Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Livingston

We've collected top 10 mentioned free attractions in Livingston from other articles such as whichmuseum.co.uk, Only By Land, Days Out Scotland.

Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Livingston

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle
4.6 (64082 ratings)4.5 (44933 ratings)
An 11th-century castle and barracks housing the Crown Jewels and National War Museum of Scotland.
Castlehill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG, United Kingdom
CastleSights & LandmarksHistorical landmark
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
4.6 (8857 ratings)4.5 (12230 ratings)
Long-standing tower with five floors showcasing hands-on exhibits of whimsical optical illusions.
Castlehill, Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 2ND, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksScience MuseumsObservation Decks & Towers
Mentioned by girl gone london
39+ Romantic Things to do in Edinburgh for Couples
"Try a trip to Camera Obscura, an optical illusion attraction in Edinburgh that features tons of different illusions as well as plays on light, sound and movement. While Camera Obscura may not be the most romantic thing to do in Edinburgh in the same way that a luxurious spa treatment or fancy dinner would, it’s a great idea for what to do in Edinburgh as a couple who want to have fun and laugh together."
Mentioned by Edinburgh 2 days itinerary
2 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
"Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions Camera Obscura is located one block down the Royal Mile from the Edinburgh Castle. If you are visiting Edinburgh with kids, this is an awesome spot to visit. Six floors are filled with illusions, puzzles, and optical tricks."
Mentioned by Edinburgh Festivals
Attractions
"Swap noses and heads, walk through a tunnel of never-ending stars and capture your own shadow on camera. Free rooftop telescopes. Enter a world of illusions where seeing is definitely not believing!"
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
4.6 (7230 ratings)4.5 (5872 ratings)
Grand, Gothic medieval building and Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach.
High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
CathedralSights & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
Calton Hill
Calton Hill
4.7 (2428 ratings)4.5 (8262 ratings)
Prominent hill with neoclassical monuments & sweeping views of the city skyline & Edinburgh Castle.
Edinburgh, EH7 5AA, United Kingdom
Mountain peakSights & LandmarksLighthousesGeologic FormationsPoints of Interest & LandmarksLookouts
Mentioned by 10Best
Enjoy Wide Open Spaces, Flora and Fauna in Edinburgh's Parks
"Originally known as Caltoun or Caldoun Hill, Calton Hill offers one of the best and most iconic views of the city of Edinburgh. Granted to the people of Edinburgh by James II in 1456, the hill is now home to a bewildering number of buildings and monuments including the National Monument (an unfinished folly resembling the front of the Parthenon which is dedicated to those who died in the Napoleonic wars), Nelson's Monument (housing a time-ball mechanism by which ships used to set their chronometers), the Dugald Stewart Monument (a beautiful circular temple of nine columns dedicated to the Scottish philosopher), the Political Martyrs Monument, and the City Observatory (to name only a few). Recommended for Parks because: Calton Hill is home to some of the most famous Edinburgh monuments and offers some of the best views of the city."
Mentioned by 10Best
Best Free Things to Do in Edinburgh: Save Money, Have Fun
"This hill at the east end of Princes Street provides the ideal perch for viewing Edinburgh's loveliest sights, including the Castle, New Town, Holyrood and Arthur's Seat. At 100 feet, you'll be surprised at how extensive the view is from the crest, and it's a great place for a picnic lunch. At the top of the hill, you'll find Nelson's monument, offering added lift for an increased perspective of the city."
Mentioned by hitched.co.uk
The Most Romantic Places to Propose in Edinburgh
"If you’re in the market for a picture-perfect proposal spot, look no further than Calton Hill It boasts sights of the city and looks absolutely magical at dawn and dusk. As an added plus, it comes with built-in engagement photo backdrops - the Nelson Monument and National Monument."
Princes Street Gardens
Princes Street Gardens
4.6 (21567 ratings)4.5 (6817 ratings)
Green Flag park of geological/botanical interest, home to several public monuments and memorials.
Princes St, Edinburgh, EH2 2HG, United Kingdom
