Whithorn
A small town on the Machars where St Ninian founded Scotland's first Christian church, with a long main street, the Pend and the priory.
Welcome
At the southern end of the Machars, the broad peninsula that reaches out into the Irish Sea, Whithorn is a quiet town with a very long history.
By tradition, St Ninian came here around the year 390 and built the first Christian church in Scotland, the Candida Casa, or white house.
For centuries Whithorn was one of the great pilgrimage places of Scotland, with a cathedral and priory rising from the 1100s, until pilgrimage was banned after the Reformation. Today its long main street of whitewashed and pastel houses, known along its length as George Street and St John Street, still has an old-world air. Look for the Pend, a white building with a rounded arch.
The Whithorn Story visitor centre and the priory museum tell the town's remarkable story.
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Before you go
A town, open at all times.
The priory, museum and visitor centre keep their own hours.
- Where
- The Machars, south of Wigtown.
- Founded
- By tradition, St Ninian, about 390.
- See
- The Pend and the priory.
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Add your reviewWhere it is
At the southern end of the Machars peninsula, south of Wigtown.
Whithorn Priory and MuseumSt Ninian's priory and museum.Under a mile 1 min by road
Garlieston Mulberry HarbourWhere the D-Day harbours were tested, and what the sea has left of them.5 miles 8 min by road
Bladnoch DistilleryA Lowland malt whisky distillery on the River Bladnoch near Wigtown, with tours and a café.9 miles as the crow flies
ReadingLassesA bookshop and café on South Main Street in Wigtown, specialising in books by and about women, with homemade cakes.9 miles as the crow flies
WigtownScotland's book town.11 miles 16 min by road
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