The largest town in West Lothian, Livingston is a modern, thriving centre with many attractions for visitors and residents making it the perfect place to visit for a day out in the central belt of Scotland.
History
Once a farming region, Livingston started to grow along with the discovery of shale oil in 1852 in the surrounding area. As the world’s first oil boom arrived on its doorstep, the original village of Livingston was home to many of the areas local miners.
A pretty village, Livingston Village as it is now known is well worth a visit to take a stroll down the old Main Street and view the original miners cottages, small shops and enjoy a glass of something cool or bite to eat in the Livingston Inn. Built in 1760 one famous resident, Robert Burns, drew his inspiration for his song “The Bonnie Lass of Livingston”.
Scotland’s New Towns Act was passed in 1946 to ease the overcrowding and Livingston was one of five new towns created.
With excellent road links and rail links offering four trains an hour between Glasgow and Edinburgh, Livingston has grown from strength to strength attracting new businesses, housing, schools and excellent retail and recreational facilities.
What to see and do in Livingston.
Visitors flock from far and wide to take advantage of the luxury brand labels available at discounted prices in the Livingston designer outlet. The Designer Outlet also boasts a large cinema complex, cafes, restaurants and bars along with indoor Adventure Golf – a huge hit with the kids. Across the road is another major shopping centre - The Centre - featuring UK High Street brands along with a great selection of eateries.
For those with young children, pay a visit to Almond Valley Heritage Centre and find out more about Livingston’s farming history. They can take a tractor ride, talk to the animals and in Spring can count the baby chickens or bottle feed a lamb. Mums can relax with a coffee whilst children play in the soft play area.
The new Eliburns Park, has a great selection of outdoor activities for children with hidden tunnels, climbing frames, a flying fox and adventurous swings. Adjoined by several football pitches Sunday morning sees local and visiting teams compete for the goalposts. Not forgetting, our home team at Livingston Football Club. Surrounded by fields and woods, this is a great area to enjoy a country walk. Take a moment to watch the fisherman casting off for carp, trench, orfe, rudd, roach and perch at Eliburn Reservoir.
Older children can display their skills at Livingston Skatepark – one of the UK’s top skateboarding locations – or pay a visit to indoor motor racing at Racing Karts. “Big Kids” can enjoy an adventure filled afternoon at Delta Force Paintball.
Other sporting venues include Xcite Livingston with a gym, soft play and fun swimming pool featuring slides, fountains and rapids. Young children can enjoy Beach Party evenings on the last Friday of the month.
The refurbished Howden Park Centre, is a super venue for the local Arts and Crafts and Performing Arts enthusiasts. Check out their timetable of events, performances and activities. Visitors can also enjoy a coffee or light bite in their inviting restaurant.
Livingston is fortunate to be surrounded by a wealth of excellent golf courses and visitors to Livingston can enjoy a round of golf at the beautiful Deer Park Golf and Country Club. Complete with health club, guests can also enjoy a drink or meal in their restaurant and also enjoy a fun game of 10 pin bowling.
Welcome to tenpin bowling at Deer Park. Check out all the available offers, prices and packages that are available.
Set amidst tiki huts, palm trees & exotic plants, Paradise Island creates a fun atmosphere for everyone, but there’s only one thing to remember; its not the taking part that counts..it’s the winning!
Situated to the south of Livingston and to the north of the Linhouse Water, Linhouse Glen is a mixture of habitats including heathland, native woodland and species-rich grassland
West Lothian's most exciting venue for arts performances, music, theatre, comedy, dance, exhibitions, classes and food.
Enjoy this free self-guided walking tour of public artworks in the heart of Livingston all year round! Perfect for a short little break when you have a bit of time on your hands
WEXPRESIF Creative Arts Studios are based in the heart of Livingston, West Lothian. We are a multi-disciplinary creative arts studio, comprising of 3 art studios and a photography studio and easily accessibly in a warm, friendly, inviting space. We deliver various creative experiences from children's art classes to adult courses and workshops, with additional seasonal art camps throughout the year and weekend events. Our studios are a space for the coming together to learn, educate, relax, explore, and have fun.
Almond Valley holds the Scottish Shale Oil Industry collection, recognised as a museum collection of national importance, comprising the surviving official records of the shale oil companies.
We are a traditional garden centre offering a wide variety of quality gardening products and stunning plants.
