Livingston Old Parish Church
Explore centuries of history at Livingston Old Parish Church, from ancient gravestones to war memorials and intriguing local lore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Community coffee & cake
Livingston Old Parish Church
Best Time
Community coffee & cake
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore centuries of history at Livingston Old Parish Church, from ancient gravestones to war memorials and intriguing local lore.
"A lovely place to visit, a small old church with lots of old head stones and new one's."
πΆββοΈ Wander the Cemetery
Explore the old graves, some from 1735, and look for unique carvings like skulls. πΆ
β Enjoy Coffee & Cake
Join the community for coffee and cake every Thursday morning. β
Quick Facts
Rating
4.4 Β· 14 reviews
Type
Church
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Headstones
Cemetery
Discover headstones dating back to the 18th century, including one with unique skull carvings.
Village War Memorial
Church Grounds
A poignant tribute to fallen soldiers, beautifully decorated with red poppies.
Historical Church Wall Feature
Church Exterior
See the intriguing wall feature where individuals were historically confined during services.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respectful Exploration
Uncover Local History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
πΆββοΈ Wander the Cemetery
Explore the old graves, some from 1735, and look for unique carvings like skulls. πΆ
β Enjoy Coffee & Cake
Join the community for coffee and cake every Thursday morning. β
ποΈ Respect the Space
Remember this is an active church and cemetery. Be quiet and respectful. π
π Learn Local Lore
Discover tales of Burke and Hare and historical punishments. π
Tips
from all over the internet
πΆββοΈ Wander the Cemetery
Explore the old graves, some from 1735, and look for unique carvings like skulls. πΆ
β Enjoy Coffee & Cake
Join the community for coffee and cake every Thursday morning. β
ποΈ Respect the Space
Remember this is an active church and cemetery. Be quiet and respectful. π
π Learn Local Lore
Discover tales of Burke and Hare and historical punishments. π
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Livingston Old Parish Church to be a lovely and historic place, particularly appreciating the ancient headstones and the poignant war memorial. The cemetery's unique features, like skull carvings and historical lore, add to its intrigue. While it's an active place of worship, the community atmosphere, especially on Thursdays with coffee and cake, is noted as welcoming.
"A lovely place to visit, a small old church with lots of old head stones and new one's. It also has the village war memorial"
Robert Martin
"The cemetry is very old and I found a headstone from 1735 at this location also there is a headstone here that has 2 skulls at each side which was rather interesting. Also there a thing outside on the church wall where if you had been naughty in the pass you had to stick you're finger in and wait until service ended before you where released."
matthew powell
"Church of Scotland church. Very historic place, worth a visit. Also a Commonwealth War Grave site. It is said to be a location used by Burke and Hare to steal bodies. Graves dtill in use but it worth seeing the older graves.
Community coffee and cake is available every Thursday."
Laurie Wallace
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
Livingston Old Parish Church is located in Livingston, Scotland. While specific public transport details can vary, it's generally accessible by local bus routes within Livingston. For those driving, there is usually parking available nearby. Checking local transport schedules before your visit is recommended.
Yes, visitors can typically find parking facilities near Livingston Old Parish Church. It's advisable to check for designated parking areas upon arrival to ensure you park appropriately.
Depending on your exact starting point in Livingston town center, walking to the church may be feasible. It's a good idea to use a map application to gauge the distance and best walking route.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Livingston Old Parish Church and its cemetery is generally free. It is a historic site and a place of worship, so no tickets are required for general visiting.
As an active church and cemetery, the grounds are typically accessible during daylight hours. However, access to the church building itself may be limited to service times or by arrangement. It's best to check with the Church of Scotland for specific building access.
There is no admission fee to visit the cemetery at Livingston Old Parish Church. Visitors are welcome to explore the historical gravestones and war memorials.
Visitors are welcome to attend services at Livingston Old Parish Church. However, it's important to be respectful of the congregation and the worship taking place. Check the church's schedule for service times.
π« π§ Onsite Experience
You can explore a historic church building, a cemetery with very old headstones (some from the 1700s), unique skull carvings on a grave, the village war memorial, and an intriguing historical feature on the church wall.
The cemetery is generally well-maintained, with both old and new graves. It serves as a Commonwealth War Grave site, indicating ongoing care and respect for the grounds.
While official guided tours may not be regularly scheduled, the historical significance of the site is evident. You can explore at your own pace and learn about its history through the gravestones and church architecture.
The church and its cemetery hold significant historical value, with graves dating back centuries. It's also rumored to be a site associated with the infamous Burke and Hare, adding a layer of macabre history.
The historic gravestones, the church architecture, and the surrounding landscape offer excellent opportunities for photography, especially for those interested in historical or atmospheric shots.
π½οΈ β Food & Dining
Yes, community coffee and cake are available every Thursday morning at the church.
Livingston offers various dining options. You can find cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the nearby town center, catering to different tastes and budgets.
While there aren't designated picnic areas, you might be able to find a quiet spot in the vicinity to enjoy a picnic, provided you are respectful of the cemetery and church grounds.
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