Linlithgow Area Guide
Linlithgow - Area Guide
The Royal Burgh of Linlithgow is a historic town 20 miles west of Edinburgh and the birthplace of James V and Mary, Queen of Scots. It perfectly blends old and new, providing visitors with various sights, events, shopping, and dining options. Linlithgow houses the remains of Linlithgow Palace, and visitors today can enjoy a visit to the ruin and a leisurely walk around its adjoining Loch. Situated in the Central Belt, alongside Linlithgow Loch, on a historic route linking Edinburgh and Falkirk, the town contains many historic buildings, small independent stores, and eateries. It is a place that warmly welcomes you!
Linlithgow has a wide range of affordable housing options, including detached and semi-detached homes, terraced houses, and apartments, all of which are affordable. The average property price in Linlithgow over the past 12 months is £280,074 (Data from Zoopla).
The History of Linlithgow
Linlithgow is derived from the Old English "lynn llaith cau", which means "lake in the damp hollow." The town received Royal burgh status in 1388, thanks to a charter from Robert II of Scotland. During the Middle Ages, Linlithgow grew as a royal residence for Scottish Kings on a raised hill beside Loch Linlithgow. The location was a logical stop between Edinburgh to the east and Stirling to the west.
Today, the town has grown because of its transport links to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Stirling and the quality of its schooling and local amenities. In addition, the town expanded significantly during the 1990s, thanks to the completion of several housing developments on the town's east side.
Adjacent to the remains of Linlithgow Palace is St Michaels Parish Church. It was constructed in the 15th century and is a complete example of a surviving late medieval church in Scotland. No wonder then that St Michael is Linlithgow's patron saint, and the town's motto is "St. Michael is kinde to straingers." On the high street, you can see a statue of the saint holding the burgh coat of arms.
Schools and Colleges in Linlithgow
Schools in Linlithgow approach their work positively, providing the best care and support possible so parents can rest assured that their children are in good hands. Nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools, independent schools, and universities are all available, with Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education rating the schools as good.
Travel Connections
Linlithgow has excellent transport connections. There are multiple daily buses, and drivers will welcome easy access to the M9 motorway, providing excellent links to Edinburgh and Glasgow. Linlithgow railway station, which is on the Glasgow to Edinburgh through Falkirk Line, is the town's primary railway station.
The M9 Motorway connects Linlithgow to central Edinburgh or Glasgow and is a 45-minute drive. The A803 road, which includes the High St of Linlithgow, is the town's primary east-west route, and the A706 is the town's primary north-south route.
Linlithgow railway station, which is on the Glasgow to Edinburgh through Falkirk Line, is the town's primary railway station. Edinburgh's journey time is 20 minutes and Glasgow 30 minutes via Falkirk, with up to four trains an hour during rush hour.
Edinburgh Airport is the closest airport to Linlithgow - a 20-minute drive.
Areas of Interest
Linlithgow Palace
The town's main historical attraction is Linlithgow Palace, a Site of Specific Historical Interest and the perfect place to enjoy a picnic by the Loch. In 1424, James I of Scotland began construction on the current palace. While it is unroofed, it is still essentially complete in its apartments, though very few of the original furnishings have survived. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the palace was one of the principal residences of the monarchs of Scotland and an ideal place for royals to break the journey between Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle.
Linlithgow Museum
The Linlithgow Museum is free, open six days a week and is in the Partnership Centre in the heart of Linlithgow. The museum features the Mary Queen of Scots statue, which has recently been restored. It's the place to discover more about Linlithgow's royal connections, the trades of the town, and the people who lived in the town throughout the centuries.
House of Binns
This stunning house, which has been in the Dalyell family since 1612, reveals their lives and interests over the centuries. The estate, situated just outside the town, is open year-round, and it is here that you can admire the magnificent plaster ceilings. The ceilings were commissioned by Thomas Dalyell and his wife Janet Bruce for King Charles I's visit to Scotland in 1633 and can be seen in the High Hall and the King's Room. So embark on an adventure, view the family portraits, and take a walk through the woodland to the tower and the magnificent views of central Scotland.
Blackness Castle
Blackness Castle is a 15th-century fortress on a rocky spit on the south shore of the Firth of Forth, near the village of Blackness, four miles outside Linlithgow. Sir George Crichton constructed the castle in the 1440s, most likely on the site of an earlier fort. Climbing the tower requires negotiating many steps, but it will be worth it once you reach the top to view the beautiful scenery.
Beecraigs Country Park
Two miles and a five-minute drive south of Linlithgow, you'll find Beecraigs Country Park. There are numerous forest paths here with beautiful views. There's plenty to keep the children and the dogs entertained within its 913 acres, and for a bite to eat, take-away food and beverages are available at the visitor centre.
Hopetoun House
Hopetoun House, Scotland's finest stately home and a place of outstanding natural beauty, is located 10 miles from Linlithgow but is well worth a visit. It has been the Hope family's home from 1699 to this day! The house was used as a filming location for the internationally acclaimed television series Outlander.