Livingston: Industrial Heritage, Art and Landscape

Livingston combines West Lothian’s industrial heritage with cultural attractions, public art and walking trails through the countryside. If you’re looking for a hotel in Livingston, you can plan your stay around whether historic places, culture or outdoor activities are your main interests.

Industrial history and townscape

At the Almond Valley Heritage Centre, exhibitions showcase the heritage of shale mining and oil production in West Lothian. The collection on Scotland’s shale oil industry has been recognised by the Scottish Government as being of national importance. Almond Valley also includes a historic watermill and stone barns that served local agriculture for centuries. The region’s industrial history and agricultural past are presented as distinct themes.

Livingston Village offers another perspective on the area’s history. The old Main Street is lined with original miners’ houses. While Almond Valley focuses on the shale oil industry and agricultural buildings, the preserved homes shape the character of the old street in Livingston Village.

Culture, art and skatepark

Reconnect Howden Park hosts ongoing professional and community performances, exhibitions, classes and events. The venue includes a 296-seat auditorium, a gallery, an art studio and a pottery workshop. Its cultural programme offers a range of formats, from performances and exhibitions to classes.

You can also discover public art in Livingston independently: a free, self-guided tour of public artworks is available year-round. Livingston Skate Park combines a notable history with activities on site. It was Scotland’s first purpose-built skatepark and was built by LDC in 1981. Skateboarding, cycling and roller skating are free there.

Trails and landscapes

The wooded Murieston Trail follows the Murieston Water, passes a playground and meadows, and ends at Campbridge Pond. Along the way, it takes in a watercourse, open meadows and a clearly marked destination.

At 217 metres, Dechmont Law is the highest hill in the Livingston area. A guided walk through the adjoining Woodland Trust woods is available by mobile phone. Linhouse Glen, a nearby landscape with a different character, lies south of Livingston and north of the Linhouse Water. It features heathland, native woodland and species-rich grassland.

Fishing and shopping

Eliburn Reservoir is currently operated as a four-acre coarse fishing venue. As fishing regulations can change, check the latest conditions before your visit.

Livingston Designer Outlet has more than 70 boutiques, as well as restaurants and cafés. The shops and dining options may change. Shopping is another possible focus for your stay, alongside culture and the landscape.

Discover more destinations: Gullane, Pumpherston, Uphall, Winchburgh, Bathgate, Dunbar, Fauldhouse, East Calder

For the main travel overview: Lothian.