Linlithgow Museum
Free local museum on the first floor of the Linlithgow Partnership Centre telling the story of the royal burgh and its people in three galleries.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Linlithgow Museum is run by the Linlithgow Heritage Trust, a Scottish charity. For many years it was based in Annet House on the High Street. In 2019 it moved to the first floor of the Linlithgow Partnership Centre at 93 High Street, a short walk from Linlithgow Palace.
Three galleries tell the story of the town, covering its royal connections, notable local people, industry, everyday life and stories that are still developing. The collections include objects, photographs, documents and memories linked to Linlithgow and its people, and the museum continues to collect local stories.
The museum also runs changing exhibitions, talks, events and learning activities. Its mascot BB, a time-travelling explorer, guides younger visitors through the collections with Explorer Challenges.
Highlights
- Three galleries on the history of Linlithgow
- Royal links, including Mary, Queen of Scots
- Stories of local people such as Sir Charles Wyville Thomson
- Explorer Challenges with the mascot BB for young visitors
- Free entry and step-free access by lift
Permanent exhibition
- Linlithgow’s story galleries – Three galleries on the royal connections, notable people, industry and everyday life of Linlithgow.
- Founded
- 1991
- Operated by
- Linlithgow Heritage Trust
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Entry is free; visitors are invited to support the museum with a donation.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The museum is on the first floor and is reached by the public passenger lift at the end of the ground-floor corridor (the lift nearest the museum is a goods lift and not for public use). The galleries are on one level, though some areas are narrower around individual displays. Seating is available, accessible toilets and baby changing are in the Partnership Centre, and one disabled parking space is in Court Square beside the building. Guide and assistance dogs are welcome.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
The museum describes itself as family friendly. Families can follow trails, play games and interactives, and take on the BB Explorer Challenges. There is space for buggies in the museum and baby changing in the Partnership Centre.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Linlithgow Cross bus stops
Linlithgow railway station, with frequent trains from Glasgow and Edinburgh, is about a 10-minute walk along the High Street. Buses stop a few dozen yards east of Linlithgow Cross: eastbound on the north side of the High Street, westbound on the south side.
By car
Parking available
Limited parking, including one disabled bay, in Court Square beside the museum. Paid parking at The Cross Car Park, a few minutes’ walk away. Bike parking is outside the Partnership Centre.
- Accessible parking
By car, leave the M9 at Junction 3 (from Edinburgh and the east) or Junction 4 (from the west). Boat visitors can moor next to the Linlithgow Canal Centre, a few minutes’ walk from the Union Canal.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The museum sells a Young Explorers range of toys, activities and gifts.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School visits and visits by community groups, societies and care groups can be arranged in advance, and may be possible outside normal opening days with enough notice. Contact the museum with group size and access needs. |
