The history of Livingston
When you visit Livingston, you can still see the original village from which the town sprung. Quaint and full of character, Livingston Village is found close to the centre of the town and makes for an enjoyable afternoon’s exploring.
Livingston Village was home to many of the miners employed in the oil shale industry that flourished in the area following Dr James Young’s discovery of oil shale, or cannel coal, in Boghead. Imagine what it was like to live in the miners’ cottages when they were first built in the 19th century.
Livingston as we now know it was created by the New Towns Act passed in 1946. Named as one of Scotland’s five new towns, Livingston began to be developed in 1965. The town has continued to grow ever since and its population now exceeds 53,000 people.
What to see and do in Livingston
Although Livingston’s huge range of stores is a big draw for many visitors, shopping isn’t the only pastime that you can enjoy during a visit to the town.
Looking for a cultural fix? For the latest cinema releases, head to Vue, located in the Livingston Designer Outlet. Or why not check out the busy arts and theatre programme at the newly refurbished Howden Park Centre. You can make a real occasion of your visit by eating here too – the cosy bistro serves lunch and dinner – or sample one of the town’s many other fine restaurant and pubs.
If you’re after some sporting action, take to the terraces at the Livingston Football Club grounds, also in the town centre. Alternatively, put your own talents to the test at Deer Park Golf and Country Club – golf and ten-pin bowling are both on offer here. Keen anglers, meanwhile, can choose from a number of excellent fisheries based just outside Livingston.
A visit to Almond Valley Heritage Centre is a must for families. Almond Valley’s play areas, rides and trampolines are a sure-fire hit with kids, and they can also learn a lot about Livingston’s history through the farm animals and heritage exhibits on display. Big kids (of all ages) will happily amuse themselves for hours at the famous Livingston Skatepark – one of the UK’s top skateboarding locations – or at Racing Karts, the popular indoor motor racing venue.
Livingston boasts a number of good quality hotels, including the Mercure Hotel Livingston and Premier Inn, which are easily accessible from the M8 and M9 motorways. Book an overnight stay and rest easy knowing that you have time to explore all that Livingston has to offer.
