The predominant architectural style in the centre of Wigton is Georgian, including the parish Church of St Mary which dates from 1788, but this market town has a history stretching much further back than that. The town was located in a strategically important area in past times, with the danger of raids from Scotland a factor from Roman times and probably before. The church replaced by St Mary’s had a pele tower for refuge during raids. It still enjoys the good communications such a situation demands, standing on the A596 between Carlisle and Maryport, and with its own station of the Cumbrian coast Line. About one mile south of the current town the Romans built a fort they named Maglona as a cavalry station to house a squadron of some 500 auxiliary cavalry. This fort is known as ‘Old Carlisle’, and though its site is easy to see, there are no walls still standing, only ditches and an earth mound. Wigton was granted a market charter in 1262, and the town still holds markets to this day with a general market on Tuesdays, and some livestock auctions too. The triangular market place holds the town’s best known monument, the memorial fountain that one George Moore had erected to remember his wife. It has bronzes of Acts of Mercy by pre-Raphaelite sculptor Thomas Woolner on each of its four faces. To the northwest of the town lies the South Solway National Nature Reserve’s Wedholme Flow, a boggy area where curlew, snipe and even grasshopper warblers may be seen. Further on is the Solway coast and Silloth, and for those who prefer their walking to be between golf shots the Solway Links course with views over to Scotland.
Attraction
Classes
Dentist
Half Moon Dental Surgery
P F Knight
Doctor
Caldbeck Surgery
The Croft Surgery
Wigton Group Medical Practice
Estate Agent
Bairstow Eves North West
Hope's
Thomson Roddick & Laurie
Market
Pub and Bar
Aikton Arms
Bird In Hand
Grey Goat Inn
Greyhound Inn
Hare & Hounds
Last Man Inn
O Calcutta
Oddfellows Arms
Red Lion
Sun Inn
Throstle Nest Inn
Restaurant
Coach House Restaurant
Grey Goat Inn
Greyhound Inn
Last Man Inn
Red Lion
Stocksman Restaurant
Sun Inn
Self-Catering
Featherdown Farm
Wallace Lane Farm
Solicitor
Taxi
Silloth Taxis
Station House Taxis
Sports Clubs
Wigton ARLFC (Rugby League)
Wigton CC (Cricket)
Shops
Longwood Garden Centre
Solway
J & L Forster
Joseph Strong & Son
Johnston & Son
Shear Pawfection Dog Grooming Studio
The Old Smithy Crafts Gifts & Tea Room
The Watermill Cafe
Christies Confectionery
D Paisley Quality Butcher & Delicatessen
Harrison Butchers
Baskets & Bunches
Carrock Meats Farm Shop
Pow Heads Farm Meat
Elizabeths Garden
Toad Hall Interiors
Places to Stay near Wigton
West Woodside House (2.73 miles)
Click for special and substantially discounted rates from Laterooms
Located half a mile from the A595, West Woodside House is in a quiet, rural location ideal for touring West Cumbria Lakes or the ... More
Wheyrigg Hotel (3.75 miles)
A splendid 3 diamond hotel on the Solway Plain close to the lakes, hills and Carlisle. Also close to the Scottish borders, Gretna Green and the Roman wall, river and badlands.
Wheyrigg ... More
Wallace Lane Farm (3.99 miles)
Woodlands Country House (5.86 miles)
First rate accommodation in a beautiful Victorian Country House. Superb food and wine, beautiful rural location, away from the crowds. Why not escape from the pressures of life and let ... More
Skiddaw View (7.31 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
In a peaceful location at the end of a quiet farm lane, these cottages enjoy far reaching views across open pastureland. Careful conversion of a traditional Cumbrian ... More
Dalston Hall Hotel (7.77 miles)
A unique hotel nestling in the heart of the beautiful Cumbria, just 15 minutes yet a million miles away from the vibrant City of Carlisle, this magnificent Grade II listed ... More
Howbeck Lodge (8.39 miles)
Howbeck Lodge, is situated at the foot of the Northern Fells in Cumbria's breathtaking Lake District. Howbeck Lodge is a working family farm & is beautifully appointed with everything to ... More
Overwater Hall Hotel (8.55 miles)
Set in 18 acres of gardens and woodland, this elegant Grade II listed hotel in the unspoilt northern Lake District is family run, offering genuine hospitality in a relaxed, friendly ... More
Crown & Mitre (10.13 miles)
Located in the town near to Carlisle cathedral and castle, the Crown and Mitre is ideally situated for walks and drives. It has been carefully restored to retain its Edwardian character ... More | visit website
The Hallmark Carlisle (10.13 miles)
The Lakes Court Hotel is an elegant hotel situated in a prime city location fronting Carlisle’s historic Court Square. Adjacent to Carlisle Railway Station and with the M6 motorway only ... More
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |