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Centuries ago, Armadale was best known for its wild boar hunting – a pastime that attracted royals staying at Linlithgow Palace and gave the town its original name, Barbauchlaw. Today’s visitors still come to the area to enjoy the great outdoors, but these days you’ll encounter only four-legged friends on the tranquil walks around Armadale.
History
Armadale is a small town of around 11,000 inhabitants located in the south west of West Lothian. Originally a farming community, Sir William Honeyman bought the land in the late 18th century, renaming it Armadale after one of his Highland estates. Locals refer to it fondly as The Dale.
Natural mineral, fireclay, ironstone and limestone deposits found in the area fuelled Armadale’s expansion in the late 19th century as a mining town. Armadale was also known for its brick manufacturing. By the 1950s, Armadale enjoyed a more diverse industrial structure than many of its neighbouring towns. Today, the local economy relies heavily upon the town’s industrial estates.
Armadale is situated at the historic crossroads of what were once the main routes from Edinburgh to Glasgow and Bo’ness to Lanark. The M8 motorway is close by, and the recent opening of the Airdrie-Bathgate lines means that it now benefits from four trains an hour to and from Glasgow and Edinburgh.
What to see and do in Armadale
Stroll down Main Street to discover Armadale’s rather peculiar public house. The Goth, which opened for business in 1911 and was designed according to the Swedish Gothenburg System, to counter rising alcohol consumption. Even today The Goth’s coffee and delicious food still attract as many customers as its more typical pub beverages.
You’ll find several other pubs to choose from in the town, plus cafés and restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets. Lining the streets are a number of pretty churches – such as the Armadale Parish Church of Scotland – several florists, a jeweller and the local library. You’ll find the specialist Mill Garden Centre on the outskirts of the town.
For sporting pursuits, visit the town’s swimming pool and leisure centre. Residents and visitors alike are welcome to take the plunge or join in the host of sporting activities on offer. Armadale also boasts two busy bowling clubs and the nine-hole Bridgecastle Golf Club. Or you might prefer to catch an Armadale Thistle home game – the town’s football team regularly plays other local squads.
To enjoy one of the popular countryside walks around Armadale, head to Hardhill Wood for spectacular views over the Bathgate Hills, or go to Black Moss to amble through woodlands and by ponds. Venture a mile further and you’ll find the 169-acre Polkemmet Country Park just waiting to be explored.
Home of local motorbike heroes, The Scotwaste Monarchs, Armadale Speedway provides an adrenalin rush on Friday nights throughout the summer as visitors cheer on their favourites as they compete against teams from across the country. With no gears, brakes or rear suspension – and indeed no fear – this is a thrilling event to watch.
As with many of the towns within West Lothian, Armadale celebrates its Gala Day in June. Locals and visitors cheer on the floats and bands as they march down the High Street.
For those looking to rest their head for an evening, Tarrareoch Old Farmouse offers a warm welcome to visitors. This 300 year old farmhouse offers outstanding views across the open countryside. Other accommodation can also be found nearby in neighbouring Bathgate, offering a range of bed and breakfasts and UK renowned hotel chains.
Things to do
Mill Garden Centre
Whether you are a serious gardener, plant collector or interested in something different from the chains, you are sure to find something to suit.
Edinburgh Monarchs Armadale Speedway
Motorcycle Speedway Racing on a premier track for all the family! Race Friday Nights from March to October
Armadale Medal Route
Three different routes through town and parks accommodate different time restraints. Distance: max. 3mls / 5 kms
Xcite Armadale
Xcite Armadale has had a make-over, giving it a new reception and viewing area, more spacious fitness centre and recently refurbished pools.
Riverside Veterinary Practice
Riverside Veterinary Practice is a professional and compassionate Vets in Armadale, offering routine and emergency care.
Jet Armadale Petrol Service Station
The Jet garage in Armadale offers fuel as well as a wide range of convenience goods including groceries, Calor Gas, newspapers, magazines, snacks and more
Mill Garden Centre
Whether you are a serious gardener, plant collector or interested in something different from the chains, you are sure to find something to suit.
Armadale Shed
The Armadale Shed is a place where members can share the tools and resources they need to work on a project of their own choosing, at their own pace, and in safe, friendly and inclusive surroundings
John Dewar & Sons Butchers
Family Butchers based in Armadale for the past 30 years offering delivery.
Dashing Dolls
Dashing Dolls Hair & Beauty Lounge offer a range of Nail & Beauty treatments and Hair services in Armadale
Personal Best
Personal Best are an experienced team of specialists who deliver bespoke exercise, injury rehabilitation and nutrition programmes
Smiles Plus Dental Care
Established in 1985, the practice has been providing general dental services to NHS and private patients in central Scotland for over 35 years.
Coppies Bar
A friendly bar in Armadale showing sport on match days, with darts and pool tables available.
Beards n Brogues
Beards & Brogues offer a pure and uncomplicated approach to grooming with services covering the needs of today's gents
Armadale Medical Centre
Armadale Group Practice take great pride in offering the highest standard of patient-centred healthcare
Xcite Armadale
Xcite at West Lothian Leisure run 10 venues throughout West Lothian. This includes Swimming Pools, Sports Centres and Health & Fitness Centres. You can use any of their venues on pay-per-visit or you can join as a member.
Food & Drink
Jai's Thai
"Jai's Thai" is a takeaway selling authentic Thai cuisine in Armadale, West lothian, Scotland
Accommodation
Visit West Lothian, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian. EH54 6FF UK Registration No. SC346843
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