A great public place where you can hang out with friends and take part in a number of sports for free!
Play. Socialise. Celebrate. Together at Innoflate. Get ready to bounce at Innoflate, Livingston's premier giant inflatable park! Perfect for children, families, birthday parties, and even corporate team-building events, Innoflate offers an unforgettable experience. Whether you're looking to have fun, socialize, or celebrate, this entertainment hotspot has something for everyone, creating lasting memories with every jump!
Regarded as one of the finest and most challenging golf courses in central Scotland, the 18hole course boasts spacious tree lined fairways and views over Fife and West Lothian.
Pumpherston is a 6000 yard, par 70 course with greens constructed to USPGA standard. The course offers a true test for golfers of all abilities
A nice, gentle walk which begins at one of our most popular family attractions. Distance: 4mls / 6.5kms
This circular ride explores some of the nicest parts of Livingston, the parts you never see from a car!
The fishery is located in the peaceful surroundings of Selmmuir Forest. Located just south of Livingston, the fishery is easily reached from anywhere on the central belt.
Xcite Craigswood caters for the casual sports player as much as for the serious athlete.
The Livingston Football Club hosts regular games for all the Lions supporters, but it has so much more to offer; there are fantastic weekly coaching sessions for kids as well as sessions for adults.
Livingston Designer Outlet, is home to over 70 stores - offering savings of up to 60% on premium and designer brands including Fossil, Fred Perry, Lacoste and Tommy Hilfiger.
The Beefeater brand launched in 1974 offering tasty food and great value. Located right beside the Premier Inn and just off the M8, this makes the restaurant easily accessible.
La Campana (which means The Bell) offers an exciting blend of traditional and modern Italian cuisine with Scottish influences, as well as fine wines>
With an emphasis on fine food and wines, a tempting menu of popular dishes is available all day, every day, with an extensive wine list and choice of premium brand beers and spirits
Pizza Express can be found inside the Livingston Designer Outlet. This makes it an ideal stop off midshop or a nice reward at the end of an afternoon’s shopping
In 1958, Frank and Dan Carney had an idea for a great local pizza restaurant in Wichita Kansas
Tony Macaroni Livingston is the latest addition to the Tony Macaroni family, and serves authentic Italian cuisine created using only the finest ingredients
With a japanese-inspired menu wagamama offers a wide range of delicious noodles, rice and side dishes, desserts, freshly squeezed juices, hot drinks, wine, sake and asian beers.
Situated in the heart of Livingston Designer Outlet, Hot Flame World Banquet Livingston brings you a world of fresh cooking from our live cooking stations and our wide variety of fresh dishes from around the world.
Built in 1760, Livingston Inn stands in its own grounds and is set within a Scottish conservation village in Livingston, West Lothian.
The Saltire in Livingston is a great local pub well known for its flame-grilled steaks and flaming challenges for those who think they can take it on! The pub also shows all the big games live on Sky Sports & BT Sport too!
Artisan Cheesecakes is a family run business, specialised in cheesecakes. We make different flavoured cheesecakes every day and aim to make all cheesecake-lovers dreams come true!
This bespoke cook school opened in October 2014 and now deliver a range of cookery activities for adults, children and corporate customers.
Enjoy a chocolate filled day out with family and friends at Gooey Events Limited, Livingston.
Set within the prestigious Deer Park clubhouse the cuisine here is simple and elegant.
3 Star Hotel in Livingston town centre with 120 Bedrooms, meeting and event rooms and leisure centre.
Our picturesque charm is not easy to define. Set within its own grounds, linked directly to foot paths and cycle routes of Murieston waters, the country settings can be easily enjoyed by its guests.
Built in 1760, Livingston Inn stands in its own grounds and is set within a Scottish conservation village in Livingston, West Lothian.
The Premier Inn, Livingston is a comfortable stopover which offers excellent value in a convenient location.
Superior accommodation; all ground floor rooms. Fantastic breakfasts using free range products
Bankhead Farm has converted a farm courtyard into beautiful modern visitor accommodation.
Rooms all on ground floor, small and friendly using local and award winning produce from Ramsay of Caluke.
Home from Home Bed and Breakfast in Livingston is ideally located for tourists and business travellers' alike.
Visit West Lothian, Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian. EH54 6FF UK Registration No. SC346843
Great for