About Biggar
Set in the heart of the South Lanarkshire countryside, Biggar is a small town with a big welcome. Just under an hour from both Edinburgh and Glasgow, it’s an easy and rewarding journey — whether you’re coming for a day trip or making a full weekend of it.
During Biggar Django Jazz Festival, the town will be a lively hub of music, with performances taking place in venues across the town.
One of Biggar’s real charms is its size — everything is within easy walking distance, so you can move from one gig to the next, explore the high street, and soak up the atmosphere without ever needing the car.
Explore the Town
Take time to enjoy Biggar beyond the festival. The high street is lined with independent shops, galleries and local businesses, giving the town its distinctive character. You can also visit the Biggar & Upper Clydesdale Museum, Biggar Gasworks, the only one surviving in Scotland, dating from 1839. Biggar is also home to the world-famous Purves Puppets theatre company.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, Biggar is also a great base for a walk or a quiet moment outdoors if you’re looking to balance music with a bit of fresh air.
Nearby, you can visit the New Lanark World Heritage Site and take a walk along to the Falls of Clyde.
Why Biggar?
There’s something special about experiencing world-class jazz in a small-town setting. In Biggar, the festival feels close, connected and personal — artists and audiences sharing the same spaces, with music never far away.
It’s a place where you can discover something new, linger a little longer, and feel part of it all.
A Few Practical Notes
Scottish weather can be unpredictable, even in June — so it’s worth bringing layers and something waterproof, just in case.
Most places in town accept card payments.
You’ll find essential amenities such as supermarkets, a pharmacy, petrol station and cash machine, on or very close to the High Street.
Getting Here
By car
Biggar sits on the A702, with straightforward road links from both Edinburgh and Glasgow (around 45–60 minutes by car, depending on traffic).
By train
While Biggar doesn’t have its own train station, stations at Lanark (12.4 miles), Carstairs (10.4 miles), Carluke (18 miles) and (West Calder (20.2 miles) connect to the wider rail network.
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/travel-information/
By Bus
From Edinburgh: 101, 101A, 102 https://www.houstonscoaches.co.uk/timetables/
From Glasgow: There is no direct bus from Glasgow to Edinburgh. You can take a train to Lanark and the 91 bus from Lanark to Biggar.
From Lanark: 91 bus https://stuartscoaches.co.uk/91-lanark-biggar/
By Air
Edinburgh airport: approx 32 miles by car dependent on route
Glasgow airport : approx 50 miles by car dependent on route
Parking in Biggar
There is free car parking available throughout Biggar, including near the Corn Exchange and along the high street. Please check local signs for any time restricted parking areas.
Taxis
Biggar Taxis & Taxi Caledonia https://biggartaxis.com
Go Travel Scotland https://gotravelscotland.com/taxi-hire/
Big Red Taxis 07773 117393
Where to Stay
If you’re planning to stay, there’s a range of accommodation in and around Biggar, from welcoming B&Bs and guest houses to hotels and self-catering cottages.
Hotels
The Elphinstone Hotel & Restaurant, 145 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DL
https://www.elphinstonehotel.co.uk/
The Kirkstyle Hotel, 72 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6BJ
Tinto Hotel, 44 Biggar Road, Symington, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6FT (approx 3.8 miles)
Cornhill Castle, Coulter Road, Biggar, Lanarkshire, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6QE
https://manorviewhotels.co.uk/hotels/cornhill/
B&Bs
B&B at No 4, 4 Gibsons Close, Biggar, ML12 6DN
The Old Mill, Burn Braes, Biggar, ML12 6LY
https://www.biggaroldmill.com/
Nearby villages and towns also offer additional options, all within a short drive. As the festival weekend is expected to be busy, we strongly recommend booking accommodation early.
Food & Drink
Biggar is well known locally for its excellent selection of cafés, restaurants and pubs. Whether you’re after a relaxed coffee between shows, a quick bite, or a more leisurely evening meal, you’ll find plenty of choice. Booking is recommended.
Cafes & Restaurants
Aroma, 86 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DH
The Barony, 55 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DA
https://www.barony-biggar.co.uk/
The Coffee Spot, 152 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DH
The Crown Inn, 109 - 111 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DL, Biggar
The Taj Mahal, 101 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DL, Biggar
https://tajmahal-biggar.co.uk/
The Olive Tree, 114 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DH
https://theolivetreedeli.co.uk/
The Gillespie Centre, 74 High Street , Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6BJ
https://gillespiecentre.co.uk/
Pubs serving food
The Elphinstone Hotel & Restaurant, 145 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DL,
https://www.elphinstonehotel.co.uk
Cross Keys, 1 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DA, Tel: 01899 220176
The Crown Inn, 109 - 111 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DL, Biggar
Take Away
Aroma, 86 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DH
The Coffee Spot, 152 High Street, Biggar, United Kingdom, ML12 6DH
The Fryery – fish & chips, 110 High Street, Biggar, ML12 6DH
Townhead Cafe – fish & chips, 187 High St, Biggar ML12 6DJ
K-Wok – Chinese, 154 High St, Biggar ML12 6DH
The Oriental – Chinese, 3 Park Pl, Biggar ML12 6BT
The Taj Mahal – Indian, 101 High St, Biggar ML12 6DL
Wellfed Biggar Sandwich Bar, 133 High St, Biggar ML12 6DL
Zest Sandwich Shop, 69 High St, Biggar ML12 6DA
Many venues offer a warm, informal atmosphere — perfect for continuing the conversation (and the music) after a performance.
