Wigton Area Guide

Wigton is a historic market town located between the Lakeland fells and Solway Firth. With tall Georgian houses lining its streets, a handsome 18th-century church and an attractive memorial fountain gracing the old marketplace, Wigton is full of character. It also has a rich agricultural heritage, surrounded by farms and countryside, it is still known for its thriving auction market today.

The surrounding countryside is a gorgeous combination of coastal and fell landscape, and you can be in the Lake District National Park in under 20 minutes. Many of the properties in the surrounding Wigton area have fell and Lake District views which makes them increasingly sought after.

Highlights and attractions

Solway Coast

The Solway Coast is an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty and boasts many beautiful beaches, which is why Wigton is increasingly on the radar of buyers seeking a more rural and picturesque location.

Nature lovers and walking enthusiasts are drawn to the Solway's abundance of outstanding natural beauty, a wide variety of bird, fish and plant life which wouldn’t normally exist this far north, exists here thanks to the warming influences of the Gulf Stream. You may even be lucky enough to see a porpoise on a trip to one of the many local beaches.

Lake District Safari Park

The Lake District Wildlife Park is located in the northern lakes next to Bassenthwaite, with the mighty Skiddaw as a backdrop and only a 10-minute drive from Keswick.

With over 100 species of exotic animals, from Anaconda to Zebra, the park has plenty of wildlife to entertain all age groups. The 25-acre park also has an on-site cafe and a play area.
It is just a 10-minute drive from Keswick.

The Lakes Distillery

The award-winning Lakes Distillery has fast become one of the biggest local producers of Whiskey and Gin in the North of England. The distillery enjoys an idyllic rural site near Bassenthwaite, with a Visitor Centre, artisan bar and bistro, and a shop selling distillery products as well as locally produced goods.

At the Visitor Centre, you can find out how the Lakes Malt, Lakes Gin and Lakes Vodka are made and have a tour of the site including the still room and the distillery’s warehouse where the whisky matures.

Don't worry if whiskey, gin or vodka aren't your thing, you can still enjoy the fantastic Bistro at the Distillery which offers great food in relaxed surroundings.

Schools

For a small town, Wigton is extremely well served with schools. It has some fantastic primary schools, however, it is the secondary school Nelson Thomlinson that is renowned across Cumbria as Ofsted rated Outstanding. The school places an emphasis on sports and extracurricular activities.