The first thing that any visitor to Broxburn notices are the bings, vast piles of light brown shale, a remnant of the 19^th century Scottish oil boom.

Broxburn is a traditional long town gaining its name from the "Badgers Brook" that runs parallel to the main street. Although dating back to about 1600 the main growth of the town was in the latter part of the 19^th century. Around the turn of the century Broxburn lit up the country, as Broxburn Candles were known as the best and cheapest in the world. It was also the site of a schoolboy’s strike. On Tuesday the 8^th of October 1889 around forty boys left their classroom in Broxburn Public School making demands of less home lessons, shorter hours, free education and nae tawse. One of the strikers, Thomas Haston, rode on the back of a sheep, along the canal, while being chased by the school janitor. Unfortunately the strike fizzled out and the boys went back to their lessons.

Access to the town can be obtained from many points from the British Waterways depot at Drumshoreland to the slipway near to the new Bridge 27.

What Broxburn can offer is a variety of small shops suitable for providing the needs of the passing visitor. There are three shops catering for cyclists including a dedicated cycle shop in Greendykes Road that operates a while you wait repair service. However should this be closed certain items can be obtained from the Car accessory shop in the Main Streets small precinct.

For the person with need of a light snack Broxburn is well supplied with sandwich shops, small cafes and bakeshops. One local supplier is Anderson’s who bake all their own goods in the town. Or for a souvenir with a difference why not try ‘The Candle Shop’ in Greendykes Road.

At Port Buchan, formerly the main quay of the town, is a picnic area opposite the towpath where the weary traveller can watch the world go by. The swan and duck populations are especially interested in picnickers who are willing to share.