A family-friendly museum on a peaceful riverside site, with woods and fields extending for almost a mile. The traditional farm buildings and working watermill are home to many friendly farm animals, including highland cattle, rare breed sheep, and Clydesdale horses.

There’s a daily programme of activities, including milking demonstrations and handling sessions that allow you to get up close and personal with the farm’s varied residents.  The museum houses displays and interactive exhibits that illustrate local history and tell the story of Scotland’s shale oil industry. There are indoor and outdoor play areas to keep the kids entertained, plus a simulated archaeological dig, trampolines, go karts, tractor and trailer rides, and a narrow gauge railway.

There’s always something happening, with milking, feeding, talks and handling sessions throughout much of the year, and a programme of seasonal crafts, games and activities for children during the school holidays. Kids can let off steam and engage their imagination in a range of unique play facilities including a simulated archaeological dig, a play mine, toy tractors, pedal carts and trampolines. Even if the sun isn’t shining there are indoor play areas for all ages, and secrets to be discovered in the museum.

Directions

Almond Valley is on the outskirts of Livingston, West Lothian, just two miles from junction 3 of the M8, the main Edinburgh to Glasgow motorway. Follow the brown tourist signs for “Almond Valley Heritage Centre”.