Situated on the south bank of the Fifth of Forth, the historic port town of Bo'ness offers visitors and residents alike a variety of attractions, from local landmarks to local events.
Although Bo'ness is in large part a commuter town, tourism contributes significantly to its economy, supporting local businesses.
The Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway is a heritage rail line featuring restored steam and diesel trains. Running along the Forth estuary, it offers steam train rides and themed events, such as "Thomas the Tank Engine Days."
The Hippodrome, Scotland's oldest cinema, is another place that should be visited. Built in an Art Deco style in 1912 and recently renovated, the Hippodrome hosts several films (classic and contemporary), live performances, and community events throughout the year. Among these is the Hippodrome Silent Film Festival. Celebrating the art of silent film with screenings, workshops, and live music, it attracts visitors from across the United Kingdom and beyond.
Situated on the western outskirts of Bo'ness, the Kinneil House and Museum is situated on about 200 acres of parkland. Now under the care of Historic Environment Scotland, the house itself was constructed in 1553 and has been preserved. A symmetrical mansion built in 1677 incorporates parts of the earlier tower house. The estate includes a section of the Roman Antonine Wall and the only visible remains of a Roman fortlet from the Roman occupation. Situated in the 17th-century building, the museum showcases the town's history, including Roman artefacts.
The Bo'ness Motor Museum displays an extensive collection of vintage and classic cars, movie memorabilia, and interactive displays set in a recreated 1920s garage.
The Bo'ness Library is a working library set in a renovated 17th-century building. Besides the books you would expect to find in a library, the facility also offers high-speed WiFi, study areas and PCs for public use, photocopying and printing services, and group activities for people of all ages.
The Bo'ness Fair Day is one of the town's most anticipated events. Dating back to 1897, the annual event features parades, music, dancing, and a crowning ceremony. Another popular event is the Bo'ness Hill Climb Revival, which features vintage cars racing up a historic hill course.
These, and other places to go and things to see in Bo'ness, Scotland, are the focus of this category.
Recommended Resources
The Barony Players are a community theatre group based in Bo'ness, Scotland. Formed in 1954, they have entertained audiences for more than seventy years. In 1964, they acquired the old Borrowstoun Primary School building on an annual lease and transformed it into the Barony Theatre. The group also includes a Youth Theatre. Its site features its past productions, upcoming productions and events, a box office section with online bookings, photos, and contact data.
https://www.baronyplayers.co.uk/
Operated by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, the heritage railway runs over five miles of track between Bo'ness and Manuel Junction, via Kinneil and Birkhill. The railway operates seven days a week from April to October, with visitor trails and public access to the station and site. Its operational locomotives and cars are highlighted, along with a calendar of events, timetables and fares, season ticket information, and a FAQ. Contacts and links to other resources are included.
https://www.bkrailway.co.uk/
Bo'ness Athletic Football Club
The Bo'ness Athletic FC began in 2001 as Linlithgow Thistle Amateur Football Club, moving home to Newton Park in 2019, at which time it was rebranded as Bo'ness United Junior FC, taking its current name in 2021 when it joined the East of Scotland Football League. Its history, club partners, backroom staff, and sponsorships are highlighted. Match fixtures, results, and a league table are posted, along with player statistics, and information on its club shop and season tickets.
https://www.bonessathletic.com/
Bo'ness Children's Fair Festival
The annual event in Bo'ness, Scotland, has a long history, with records dating back to the 1940s and 1950s. It relies on fundraising and donations, with supporters contributing to its JustGiving fund or participating in fundraising events, such as an afternoon tea at Bo'ness Town Hall. Bo'ness Fair characters may be viewed by year or by name. A photo gallery features past events, its history is told, schedules of upcoming events are featured, and contacts are provided.
https://www.thefairday.com/
The Bo'ness Motor Museum is open every day except Christmas and New Year's Day, and its summer and winter opening hours are posted on its website. It features a private collection of over twenty-five antique and unique vehicles, including iconic cars and motorcycles from TV series, films, and James Bond 007 productions. The museum also has a large collection of memorabilia, such as posters, signs, toys, props, and items used in film and television. Its location, hours, and rates are posted.
https://www.bonessmotormuseum.co.uk/
Formed in 1945, the Bo'ness UFC is a Scottish football club that plays its home games at Newton Park in Bo'ness, Scotland. After winning the East of Scotland League and gaining SFA membership in 2020, the team plays in the Lowland League. Team matches, tables, squads, stats, and reports are noted, photos and videos are presented, upcoming events are noted, and its address and a map are included. Policies, sponsors, and access to various documents are available on the site.
https://www.bonessunitedfc.co.uk/
Situated in the centre of Bo'ness, Scotland, the Hippodrome Cinema was built in 1911. It is Scotland's oldest purpose-built cinema and an A-listed historic building. The Hippodrome is currently in operation as a cinema and a popular venue for special screenings and events, including film festivals and retro movie nights. Its history, projects, and programs are highlighted, along with schedules, volunteer opportunities, employment opportunities, and facility hire policies.
https://www.hippodromecinema.co.uk/
Situated in Bo'ness, the museum is the largest railway museum in the country. Operated by the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, headquartered there, the museum features three large buildings, housing a large collection of railway artefacts from across Scotland. Its exhibits include historical locomotives, carriages, and other railway items. Interactive displays and hands-on activities are featured, along with a collection of vehicles and other objects.
https://museumofscottishrailways.org.uk/
