Scotland's Official 'Book Town' Is A Literature Lover's Dream With Charming Shops, A Unique Stay, And Cozy Cafes

Millions of travelers flock to Scotland every year in an effort to experience the country's fairytale-like castles, wild natural beauty, vibrant cities, and world-famous whisky scene. But if there's one group of people for whom a trip to Scotland should be a non-negotiable, it's literature enthusiasts. You might already know of Edinburgh's status as a UNESCO city of literature, but few are aware of the fact that Scotland's official "book town" is somewhere else entirely. Wigtown is an often overlooked gem of less than 1,000 residents where, according to Scotland Starts Here, books outnumber locals 250-1.

First named Scotland's "National Book Town" back in 1998, this is where you'll find an impressive selection of titles comprised of both antiques and new releases. Fill your itinerary with (roughly 17) book-related businesses, and, if the timing is right, a highly anticipated festival, as well. Wigtown's love of literature runs so deep, you can even stay in and run your own bookshop. Make the most out of the charming small-town feel by spending the rest of your time here browsing locally-owned shops or people-watching at a cozy cafe.

Getting to Wigtown isn't difficult with a car, despite most notable cities being over 80 miles away. Carlisle (England) and Glasgow are roughly a two-hour drive away, while Edinburgh can take more than three hours to reach. For those planning to fly, the nearest major airport is Glasgow's (GLA) (EGPF), located around 85 miles north of town.

Scotland has a stellar reputation among bibliophiles, which means that Wigtown's title as its "National Book Town" holds a lot of weight. It's backed up by a surprisingly varied array of literary attractions considering its small town center. Start with The Book Shop, the country's largest secondhand bookstore and Wigtown's oldest, featuring an extensive range of titles covering almost a mile of shelves. Set enough time aside to explore the store's nine rooms. Visitors have reported finding hidden gems, both for casual readers and collectors. 

The Old Bank Bookshop is another visit-worthy stop. Owned by a local couple, the place is home to a carefully curated selection of out-of-print books and second-hand titles. There are six rooms, one of which is dedicated entirely to sheet music, while the rest are filled with high-quality picks. They buy books, too, so if you have something you think is valuable, bring it along. Continue your tour through the many other darling stores scattered around town, and try to come here during the Wigtown Book Festival. The fall event lasts 10 days, showcases hundreds of writers, and has been gathering bookworms since 1999. There are over 250 activities to enjoy, complete with theater performances, workshops, and live music. 

Complete your literary experience by staying at The Open Book, a one-of-a-kind Airbnb that allows visitors to run the downstairs bookshop during their stay. You'll get the full experience, including rearranging displays, changing prices and hours, and even organizing events. It can be hard to score a booking, so plan in advance. 

While it's easy to get lost in Wigtown's book scene, you might want to make some space in your itinerary to explore the rest of what the town has to offer. Shoppers can stop by The Wigtown Emporium, a place known for its high-quality antiques, which vary from original paintings and photographs to games, soaps, teas, and even musical instruments. Patrons have also complimented the knowledgeable, friendly owner. Those looking for a charming piece of decor to bring back home can head to Nest, a locally-owned gem featuring a meticulously curated selection that includes rugs, baskets, mugs, candles, and lotions. They also sell a variety of gardenware.

Another classic facet of Scottish heritage that's not to be missed during your time in Wigtown is the local whiskey scene. Bladnoch Distillery, located just a mile out of the town center, is one of the best whisky destinations to visit in Scotland, according to reviews. Not in the mood for a strong drink? Check out the local cafes instead. There's a handful of charming places to choose from, starting with ReadingLasses. The bookstore-coffee shop hybrid features titles written by and for women (including award-winning literature) and freshly-made cakes. Customers praise the delicious flavors, friendly staff, and abundant vegan options.

Cafe Rendezvous is another popular pick and a family-run Wigtown staple that's been operating since 2000. They're complimented on their homemade food and varied cake and panini selection. If you're coming during weekends or particularly busy times (like the book festival), try to book in advance as seating is limited. Keep the adventures going by taking on Scotland's underrated road trip route that's a perfect alternative to the popular North Coast 500, next. Or you could consider a closer day trip to Dumfries, a lovely market town with river views, nature retreats, and historic charm.