landmark
The Kelpies
Two 30-metre steel horse-head sculptures towering over the canal at Falkirk, a striking modern landmark off the M9.
15 km · about 30 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomScotland
Bathgate
Scotland, United Kingdom · Europe
About Bathgate
Bathgate works well as a base: 5 minutes from East Whitburn, 17km from Culross.
Bathgate is in Scotland, United Kingdom, with about 24,000 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is East Whitburn, about 4 km away.
Bathgate (Scots: Bathket or Bathkit, Scottish Gaelic: Both Chèit) is a town in West Lothian, Scotland, 5 miles (8 km) west of Livingston and adjacent to the M8 motorway. Nearby towns are Linlithgow, Livingston, and West Calder. A number of villages fall under the umbrella of Bathgate, including Blackburn, Whitburn,Read more
Stoneyburn, Armadale, Torphichen and Fauldhouse.
Situated 2 miles (3 km) south of the ancient Neolithic burial site at Cairnpapple Hill, Bathgate and the surrounding area show signs of habitation since about 3500 BC and the world's oldest known reptile fossil has been found in the town. By the 12th century, Bathgate was a small settlement, with a church at Kirkton and a castle north of the present day town centre. Local mines were established in the 17th century but the town remained small in size until the coming of the industrial revolution. By the Victorian era, Bathgate grew in prominence as an industrial and mining centre, principally associated with the coal and shale oil industries. By the early 20th century, much of the mining and heavy industry around the town had ceased and the town developed manufacturing industries, principally in vehicle production and later electronics before these factories closed in the late 20th century.
Today Bathgate is the second largest town in West Lothian, after Livingston and serves as a regional commuter town within the Scottish Central Belt.
Where to Stay in Bathgate
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Bathgate?
Within an hour or so of Bathgate: The Kelpies (15 km), Culross (17 km), Queensferry Crossing (18 km), Forth Bridge (19 km).
Are there any good drives near Bathgate?
The nearest famous roads are The Royal Mile, Rest and Be Thankful (A83) and Glen Lyon.
Where is Bathgate?
Bathgate is in Scotland, United Kingdom, about 4 km from East Whitburn.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 23,600
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Scotland
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 55.9020, -3.6440
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Bathgate
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
photogenic
Culross
Scotland's most complete 17th-century burgh: ochre-coloured Culross Palace, cobbled wynds and white-harled cottages on the Firth of Forth, preserved by the National Trust. Doubles as Cranesmuir in Outlander.
17 km · about 20 min drive
bridge
Queensferry Crossing
The world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.
18 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
Forth Bridge
UNESCO-listed Victorian cantilever railway bridge spanning the Firth of Forth, a masterwork of 19th-century engineering in 54,000 tonnes of steel.
19 km · about 20 min drive
cafe
The Bikers Cove
A waterfront biker cafe in South Queensferry beneath the iconic Forth bridges, offering stunning views and a warm welcome to riders.
19 km · about 20 min drive
landmark
The Dunmore Pineapple
An outrageous 14m stone pineapple crowns this 1761 walled-garden folly, built for the Earl of Dunmore and rated among Britain's most eccentric buildings. Free to visit, hidden down a lane near Airth.
21 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Edinburgh Zoo
Scotland's capital zoo home to the UK's only giant pandas and over 1,000 rare and endangered animals.
24 km · about 25 min drive
racetrack
Knockhill Racing Circuit
Scotland's national motorsport centre, a compact but thrilling circuit with sharp elevation changes near Dunfermline.
27 km · about 30 min drive
Driving roads near Bathgate
6 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 100km.
- 18 kmQueensferry CrossingThe world's longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge, opened in 2017, carrying the M90 high over the Firth of Forth alongside its famous Victorian and 1960s neighbours: three centuries of bridges in one view.
- 29 kmThe Royal MileEdinburgh's historic spine of cobbled streets and closes linking the castle to Holyrood Palace, lined with landmarks.
- 29 kmCalton HillAn accessible hilltop crowned with neoclassical monuments, giving the classic skyline view of Edinburgh at sunset.
- 30 kmArthur's Seat, EdinburghAncient volcanic peak rising 251 metres in the heart of Edinburgh, offering panoramic city views from its dramatic summit.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
May to September
Far northern latitude: short daylight hours outside summer make long drives harder.
Nearby Destinations
Other places to explore near Bathgate.
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