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Bathgate is a traditional Scottish town with bustling streets surrounded by gentle rolling hills. Let’s discover its past and find out what it offers today. A warm, friendly welcome awaits you in Bathgate. Fly fishing, golf or a trip to the threatre? There’s something for everyone.
History
At the foot of the scenic and historic Bathgate Hills, the town and its " bairns" ( a term used to denote the townspeople of Bathgate) have played a significant part in our nation's history. From its physical origins in the 12th century when it was a local centre for religious and civil authority - at one time the then "village" of Bathgate had both a castle (now long gone) and a church - whose ruins can still be visited located a mile outside the town ( opposite Kikrton Public Park) to its development as an agricultural centre whose importance was testified in the 16th century when James VI of Scotland granted it the right to hold a quarterly fair and later on as a centre for weaving - the town's Bennie Museum located in Mansefild Street is a combination of two 18th century weavers' cottages. With the advent of the nineteenth century which saw the construction of the old Academy (in Marjoribanks Street) the town achieved a new status as an educational centre. In addition both Marjoribanks Street and Balbardie are further evidence of increasing Victorian prosperity. Today, the town continues to enjoy a prominent position in the county both in terms of size and importance as a local services centre.
As mentioned previously, some of its inhabitants ( "Bathgate bairns") have gone to play an important role in various fields such as Sir James Young Simpson who discovered the value of chloroform as an anaesthetic; Rev. John Fleming whose works on zoology even Darwin himself consulted; Sir George Harvie-Watt who was Winston Churchill's PPS during WWII to sportsmen such as Bernard Gallagher, Eric Brown and Elliot Bunney to recall that Bathgate has punched above its weight. ....
Bathgate Today
Today Bathgate town centre is a designated Business Improvement District with plenty to offer.
Stroll through the town and explore its wide variety of local shops. From well known stores to small, independent retailers you can select a prime cut of beef, choose an outfit, try on some jewellery, get fitted for your wedding dress or order the most delectable cakes for a special occasion.
For sports enthusiasts, Bathgate has a superb sports center, open to the public 7 days a week offering a state of the art gym, swimming pool, and beautiful 9-par golf course.
Enjoy a spot of fly fishing at Ballencrieff Fishery. Located at Ballencrieff Toll, it offers excellent fly fishing with spectacular views and can accommodate all levels of anglers.
Visitors to Bathgate can enjoy an excellent range of cafes and restaurants.
Choose from traditional Scottish to Italian, Chinese and Indian cuisine. Whether it’s morning coffee, afternoon tea or a relaxing dinner, there is something for all tastes and occasions.
Spend the evening with friends in one of Bathgate’s bars or pubs. The young at heart can take to the dance floor in a popular nightclubs
Things to do
Bathgate Cinema
Whether it's a family favourite, a fast-paced action or a classic comedy - there's a film to suit everyone's taste at Bathgate's brand new cinema attraction.
Bathgate History Trail
This trail takes in 20 attractions all over Scotland connected to Mary Queen of Scots, the most famous and intriguing member of the Scottish monarchs.
Bathgate Hills
West Lothian has changed enormously over the last 330 million years. Evidence of these changes is all around you... if you just know what to look for.
Tailend Moss
Situated a mile south-east of Bathgate and close to Junction 3a on the M8, Tailend Moss is a lowland raised bog composed of deep peat.
Petershill
Situated on the north-east edge of Bathgate, Petershill was a limestone quarry in the 18th Century, converted to reservoirs in the 19th Century and drained in 1986.
Bogburn Flood Lagoons
Located in Bathgate, Bogburn Flood Lagoons consists of three open freshwater pools surrounded by marshy grassland and swamp, a habitat favoured by wildfowl
Reconnect Regal Theatre
The Reconnect Regal Theatre in the heart of Bathgate is a lively hub of entertainment, community arts and events
Bennie Museum
The Bennie Museum opened in 1989 as a museum of Bathgate’s history and life. It has been commended by the Association of Scottish Visitor Attractions.
Dreadnought Rock
Dreadnought Rock is the place to be in West Lothian if you love your Rock Music or enjoy a great night out in a safe and relaxed environment !
Bathgate Golf Club
Bathgate Golf Club is the proud home of 2 Ryder Cup Captains– Eric Brown and Bernard Gallacher. The course is a generally flat 18 hole course
Balbardie Park Golf Course
Our 9 hole golf course, suited in Balbardie Park of Peace @ Xcite Bathgate, offers players an ideal course suitable for beginners as well experienced golfers.
Bathgate 28 miles
This challenging cycle tour, climbing into the Bathgate Hills, affords views of much of central Scotland including the Trossaches and Ben Lomond.
The Bathgate Alps
The name was given to the area by West Lothian Clarion founding member Sadiq Mir in 2007.
Xcite Bathgate
Xcite Bathgate offers a great range of activities and facilities for all ages and abilities.
Food & Drink
The Panda
The Panda Restaurant is renowned in the area for its quality and presentation of freshly prepared Chinese food.
Indie Roots
Tucked away on the streets of Bathgate, this romantic little Indian restaurant has earned itself a loyal following for its low-fat, colour free cuisine.
The Golden Swallow
The Golden Swallow Restaurant, in Bathgate, has been serving high quality Chinese food for over thirty years.
D’nisi Cafe
Located in the heart of Bathgate, specialising in premium “roasted in-store” coffees, contemporary hand baked scones and fresh delicious soups.
Accommodation
Premier Inn – Bathgate
The Premier Inn Bathgate offers comfort and convenience for both leisure and business travellers.
The Balbairdie Hotel
The Balbairdie Hotel has ten spacious en suite rooms, with a number of family rooms available on request
The Cairn Hotel
The Cairn Hotel in Bathgate is just 5 minutes from the M8 motorway and a 15-minute drive from Edinburgh Airport or the Tram services to Edinburgh City Centre.
Smarhus Cottage
Smarhus Cottage offers high quality accommodation from which to explore central Scotland.
Visit West Lothian, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian. EH54 6FF UK Registration No. SC346843
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