If you’re looking for exciting things to do and interesting places to visit this Easter, look no further than West Lothian, central Scotland’s playground. Whether you’re looking for an Easter egg hunt, or you want to uncover a historical site or you simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, West Lothian has something for everyone.

James Bailey, Chair of Visit West Lothian said: “As a visitor destination West Lothian is going from strength to strength. With a wide range of wonderful attractions and diverse activities you will not be disappointed. Whether you are into crafts, outdoor activities or history, the whole family will be kept busy throughout the Easter holiday period. With so much to do in West Lothian I’ll guarantee you will want to come back time and time again.”

Eggcellent Events

Between Friday 29 March and Monday 15 April make sure you visit Almond Valley Heritage Centre and join in with its Easter Eggcitement activities. You and your family can meet lambs, chicks and other new arrivals on the farm and hunt for Easter eggs. Between Good Friday and Easter Monday Almond Valley’s famous plastic duck race will also take place as part of the Easter celebrations. Over 500 numbered plastic ducks will go cascading down Mill Lade. There will also be the opportunity to get creative and make Easter bonnets and rabbit masks and join in with other seasonal fun. To find out more go to:  http://www.almondvalley.co.uk/Events.html

One of West Lothian’s best loved country houses and estates, Hopetoun, will host an Easter Egg’stravaganza on Monday 1 April between 10.30am and 12pm. The traditional workshop, which is not to be missed, will involve egg painting, egg rolling and other eggciting activities. Don’t forget to bring along a hardboiled egg or two! Booking is required so call Hopetoun’s Ranger on 0131 319 3956 or email ranger@hopetoun.co.uk.

The House of the Binns will also stage its own Cadbury Easter Egg Trail on Monday 1 April. Follow the trail around the beautiful grounds, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury Easter egg! To find out more go to:

http://www.nts.org.uk/Property/House-of-the-Binns/Events/Soon/

Family fun

For those seeking adventure this Easter 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”. 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 golf the centre has an unlimited list of things to do for 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 will give visitors the chance to get close and meet a range of exotic creatures, including meerkats, bears and lemurs. 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. 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, families can enjoy 50 different climbs from beginners to experts.  Alternatively you can join a trained instructor on one of the many exciting mountain biking routes across West Lothian. Visit http://www.lowportcentre.co.uk/ to find out more.

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, 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