Easter in West Lothian

Mar 22, 2012 by Admin

Eggciting times ahead this Easter in West Lothian

 Looking for fun and affordable days out this Easter? Look no further than West Lothian, Scotland’s best kept secret.

 Whether you’re a looking to meet Easter bunnies, visit some historical sites or just enjoy the great outdoors, West Lothian has something for everyone.

James Bailey, Chair of Visit West Lothian said: “West Lothian has a diverse and wide range of activities and attractions which are easily accessible and perfect for all the family. Whether you are into crafts, outdoor activities or history, you can find something to do right on your doorstep this Easter.”

Eggcellent Events

Come along to Almond Valley Heritage Centre between Saturday 31st March and Monday 16th April and meet the lambs, chicks and other news arrivals on the farm. Also join in the fun by cracking the clues and hunting for hidden eggs in a traditional Easter egg hunt and make your own Easter bonnets, as well as rabbit masks. Additional attractions will be taking place over the four days of Easter (6th – 9th April), including the famous plastic duck race along the mill lade. For further information please visit: http://visitwestlothian.co.uk/events/almond-valley-events-2012/ 

On 8^th April head down to one of Scotland’s finest country homes, Hopetoun House from 10.30am until 12pm and join in a traditional workshop involving egg painting and egg rolling. The cost is £6 per child, accompanying adults £4.25. To avoid disappointment and to secure your place call the Ranger on 0131 319 3956.  Or for further information visit: http://www.hopetoun.co.uk/events_article.html&event_id=22

Alternatively give your taste buds a treat and taste samples from the Summer Harvest at the Hopetoun Farm Shop on 7^th April 12noon – 4pm. The shop offers some of the best food and drink Scotland has to offer, including carefully selected beef, lamb, game and poultry all reared on the fields of the Estate. As well as the chance to buy some great produce the Summer Harvest will present their ‘Cold Pressed Rapeseed Oil’. The oil is produced from a single variety of seed, which is grown on Ferneyfold Farm in Madderty, Perthshire. For further information please visit: http://www.hopetoun.co.uk/events_article.html&event_id=93

 Or if you’ve overindulged in chocolate Easter eggs why not pull on your trainers and register to take part in the third annual Easter Run, which will take place on Sunday 8th April at Beecraigs Country Park. There is also a special 2k run for the kids and a free warm up for the adults. To help keep the children amused there will also be an Easter egg hunt as well as a range of arts and crafts. To find out how to sign up go to http://www.westlothianrun.co.uk/2012.html.

 The Centre, Livingston will be hosting a family fun event on Saturday 14^th April as part of Livingston’s 50^th birthday celebrations. Taking place at Civic Square within The Centre, there will be a host of entertainment, games and activities for all the family from 11am -6pm to mark the town’s half-century milestone. All activity will be free however donations will be accepted for charity.  Log onto www.shopthecentre.co.uk for more information.

 Family fun

For those seeking adventure this April Bankhead Mountainballing near Broxburn offers the ultimate thrill for you and your family. Get harnessed into a sphere or float on water and enjoy the ultimate adrenaline rush in a “Mountainball Run”. This Easter roll of a lifetime is £30 per person. For more information visit: http://www.bankheadmountainball.co.uk/index.html

Golf and sport enthusiasts should head to Kingsfield Golf Centre over the Easter holidays for a day of jam packed activities and fun. With clay pigeon shooting, archery, mountain biking, and historic tours the centre has an unlimited list of things to do with you and the family. For further information please visit: http://www.kingsfieldgolf.com/index.html

 One of West Lothian’s most popular attractions, Five Sisters Zoo, near West Calder, is the latest wildlife attraction to open in West Lothian. Visitors can get close and handle a range of exotic creatures, including meerkats, pythons and tarantulas. Kids can also escape to the zoo’s large soft play area and explore the new outdoor castle and pirate ship, while parents can sit back and relax with a coffee. Open 7 Days a week April – September: 10am – 6pm. Child (3+) zoo entry: £5.00, Adult: £7.00, Concession: £5.50, Family tickets from £20-£27. For more information please visit: http://www.fivesisterszoo.co.uk/ 

 For those looking to make a splash this Easter, Low Port Centre is the perfect place. Situated in the heart of Linlithgow, Low Port Centre is one of Scotland’s premier water sports and activities centres. From kayaks and canoes, to play boats and riverboats, Low Port offers everything from taster sessions to adventure river trips. With its indoor climbing wall stretching six metres high and 18 metres long with 17 top ropes, the family can also enjoy 50 different climbs for beginners and experts.  Alternatively you can join a trained instructor on one of many exciting mountain biking routes across West Lothian. Visit http://www.lowportcentre.co.uk/ to find out more. 

 Shopping

West Lothian is also the ideal location for those looking for something a little more relaxing. For those who love to shop, the McArthur Glen Livingston Designer Outlet and The Centre are both bursting with the best brands and latest fashion trends, so you can shop until you drop while avoiding the hustle and bustle of city centre shopping. Both centres offer over 250 shops and fantastic family restaurants including names like Nando’s, Pizza Express, China Glen and wagamama. 

 History

West Lothian is also home to some of Scotland’s best historical gems. Hopetoun House, Linlithgow Palace and the Torphichen Preceptory are ideal if you want to explore the area’s rich heritage which is home to some very well known figures in Scotland’s history, including Mary Queen of Scots.

  To find out more about all the great things to see and do in West Lothian please go to www.visitwestlothian.co.uk