A free, self-guided tour of public artworks is available in Livingston year-round. The area also offers West Lothian’s industrial history, an ongoing cultural programme and outdoor destinations. When planning your visit, you can focus on art and events, local history, or trails and landscapes.
Industrial and Local History
At the Almond Valley Heritage Centre, exhibitions showcase the heritage of shale mining and oil production in West Lothian. The collection on Scotland’s shale oil industry has been recognised by the Scottish Government as being of national significance. This provides a clear focus for exploring the area’s industrial past: Scotland’s shale oil industry.
Almond Valley is also home to a historic watermill and stone stables that served local agriculture for centuries. These buildings shift the focus from mining and oil production to agriculture, another aspect of West Lothian’s past.
In Livingston Village, the old Main Street is lined with original miners’ cottages. Livingston Skate Park offers a different historical perspective: it was Scotland’s first purpose-built skate park and was built by LDC in 1981. Skateboarding, cycling and roller skating are available there free of charge.
Culture and Public Art
Reconnect Howden Park offers an ongoing programme of professional and community performances, exhibitions, classes and events. The auditorium has 296 seats; the venue also includes a gallery, an art studio and a ceramics workshop. Its facilities cater for performances as well as art and classes.
The public art trail offers a different format: it is free, available year-round and self-guided. If you would rather explore public art independently of an ongoing events programme, you can make this a focus of your plans.
Trails, Hills and Nature
Dechmont Law is 217 metres high and the highest hill in the Livingston area. A guided mobile phone tour runs through the Woodland Trust forests bordering the hill. Its elevation and woodland tour offer two different ways to explore the landscape.
The Murieston Trail offers a different kind of route: this wooded path runs alongside the Murieston Water, passes a playground and meadows, and ends at Campbridge Pond. While the description of Dechmont Law highlights its elevation and guided tour, the Murieston Trail is described by its specific route along the water and its endpoint.
Eliburn Reservoir is currently managed as a coarse fishing water covering four acres. As fishing regulations can change, check them before visiting to fish.
The nearby natural area of Linhouse Glen lies south of Livingston and north of the Linhouse Water. It features heathland, native woodland and species-rich grassland. This location helps you identify Linhouse Glen as a destination in its own right near Livingston.
Visiting and Getting Around
Livingston Designer Outlet has more than 70 boutiques, as well as restaurants and cafés. The mix of shops and dining options can change. For getting around, Livingston has good road links, and four trains an hour run on the rail route between Glasgow and Edinburgh.
If you’re looking for a hotel in Livingston, your trip’s main focus can be a first filter: will your stay centre on the cultural programme, outdoor trails or a visit to the Designer Outlet? These different themes give you a basis for choosing Livingston as a destination that suits your interests.
Discover more destinations: Dunbar, Pumpherston, Pencaitland, Fauldhouse, Armadale, Winchburgh, Bridgend, Uphall
For the regional travel overview: Lothian.
