Linlithgow Palace
This splendid ruined Palace is best known as
the Birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots in 1542 and her father James V in 1513. It was
James who built the Gothic fountain which stands in the Palace courtyard as a wedding
present for her mother, Mary of Guise. Linlithgow Palace has been the home of many of our
monarchs throughout the years. In 1746 a fire destroyed the Palace and left it as it
stands today (picture on home page)
St Michael's Church
Situated beside the historic Palace, the
church is acknowledged to be one of the finest medieval churches in the country. The
Church's aluminium spire replaces an open stone crown removed in 1821 because it was
considered dangerous. Other interesting features include the stained glass windows
(picture on home page)
The Linlithgow Story
Annet House is a handsome Georgian building
at the heart of Linlithgow which was built in the 18th century by a local merchant on the
site of an early 17th century house.Today it houses an interesting museum which celebrates
Linlithgow's past and present
Canal Museum, Tearoom And
Cruises
Three boats operate for public
cruising;"Victoria" and "St Magdalene".The museum is in the original
canal stables and displays artifacts, photographs, an audio visual presentation,
information and sales of momentoes. The tearoom is in the original canal cottage and is
homely and warm with a wood burning stove.The canal basin is an ideal location for
picnics.All these facilities are operated by volunteer members of The Linlithgow Canal
Society (picture on home page)
Town Tour and Audio Guides
An easy to operate cassette trail which
takes you on a tour of the town,exploring its history,stories, personalities, industry,
and much more.The tour runs on Sony Walkmans which are available from the Linlithgow
Tourist Information Centre.
Nearby Attractions
BEECRAIGS COUNTY PARK (near
Linlithgow)
1,000 acre county park including trout farm,
deer farm, target and field archery courses, water sports, angling, orienteering, rock
climbing, barbecue and picnic areas, trim-course, space net, woodland walk, camping and
caravan site, restuarant and bar. Ranger service, information centre and view points
BO'NESS AND KINNIEL RAILWAY
(Bo'ness)
At Bo'ness, The Scottish Railway
Preservation Society has assembled Scotland's largest collection of railway architecture.
A visitor trail leads to the north yard where locomotives, carriages and waggons,
including heritage mainline diesels may be seen. A steam train travels along the southern
shore of the Firth of Forth to Birkhill. The volunteers of the Society organise various
special events throughout the year.
BIRKHILL FIRECLAY MINE (near
Bo'ness)
Birkhill Fireclay Mine owes its existence to
the Industrial Revolution.Fireclay was manufactured into fire bricks which were used
wherever heat intensive work was carried out in foundries, smelters, refineries etc. A
guided tour of the caverns of the mine reveals 300 million year old fossils of giant tree
ferns, which grew in equatorial swamps before the dinosaurs ruled the earth.
BLACKNESS CASTLE (Blackness)
This 15th century fortress, which gives the
impresssion of a stone battleship, is situated at the edge of the River Forth on the
peaceful little village of Blackness. In the past it has endured violent struggles between
the Douglas and Chrichton families and has been used as a medieval state prison. More
recently it was used as the setting for the last production of Hamlet starring Mel Gibson.
THE HOUSE OF THE BINNS (by
Linlithgow)
The House of the Binns was handed into the
care of the National Trust for Scotland in 1944, but it remains the family home of the
Dalyell family. It is beautifully furnished house which has been occupied for over 350
years and remains virtually the same since its restoration in the 17th century when
fortified strongholds gave way to more gracious mansions.
HOPETOUN HOUSE (South
Queensferry)
Set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland
stands Hopetoun House, 'Scotland's Finest Stately Home'. This Adam mansion is the
residence of the Marquess of Linlithgow. Much of the original furniture can still be seen.
Hopetoun offers nature trails, deer parks, gardens, exhibitions, family museum, restaurant
and picnic areas.
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