The ancient town of Linthlithgow has plenty to appeal to history lovers and outdoor adventurers.
History lovers flock to Linlithgow, one of Scotland’s oldest towns. The main draw here is Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary, Queen of Scots, which is open to the public. Once you’ve toured the palace, and seen its great hall, court kitchens and royal chapel, there’s plenty more to explore around town. Linlithgow Loch and its surrounding woodlands offer great walking and birdwatching opportunities, and outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy windsurfing and rafting at the Low Port Outdoor Activity Centre and boating on the Union Canal. Campers have options, from glamping in a cozy pod to parking an RV on open farmland.
The closest campsite to Linlithgow, the small, family-run Loch House Farm Caravan Park is less than a five-minute drive north of the town center. Situated on open farmland, the park has pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes and tents. The site is also convenient for visiting Falkirk, home to the Falkirk Wheel, the world's first rotating boat lift on which you can book a boat trip.
Nestled in the Bathgate Hills, a six-minute drive south of Linlithgow, Beecraigs Country Park offers walking and cycling trails through its 900 acres (370 hectares) of woodland. Located within the park, Beecraigs Caravan and Camping Site has hardstanding pitches with electric hook-up and non-electric grass pitches, as well as glamping lodges.
A 20-minute drive east of Linlithgow, the small village of Newbridge offers easy access to the Pentland Hills, which is filled with good trails, and to Jupiter Artland, a sprawling sculpture park. South of the village, and within walking distance of Edinburgh International Climbing Arena, family-run Linwater Caravan Park has pitches for tents, caravans and motorhomes, as well as glamping pods, self catering lodges and static caravans.
For long days, and your best chance of good weather, visiting between May and August is your best bet. This is also the busiest tourist season, however, especially during the school summer holidays in July/August. September is a good alternative for fewer crowds and a still pleasant climate. Although you’ll have to contend with very early sunsets, winters are mild and a great time to see wintering wildfowl on Linlithgow Loch.