Steeped in history, Whithorn also has great access to the outdoors and adventure.
Though small in size, Whithorn has an outsize place in Scottish history. It was here, in Dumfries and Galloway’s Machars Peninsula, that St. Ninian (Scotland’s first saint) built the first recorded Christian church in Scotland in around 397. Though still best-known as Scotland`s Cradle of Chrisitanity, Whithorn offers cycling trails through the Machars area, as well as opportunities for walking, fishing, golf and bird watching. Nearby, the small sea cave known as St. Ninian’s Cave is reached by a pretty walk through a wooded glen. Also nearby, the Isle of Whithorn (which is no longer an island) has a picturesque seaside setting and is home to St Ninian's chapel.
Arts and crafts is another draw in Whithorn and the village has its own arts and crafts trail that you can follow. You can also learn about the history of Whithorn at the Whithorn Story Visitor Centre. Just minutes from Whithorn, Castelwigg Caravan Park is a quiet spot with camping and touring pitches.
Lying on the Solway Coast, the village of Garlieston is an excellent starting point for coastal walks north to Innerwell Point and Eggerness Point or south to the remains of Cruggleton Castle. By the coastline, the adults-only Garlieston Lodge Campsite has fishing on site as well as tent and touring pitches.
A 20-minute drive north of Whithorn, the small town of Wigtown is famed as Scotland’s National Book Town. Just south of town, Drumroamin Farm Caravan and Camping Site is a tranquil site, with views of Wigtown Bay, pitches for tents and tourers, as well as static caravans for hire.
May through August is the best time to visit for making the most of Scotland’s extended summer daylight hours and relatively good weather. However the season can bring crowds and booked-up campsites. If planning to visit in the summer, try to avoid travelling during the Scottish school holidays in July and early August. The Wigtown Book Festival is always a popular event in the area and typically takes place in late September/early October.