Whatever destination I find myself in â big or small, quiet or bustling, popular or relatively unknown â I always make it a point to walk around and explore. Well, Iâve been to Linlithgow in Scotland, and at that time I didnât get to. :(
I was there for an Outlander tour with Maryâs Meanders (I highly recommend it, even if youâre not a fan of the show or the books), and I think the only thing I managed to do was visit Linlithgow Palace. It was actually part of the tour, but I later went back and looked at as many rooms and displays as I could.
Maybe Iâm overdue for another trip to Scotland (and maybe another Outlander tour, hehehe). If I am fortunate enough to come back, Iâll make sure to get it right and check out the local life. :)
So if we were to spend a day or two in Linlithgow before and after the tour, what should we see, eat, buy and do? Iâve got the perfect person to answer these questions: Emma Chalmers. :)
She and Anne Daly run the highly-rated Maryâs Meanders, âa specialist independent tour company based in Linlithgow, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scotsâ that offers âone-day to week-long historic, filming and ancestry toursâ.
But even if youâre not there for any of their tours, Linlithgow is an easy place to get to from Edinburgh and Glasgow â and, according to Emma, an easy starting point for a lot of historic sites and filming locations (like those in Outlander, Outlaw King and Mary Queen of Scots), which are mostly just an hour or less away.
So no excuses. :) Get ready and follow Emmaâs suggestions for a leisurely break from it all.
#1 Start at Linlithgow Palace
âThe birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, this magnificent palace was a favourite of the Stewart kings and queens in the 15th and 16th centuries.
"You can also visit the beautiful medieval St Michaelâs Parish Church (subject to restricted opening hours) where Mary was baptised, and youâll see the beautiful new bronze statue of Mary overlooking Linlithgow Peel. Outlander and Outlaw King were filmed here in recent years.â
#2 Take a walk around Linlithgow Loch like the locals
âThis flat walk takes about 45 minutes all the way around, and you get a wonderful view of the Palace across the water.â
#3 Stop for a cup of coffee
âAfter all that walking, head to one of the main cafĂŠs in town â Fenwicks of Linlithgow. They have delicious scones. If you get there around 10am, they may still be warm from coming out of the oven!
"The Granaryâs coffee really hits the spot too. Other cafĂŠs include Taste, So Strawberry Caffe, and The Jersey Bean.â
#4 Pick up a special gift
âIf youâre looking for some mementos from your visit to Linlithgow, try Jewellery By Design. They have a fabulous collection inspired by Outlander, and also pieces featuring Linlithgowâs landmarks. Other shops in town are A Wee Mindinâ and Lilypond â both have some local designed pieces.â
#5 Appreciate the views
âThe Union Canal runs behind the railway track â take a wander along the towpath and see some of the local wildlife. The Linlithgow Canal Centre houses a small museum sharing information about the history of the canal. You can also take short boat trips in the summertime, which is a relaxing way to spend some time.â
#6 Immerse yourself in a mystery or two
âeeek! Escape Rooms is Linlithgowâs newest attraction. Can you solve the Mary Queen of Scots-themed puzzles, and escape The Blunt Axe room?â
#7 Relax over a satisfying dinner
âFor evening meal options, Mason Belles Kitchen serves locally sourced produce thatâs beautifully presented. The Four Marys Pub was named after Mary Queen of Scotsâ ladies-in-waiting. Why not try a Linlithgow Gin before your dinner?
"If you're in the mood for steak, Champany Inn just outside Linlithgow is home to the finest Scotch beef. They have both a fine dining restaurant and a more informal bistro restaurant. I'm a big fan of their pepper sauce!
âYou can go to Barleo for Italian pizza and pasta, and Delhiâs Winter for some excellent Indian, too.â
For more on Maryâs Meanders, go to their site, Facebook and Instagram. Meanwhile, here are some photos from the Outlander tour â enjoy. :)