mallard ducks in the water. It can become a little busy in the summer due to the narrow paths but most have the option to reroute half way. The only problem I have is the main path down the park is a steep hill, which cars frequently travel down, so you need to be aware of this if you have dogs or children with you.