Linlithgow, a town in West Lothian, has been named the most beautiful place in the Scottish Lowlands, beating Edinburgh and St Andrews to the title. The ranking comes from Love Exploring, which placed Linlithgow eleventh on its UK-wide list and first in the Scottish Lowlands.
What Makes Linlithgow Stand Out
Love Exploring highlighted Linlithgow's location next to Linlithgow Loch, just west of Edinburgh, and its status as the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots. The remains of her palace offer impressive views over the loch and the surrounding countryside.
The town's main attraction is Linlithgow Palace, a ruined birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, built and added to by the Stewart kings over two centuries. Historic Environment describes it as "an ideal place for royals to break the journey between Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle," with high towers overlooking lush greenery and a loch brimming with wildfowl and wildlife, today a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
History and Natural Beauty
Adjacent to the Palace is St Michael's Parish Church, constructed in the 15th century and the most complete example of a surviving late medieval church in Scotland. A walk down the High Street reveals historic buildings, old "wynds" and "closes," and the Cross Well, featuring carved notable figures from Linlithgow and topped by a unicorn statue, Scotland's national animal.
Linlithgow Loch is one of only two remaining natural lowland lochs in the Lothians. Birding Places notes its breeding populations of Little Grebe and Great Crested Grebe, visible all year round, along with some of the largest flocks of Eurasian Coot, Mute Swan, and Tufted Duck in the Lothians, joined in winter by Common Pochard, Common Goldeneye, and Greylag Goose.
Things to Do in Linlithgow
The Canal and John Muir Way offers a two-hour circular trail along the canal, through the town centre, and up to the palace. The Linlithgow Canal Centre runs special trips on the last Sunday of the summer to the Falkirk Wheel and back, taking around six hours and requiring advance booking.
Beecraigs Country Park, near the town, is home to a red deer herd, Highland cattle fold, belted galloways, and Hebridean and North Ronaldsay sheep. June brings the Linlithgow Marches, a civic procession, and a classic car day later in the summer, while Historic Environment Scotland runs a Spectacular Jousting event each summer.
Laura of Sunhats and Chardonnay wrote: "To many travelers, it's a charming stop between Edinburgh and Stirling - a picturesque Scottish town with a tranquil loch, a majestic ruined palace, and cobbled streets that echo with royal history." She added: "If you find yourself in Scotland with time for a day trip, put Linlithgow on your list. Wander the palace. Explore the cemeteries. Sit by the loch. Let the place speak to you."
