Itinerary 2: A Historic Day Out from Westview Cottage

This itinerary is one for the history lovers, and it is one that genuinely surprises people. Whithorn and the Isle of Whithorn are just 9 miles from Westview Cottage, and together they offer one of the most historically rich days out in the whole of Scotland. Guests who have done this day frequently tell us it was their highlight of the trip.

Morning: Breakfast at St Ninians Tearoom, Isle of Whithorn

Start your day with breakfast at the wonderful St Ninians Tearoom on the Isle of Whithorn, just 14 minutes from the cottage. It is a lovely, welcoming spot right in the heart of this beautiful little coastal village and the perfect way to fuel up before a day of exploring. Tel: 01988 501197. We recommend checking their opening hours before you set off, as they can vary seasonally.

First Stop: St Ninian’s Cave

After breakfast, head to St Ninian’s Cave at Physgill, just outside Whithorn. This is a genuine pilgrimage site with a history stretching back to the 5th century, believed to have been used by St Ninian himself as a place of prayer and solitude. It is one of the oldest Christian sites in Scotland and quite simply unlike anywhere else you will visit.

From the car park at Physgill Lodge it is a good hour’s walk each way through beautiful wooded, hilly pathways before you reach the stony beach. The cave sits at the far end of the beach, and the whole walk is absolutely stunning. Wear comfortable walking shoes and take water. The cave is sometimes closed for conservation works, so always check the Historic Environment Scotland website before you go.

Lunch: The Steam Packet Inn, Isle of Whithorn

Head back to the Isle of Whithorn for lunch at the Steam Packet Inn, right on Harbour Row overlooking the water. This is a proper historic pub with a cosy atmosphere, great food and one of the most beautiful harbour settings you will find anywhere in South West Scotland. Tel: 01988 500334. Well worth booking ahead, especially in summer.

Afternoon: The Whithorn Story

After lunch, drive the short distance to Whithorn town itself to visit The Whithorn Trust Visitor Centre. This is where the day really comes alive for history lovers, and it is one of those places that genuinely blows people away.

Whithorn is the cradle of Christianity in Scotland. St Ninian founded the first Christian church here in 397AD, making this one of the most significant historical sites in the entire country. Archaeologists have been excavating here for 130 years and have uncovered evidence of Scotland’s first town, trading contacts with the late Roman Empire and over 1,600 years of history.

Your visit includes a fascinating audio visual presentation, a chronological exhibition through 2,000 years of history, the Whithorn Cold Case gallery, guided tours of a full scale reconstructed Iron Age roundhouse at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 2.30pm, and the Historic Scotland museum of early medieval carved stones. It is engrossing, engaging and brilliantly presented. Allow at least two hours.

Open April to October, Sunday to Friday, 10.30am to 4pm. Closed Saturdays. Tel: 01988 500700. Visit whithorn.com for current ticket prices and opening times.

You can also visit the Whithorn Priory and Museum on Bruce Street run by Historic Environment Scotland. Open April to October, Sunday to Friday, 10am to last entry 3.30pm. Closed for lunch 1.30pm to 2.15pm. Tickets from £4.80 to £6.00, no booking required.

A Wander Along George Street

After your visit, take a leisurely wander along George Street in both directions. Whithorn has a pristine Georgian streetscape and you will find antique shops, pop-up shops and independent traders dotted along the way. It is a beautiful, unhurried street to explore and the perfect way to end an afternoon steeped in history.

Optional: The Central Café

If you are lucky enough to be passing in the early evening, keep an eye out for the Central Café, a wonderful Italian family run café that is generally open Monday to Sunday from 4pm to 8pm. It is the kind of place that only exists in small Scottish towns and is absolutely worth popping into for an ice cream or a proper supper. Think pie selection boxes, seafood baskets and proper old fashioned Italian café food. Opening times can vary so do not rely on it being open, but if it is, go in!

Evening: Home to the Cottage

Head back to Port William for a relaxing evening at Westview Cottage. After a day that has taken you from a 5th-century pilgrimage cave to a Georgian market town via one of the oldest Christian sites in Scotland, you will have plenty to talk about over dinner!

Practical Tips

Set off by 9am to make the most of the day, especially if you want to catch the 11.30am roundhouse tour at the Whithorn Trust
Wear proper walking shoes for St Ninian’s Cave, the path is hilly and the beach is stony
Check St Ninian’s Cave is open before you go as it occasionally closes for conservation works
The Whithorn Trust and Whithorn Priory are both closed on Saturdays and closed from November to March
The Steam Packet Inn is popular so booking ahead for lunch is recommended in summer
The Central Café is a lovely bonus if it is open but do not plan your day around it
Whithorn is only 9 miles from the cottage so this is one of the easier days to build around