Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price
28/08/2025
Magic K, Pexels
Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town, offers a tranquil escape centered around its numerous independent bookshops and the annual Wigtown Book Festival. It also serves as a gateway to the natural beauty of the Machars peninsula, providing access to coastal paths, wildlife viewing, and historical sites.
The town's many bookshops, often combined with cafes, provide relaxed settings for interaction. The main town square and its community garden host events, and the annual Book Festival creates a lively atmosphere for engaging with other visitors and locals. Local inns and hotels also offer further venues for refreshments and gathering.
Top 6 Things to do in Wigtown
Activities in Wigtown focus on literary exploration, historical discovery, nature appreciation, and an insight into local craftsmanship.
1. Explore Wigtown's Independent Bookshops
Wigtown, as Scotland's National Book Town, is home to a delightful collection of independent bookshops, each offering its own unique character and specialisations. Visitors can dedicate hours to browsing shelves filled with new, second-hand, and rare titles, making discoveries around every corner. For instance, 'The Bookshop' boasts over 100,000 books across a mile of shelving, claiming the title of Scotland's largest second-hand bookshop. Many of these literary havens also feature cozy cafes, providing perfect spots to enjoy a refreshment while delving into a new purchase.
Cost: Browsing is free, while book purchases vary by item.
Transport: All bookshops are conveniently located within Wigtown's town centre and are easily accessible on foot.
2. Attend the Wigtown Book Festival
Each autumn, typically from late September to early October, Wigtown transforms into a vibrant cultural hub during its annual Book Festival. This ten-day celebration of literature hosts over 200 events, featuring author talks, engaging workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions, alongside music, theatre, and visual arts. The festival attracts a diverse audience, including prominent authors and literary enthusiasts from around the world.
Cost: Event ticket prices vary, with many free options and paid events typically ranging from £20 to £30 for headline speakers.
Transport: The primary festival venues, including a main marquee and spaces within the County Buildings, are centrally located within Wigtown and are easily reached by walking.
3. Tour Bladnoch Distillery
Discover Scotland's southernmost whisky distillery, Bladnoch, which has been producing whisky since 1817. A guided tour offers an engaging journey through the distillery, explaining the meticulous process of crafting their renowned single malt whiskies. The experience culminates with a tutored tasting of three of their distinctive whiskies. The distillery maintains a relaxed, almost 'cottage industry' atmosphere and includes a welcoming café.
Cost: The 'Classic Tour & Taste' is priced at £20 per person. For designated drivers, takeaway samples are provided.
Transport: Bladnoch Distillery is situated approximately one mile west of Wigtown. While walking is an option along the A714, some sections may lack dedicated pedestrian paths. A taxi service offers a more convenient alternative, with an estimated cost of £5-£10 each way.
4. Walk the Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve and Martyrs' Stake Trail
Embark on a gentle walk from Wigtown's centre to the Wigtown Bay Local Nature Reserve, where visitors are rewarded with expansive views of the estuary, its saltmarshes, and the distant Galloway Hills. This area is a prime location for birdwatching, with opportunities to observe various species; during summer, ospreys can sometimes be viewed via CCTV from the County Buildings. Along the path, history comes alive at the Martyrs' Stake, a monument commemorating Covenanter women who were martyred in 1685.
Cost: Free.
Transport: The starting point for this walk is within Wigtown's town centre, making it easily accessible on foot.
5. Visit Whithorn Priory and Museum
Take a short journey to Whithorn, one of Scotland's earliest Christian sites, established by St. Ninian over a millennium ago. Explore the historical remnants of the 12th-century priory and what was once the cathedral church of Galloway. The accompanying museum showcases an impressive collection of intricately carved stones, including the Latinus Stone, recognised as Scotland's earliest Christian monument, providing a deep dive into the region's medieval history and its significance as a pilgrimage destination.
Cost: Adult admission is £7.50, with concessions and family tickets available. Entry is free for Historic Scotland members.
Transport: Whithorn is located approximately 10 miles south of Wigtown. To reach it by car, follow the A714 south. Regular public bus services connect Wigtown to Whithorn, and the museum is a short walk from the main bus stop. A taxi from Wigtown to Whithorn would cost an estimated £20-£30 each way.
6. Experience the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse
Journey to Scotland's southernmost point to ascend the 115 steps of the Mull of Galloway Lighthouse. From its summit, visitors can enjoy expansive panoramic vistas across the Irish Sea, the Solway Firth, the Isle of Man, and even glimpses of England and Wales on a clear day. The site also features a visitor centre and exhibition that delves into the lighthouse's history and the lives of its former keepers. Adjacent to the lighthouse, an RSPB nature reserve provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching.
Cost: Access to the lighthouse tower and exhibition typically costs around £4-£5 for adults, with family tickets available. The RSPB nature reserve visitor centre is free to enter.
Transport: The Mull of Galloway is located approximately 25-30 miles south-west of Wigtown. Due to limited public transport connections, travelling by car is highly recommended for this excursion. A taxi service would be considerably expensive, likely exceeding £50 for a one-way trip.
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