Visitors to Whithorn can enjoy a wide range of attractions and activities to suit all ages. For further information about any of the attractions and activities listed, simply click the title link. Remember to check our Events Guide for details of forthcoming events and festivals.

Beaches Sandy beaches suitable for young children, and rocky beaches with a great variety of pebbles, geological formations and sea life make the coasts of the Machars an attractive place for families.

Book Shops Whithorn has two secondhand bookshops, with books on all subjects, while Vickers Newsagents offers a room full of the latest paperback fiction.

Cycling Cyclists gravitate naturally to the quiet roads of the Machars; but there are also signposted routes, of varying length and difficulty.

Fishing Two shops ( Vickers newsagents and B. Perks and Sons, Ironmongers ) in Whithorn offer tackle, bait ( and advice ) to the fisherman. It is a popular local hobby, with young and old alike. Coastal and sea fishing are particularly popular in the South Machars, and boats may be chartered at the Isle of Whithorn.

Footpaths There are walks along rugged cliff edges and in the forest at Sorbie. A network of paths is continuing to develop.

Gardens Garden historians, as well as those who like to visit gardens and see unusual plants, like the Handkerchief Tree, will find much to attract them in the South Machars. Woodfall Gardens, Monreith Gardens and Galloway House gardens all have interesting histories and are in different stages of restoration.

Golf Probably one of the most picturesquely situated golf courses in Wigtownshire is situated at the historic St. Medan's bay, just outside the village of Monreith.

Monreith Animal World Families with young children, in particular, will welcome the opportunity to visit an attraction which allows close-up contact with baby animals, including some unusual breeds.

Newton Stewart Golf Club Newton Stewart Golf Course is a superb 18-hole parkland golf course with spectacular views from every hole.

Roman Catholic Church Mass is celebrated in St Martin and St Ninian church on Friday mornings at 10:00 am and on Sundays at 12 noon. On other days mass is celebrated in St Ninian's, Newton Stewart Mondays and Sundays at 10:00 am and at Sacred Heart in Wigtown on Tuesdays at 10:00 am and on Saturdays Virgil is at 6:00 pm.

Sailing Garlieston, Port William and Isle of Whithorn harbours all offer opportunities for the sailing of small craft. There are also commercial fishing vessels, which bring home scallops for export and for local restaurants.

The Swallow Theatre Probably Whithorn's most unexpected visitor attraction, this small-scale theatre offers an ambitious programme of events year round, and sponsors original works by local performers and writers.

Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre The Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre is the starting point for the visitor who wishes to learn about the oldest church in Scotland, and the community which grew up around it in the Fifth Century AD. Whithorn has an internationally important collection of Christian stones, reflecting the early period at which Ninian founded his church here.

Wildlife You will often see birds of prey circling overhead over farm and scrubland in the Machars. Deer, badgers and foxes thrive in the woodlands round Whithorn.