Whithorn and Isle of Whithorn

Whithorn in the Machars Peninsula of Dumfries & Galloway was and still is best known for its connections with St Ninian and as Scotland`s Cradle of Chrisitanity.  In recent years, the creative side of Whithorn has emerged.

Creativity in Whithorn – Whithorn is becoming a centre for artists and crafts people.  Since 2013 Creative Whithorn have organised an annual event – Arts & Crafts Trail – showcasing a wide range of work at various venues in the town.

Whithorn is also home to the smallest theatre in Scotland – The Swallow Theatre – which puts on regular and varied performances throughout the year.

Architecture – George Street, the “Main” Street of Whithorn, has several listed buildings many of which have been painted in pastel hues.  The Whithorn Town Trail takes in about 30 properties. Get an information leaflet from The Whithorn Story.

Cycling – the relatively quiet and flat roads around Whithorn and the Machars make the area appealing to leisure cyclists and there are four signposted and waymarked routes from 17 to 25 miles long taking in the coastal villages and historical sites.  Cycle Hire is available at Barns Smiddy in Whithorn  or nearby Kirkcowan where electric bikes are also on hand.

St Ninian and The Cradle of Christianity –

Archaeologists have established that, in the fifth century, the early Christian settlement at Whithorn had contacts with Gaul, a sophisticated church hierarchy, and was importing fine wines and pottery to a thriving and literate community, which was in touch with a movement of Christian ideas and art coming from Europe and beyond. As such, Whithorn is quite possibly Scotland’s earliest town. Later, in the middle ages, the burgh thrived as the shrine was visited by Scottish kings and queens, from Robert the Bruce to Mary Queen of Scots, and by thousands of pilgrims.

Early Christian Stones at Whithorn Museum

Whithorn has a Whithorn Story Visitor Centre where you can learn all about the history of St Ninian and also about current excavations. Interesting exhibitions vary regularly. Gift shop and coffee shop on site. Open Daily April to October

Iron Age Roundhouse 

In 2016 the Whithorn Trust  built an Iron Age Roundhouse. A few years earlier, archaeologists had discovered a settlement of about 8 roundhouses nearby. The new roundhouse is open to the public and has been built to replicate the houses from 2,500 years ago.

St Ninian’s Cave is also well worth a visit and makes for a a very interesting short walk through a wooded glen then along a shingle beach with views of the Isle of Man.

Our tradition of welcome is 1500 years old: come and experience it!

Church by the Sea at Isle of Whithorn