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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
The Swallow Theatre 2021
Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival 2022
Barholm Cycle Hire
Barholm Arts and Crafts
Crafty Crafters
Sorbie Tower
Studio 17
Five Kingdoms Brewery
Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere
Galloway Arts
EV Charging Point – Whithorn
South West Coastal 300 #SWC300
Priory Antiques
The Swallow Theatre
Wigtown Book Festival and Book Shop
Castle Kennedy Gardens
Rigg Bay to Cruggleton Coastal Walk
Saint Ninian, the first Christian missionary
St Ninian`s Cave
John D Owen and Son
The Steam Packet Inn
Galloway Farmhouse Cheese and From Ewe to You
Beltie Books and Cafe
St Ninian’s Tearoom, The Isle of Whithorn
Bladnoch Distillery
The Riverbank Cafe
The View
Logan Botanic Garden
Glenwhan Gardens, Arboretum and Tearoom
Sulwath Brewers Ltd
The Pheasant
Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre & Cafe
