Polkemmet Country Park is located on the former private estate of the Baillie family, who lived on the site for over 300 years. The old mansion house (since demolished) sat where the bowling green is today. Polkemmet has a rich and varied history and offers beautiful woodland and riverside walks, picnic areas with seating and barbecue facilities (hireable). The giant aluminium 'horn', an art sculpture, is located in the Country Park and sits between the 4th golf green and the M8 motorway. The Park's Visitor Centre, housed in the old stable complex, offers a warm welcome, information and is also the reception for The Scottish Owl Centre.
Golf is very popular in the Park and Polkemmet boasts a 9-hole course with an unusual 9th hole over the river, a 15-bay floodlit golf range and putting green. Polkemmet is also a Club Golf location, providing children with the opportunity to experience golf through a structured programme supporting early development as golfers. Polkemmet Country Park is owned and run by West Lothian Council, and West Lothian Leisure operate the golf and driving range facilities within the Park as well as the Visitor Centre reception.
The Park, and particularly the ancient woodlands, are a wildlife haven. Roe deer, fox, heron, water voles, bats and badgers all make their home here. The many Oak and Scots Pine trees provide food and shelter for the birds and squirrels. There is also an orienteering course set-up in the Park if you want to test your map reading skills.
The Countryside Ranger Service helps to manage natural areas and wildlife, and also provide advice and activities.
Polkemmet's sister Parks are Almondell & Calderwood Country Park near Broxburn and Beecraigs Country Park near Linlithgow.
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