ParkNature & ParksGardens
Mentioned by BabyBreaks
30 Things to Do with Kids in Edinburgh in 2021
"In view of the Castle and separating the Old Town and New Town, Princes Street Gardens are one of the most popular green spots in the city. Divided into East and West, they attract dog walkers, city workers and families in search of some calm and tranquillity on the midst of the capital. The perfect spot for a picnic on a sunny day."
Mentioned by cityexplorerstours.com
Best parks and gardens in Edinburgh
"Located between Princes Street and the Old Town, these gardens are a beautiful place to enjoy, and easily accessible from the city centre."
Dugald Stewart Monument
Dugald Stewart Monument
4.6 (647 ratings)4 (33 ratings)
Built in 1831, this hilltop monument to Dugald Stewart was modeled after Athens' Tower of the Winds.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH1 3BJ, United Kingdom
MonumentSights & LandmarksMonuments & StatuesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Easyvoyage
Strolling down the historic streets of Edinburgh
"Calton Hill sits in the center of Edinburgh and boasts the famous Duglad Stewart Monument. This structure is dedicated to the Scottish philosopher of the same name, who taught Economics, Natural Philosophy, and Greek and Logic at Edinburgh University. The monument, built in 1834, was designed by William Henry Playfair, who as we already know, was responsible for the designs behind The Scottish National Gallery."
Mentioned by Only By Land
36 Iconic Edinburgh Landmarks + Top Instagram Spots
"The Dugald Stewart Monument is based on the design of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. But who is Dugald Stewart?. Dugald Stewart was a philosopher and professor at Edinburgh University."
Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve
Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve
4.7 (1790 ratings)4.5 (55 ratings)
Views over the city from hillside walking trails and a riverside valley teeming with nature.
Hermitage of Braid, Edinburgh, EH9 3HJ, United Kingdom
Nature preserveNature & ParksParkNature & Wildlife Areas
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert
The Parish Church of St Cuthbert
4.5 (348 ratings)4.5 (94 ratings)
Public garden setting for a late-Victorian church with Byzantine fittings and ornate stained glass.
5 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP, United Kingdom
ChurchSights & LandmarksChristian churchPresbyterian churchSacred & Religious SitesChurches & Cathedrals
Mentioned by world-guides.com
Edinburgh Churches and Cathedrals: Edinburgh, Scotland
"Address: Lothian Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2EP, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 229 1142 St. Cuthbert's stands alongside the West Princes Street Gardens and just up from the Royal Lyceum Theatre, where it was built on the remains of six previous historic churches. Visitors will be able to admire a stunning marble pulpit, colourful stained-glass windows, war memorials and an Italian Renaissance-style interior."
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Most Beautiful Churches in Edinburgh
"Situated at the foot of the Castle and nestled amidst its churchyard and an abundance of greenery is St Cuthbert’s. It is widely believed that a church has been standing in this spot since 850 AD, making it technically Edinburgh’s oldest building. The architecture and decoration of the church is particularly ornate, which made it a source of some controversy when it was first designed."
Mentioned by reserveapartments.co.uk
Churches in Edinburgh
"St Cuthbert’s Parish Church, located at the west end of Princes Street, has several theories surrounding its origins. One is that St Cuthbert sheltered in a hollow below Castle Rock while journeying from Melrose. Whatever the true origin, this is the most ancient religious site in Edinburgh, although the present church building dates back to 1892-4."
The Real Mary King's Close
The Real Mary King's Close
4.4 (6134 ratings)4.5 (15076 ratings)
Hidden streets from the 1600s below the Royal Mile, accompanied by tales from costumed guides.
Warriston's Close, 2, High St, Edinburgh EH1 1PG, United Kingdom
Sights & LandmarksHistoric SitesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Edinburgh 2 days itinerary
2 Days in Edinburgh: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
"Real Mary King’s Close This is the perfect tour to learn about medieval life in Edinburgh. Journey back in time to 1645 Edinburgh, down Mary King’s Close, a real alleyway in the city. This was the year of the Black Death, when one-third of Edinburgh’s population succumbed to this terrible illness."

Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Livingston

Braidburn Valley Park
Braidburn Valley Park
4.5 (457 ratings)4.5 (7 ratings)
1 Greenbank Cres, Edinburgh, EH10 5TE, United Kingdom
ParkNature & Parks
Inverleith Park
Inverleith Park
4.7 (1306 ratings)4.5 (74 ratings)
54-acre recreational park with lush meadows, flowers, sports fields, a boating pond & a playground.
Edinburgh, EH3 5PA, United Kingdom
ParkNature & Parks
Pittencrieff Park
Pittencrieff Park
4.7 (2723 ratings)4.5 (647 ratings)
Popular green space offering playgrounds, extensive walking paths & a peacock enclosure.
Pittencrieff St, Dunfermline, KY12 8QH, United Kingdom
ParkNature & Parks

Churches and Cathedrals in Livingston

Old Saint Paul's Scottish Episcopal Church
Old Saint Paul's Scottish Episcopal Church
4.5 (49 ratings)4.5 (9 ratings)
63 Jeffrey St, Edinburgh, EH1 1DH, United Kingdom
Anglican churchSights & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
Mentioned by Culture Trip
The Most Beautiful Churches in Edinburgh
"Also dating back to the 1800s, Old St Paul’s has since been renovated multiple times – the nave extended and the chancel floor raised with marble. Nearly all of the many panes of stained glass, ornaments and vestments were made possible by fundraising or donations. Unusually, the gargoyles at Old St Paul’s are located inside, not on the exterior of the church as is common on buildings of this period."
St Giles' Cathedral
St Giles' Cathedral
4.6 (7230 ratings)4.5 (5872 ratings)
Grand, Gothic medieval building and Presbyterian place of worship where John Knox used to preach.
High St, Edinburgh, EH1 1RE, United Kingdom
CathedralSights & LandmarksChurches & Cathedrals
St Mary's Cathedral
St Mary's Cathedral
4.6 (928 ratings)4.5 (297 ratings)
Gothic, 19th-century Episcopal cathedral that towers over the city and offers daily choral services.
Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW, United Kingdom
CathedralSights & LandmarksPlace of worshipChurches & Cathedrals
Mentioned by world-guides.com
Edinburgh Churches and Cathedrals: Edinburgh, Scotland
"Address: 28 Manor Place / Palmerston Place, Edinburgh, EH12 5AW, Scotland, UK Tel: +44 (0)131 225 6293 Designed by George Gilbert Scott, the Cathedral Church of St. Mary the Virgin is located on the western side of the city centre. Construction of the cathedral began in 1874 and whilst the nave was opened just five years later, the twin spires on its western side were not actually completed until 1917. Highlights include impressive neo-Gothic architecture, well-preserved stained-glass windows, murals and an outstanding art collection, as well as daily choral services."
Mentioned by reserveapartments.co.uk
Churches in Edinburgh
"St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral is a short walk from Princes Street towards Haymarket. Its spires are visible from most places in Edinburgh, especially looking west from Princes Street. Not only does this cathedral offer a place of stillness in the bustling Scottish capital, there are also opportunities such as learning to be a stonemason in the Cathedral Workshop or a Cathedral Chorister at St Mary’s Music School."

Must See Sights and Landmarks in Livingston Area

Scottish Parliament Building
Scottish Parliament Building
4.1 (457 ratings)4 (1649 ratings)
Curves and angles line this bold modern building with oak and granite interior, plus guided tours.
Edinburgh, EH99 1SP, United Kingdom
Government officeSights & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsGovernment BuildingsHistoric Sites
Mentioned by Travel Melodies
The Top 9 Things to do in Edinburgh with Kids
"The best way to learn is practice, so to understand how the decisions for the country are taken, head over to the Scottish parliament for a tour. Not only the history but the architecture of the building will impress you. This modern building, recipient of major architectural awards, with ample natural light through the glass panels, will surely awe you."
Mentioned by Where Goes Rose?
32 Fun Free Things ​To Do in Edinburgh For A First Visit
"From Monday to Saturday, you can visit and learn about Scottish Parliament from within its headquarters. Better yet, it’s free!. For opening times, tours and what you can do while visiting, check out the Scottish Parliament website."
Mentioned by The University of Edinburgh
Life in the city of Edinburgh
"Located in the city of Edinburgh, this is a fully accessible building. You can visit and enter the debating chamber, receive a free tour and check out the unique modern architecture. Scottish Parliament website"
Dugald Stewart Monument
Dugald Stewart Monument
4.6 (647 ratings)4 (33 ratings)
Built in 1831, this hilltop monument to Dugald Stewart was modeled after Athens' Tower of the Winds.
Calton Hill, Edinburgh, EH1 3BJ, United Kingdom
MonumentSights & LandmarksMonuments & StatuesPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Mentioned by Easyvoyage
Strolling down the historic streets of Edinburgh
"Calton Hill sits in the center of Edinburgh and boasts the famous Duglad Stewart Monument. This structure is dedicated to the Scottish philosopher of the same name, who taught Economics, Natural Philosophy, and Greek and Logic at Edinburgh University. The monument, built in 1834, was designed by William Henry Playfair, who as we already know, was responsible for the designs behind The Scottish National Gallery."
Mentioned by Only By Land
36 Iconic Edinburgh Landmarks + Top Instagram Spots
"The Dugald Stewart Monument is based on the design of the Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Athens. But who is Dugald Stewart?. Dugald Stewart was a philosopher and professor at Edinburgh University."
Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle
4.7 (1516 ratings)4.5 (810 ratings)
Well-preserved medieval castle with a tower, a prison, extensive gardens and a car park.
Craigmillar Castle Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 4SY, United Kingdom
CastleSights & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsHistoric Sites
Mentioned by Edinburgh 2 days itinerary
A Long Weekend in Edinburgh Itinerary You’ll Want to Copy
"Craigmillar Castle: Often referred to as ‘Edinburgh’s other castle,’ Craigmillar is one of the best castles the Scottish capital has to offer. The well preserved medieval ruins are situated just a half hour by bus from the city centre, and so the castle is incredibly easy to reach!"

Vacation Rentals, Airbnb, Hotels & Cabins near Livingston

4.7 (91 reviews)
Boutique Coastal appt nr Edinburgh
apartment
$63.75 /night
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4.8 (618 reviews)
Court Residence
hotel suite
$83.25 /night
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Holiday Inn Express Edinburgh Airport, an IHG Hotel
hotel
$140 /night
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