About the Book Town

Wigtown, Scotland’s National Book Town, is a book lover’s haven. With over quarter of a million books to choose from, old and new, it is impossible to escape empty-handed.

Relax, unwind and take time to visit some of our other treasures while you are here. Situated between the central belt of Scotland and Ayrshire to the north, Cumbria, Northumberland and the Lake District to the south and Ireland to the west, this patchwork of green fields, rugged coastline, moorland and mountain is also home to a rich cultural life.

Nearby attractions

Galloway - it’s FAB!
Taking its name from the region’s three theme towns, the food town of Castle Douglas, the artists’ town of Kirkcudbright and the book town of Wigtown, the FAB project highlights the best of Glorious Galloway. For information on attractions and events both within the towns and throughout the region that links them visit www.gloriousgalloway.com

Whithorn
Just 15 minutes away from Wigtown is Whithorn, the cradle of Christianity in Scotland. Here you can explore the ruins of a 5th century Cathedral, early CHristian stones and an archaeological dig of a Northumbrian monastery. See www.whithorn.com or www.whithorn.info for details.

Gardens
Wigtownshire is famous for its beautiful gardens. Choose from Logan Botanic, Glenwhan, Castle Kennedy, or Galloway House Gardens.

Outdoor Sports
There are many great outdoor sporting opportunities in Wigtownshire but one of the best is the famous 7stanes mountain biking trails. visit www.7stanes.gov.uk, if you're brave enough.

Wigtown Local Nature Reserve
Wigtown Bay is Britain's largest local nature reserve and attrcts year-round visitors including geese, osprey, swans, kestrel and buzzards. The viewing room in the County Buildings offers information on the reserve as well as video footage of this year's osprey. See www.dgcommunity.net/wigtownlnr.

Bookshops and book dealers

Wigtown is home to many bookshops, book dealers and book-related businesses.

Click here to learn more about the individual book businesses in Wigtown, Scotland's National Book Town.

Great reasons for visiting Wigtown

Relaxed Shopping
With free and easy parking in the town’s wide streets and market square (including the widest main street in Scotland), shopping is a pleasure in Wigtown. It’s an easy stroll round bookshops, gift shops, cafes and hotels. Historic buildings (most of the town centre is C-listed) add character but new businesses and restored building as well as regular Saturday street markets in the summer, ensure Wigtown's vibrancy.

Buy a Book
Wigtown has an amazing twenty book-related businesses, with new and second-hand books galore. Whether you're treating yourself or choosing a great gift we’re sure you'll find something here. Stumped for a present? Everyone has an interest - gardening or golf, music or mysteries - you'll finda book on it in Wigtown.

All kinds of shops
Wigtown isn't just about books. Along with all the shops that make up a traditional market town, like a bank and pharmacy, we've got many lovely gift and craft shops. You’ll find jewellery, paintings, art materials, antique furniture, handcrafted goods, a newspaper from your birth date and even a thriving plant nursery.

Good food and refreshments
You'll find a range of eateries in Wigtown including cafes, inns and hotels, serving everything from coffee and cake to fish and chips. We also have our own distillery, in Bladnoch, with a visitor centre, gift shop and guided tours, in addition to the obligatory sampling!