Linlithgow is a year-round destination. The palace is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and open daily except Christmas and New Year. The best light on the palace and loch tends to come in spring and autumn, when the skies are clearer than high summer and the low sun gives the stonework warmth.
The Linlithgow Marches, held in June, is one of Scotland's oldest civic ceremonies — a boundary inspection that has been performed since the 15th century, culminating in a procession through the town. It draws a crowd and adds colour to a summer visit. The canal trips from the Canal Centre run on weekends from Easter to September.