Things to see and do Whithorn

A simple ticket gives access to the essence of the history of the town: Whithorn Priory and the Whithorn Story Visitor Centre, which explores the region's past. Built in the 12th century, this monastery, in honour of St Ninian, Scotland's first saint, who arrived here in the^5th century, played an important role in the country's religious history. Robert The Bruce, James IV and James V all came here on pilgrimage. You can see the Latinus Stone, Scotland's first Christian monument! You'll also see the remarkable remains of the early church, giving a glimpse of the once magnificent cathedral, now in ruins. Let your imagination run wild and soak up the atmosphere of the place and what it must have felt like for the pilgrims who arrived here by boat from Ireland, England or the Isle of Man. For more than 1,000 years this site has attracted travellers, pilgrims and kings to Whithorn.

Visit the crypt where superb Celtic stones and crosses of the early Christians are kept, probably including the tomb of St Ninian. The museum area focuses on the archaeological remains of the surrounding area through the different eras, and also explains how Scotland became Christian. It also goes further, tracing its transition to the Reformation. You can follow the same route as pilgrims did in the Middle Ages, with stops at other remarkable sites nearby: St. Ninian's Chapel, St. Ninian's Grotto and Finian Chapel.

A few kilometres further south of Withorn, along the B7004, lies this charming tiny harbour, built astride an island, attached to the land by a dyke, hence its name Isle of Withorn. Here you can see the remains of the 13th century St Ninian's Chapel and, further along, St Ninian's Cave, where he used to go to pray. Be careful though, this is not easy to find and you will have to go to the hamlet of Kidsdale, west of Isle of Whithorn, to find the way there.