Nestling on the banks of the River Lugg, the ancient town of Presteigne lies on the border of England and Wales and has been voted one of the top 10 towns in Britain by Country Life magazine. The reason for this award is obvious as the town boasts an array of black and white timbered buildings, narrow cobbled streets, individual shops, tea rooms and traditional pubs as well as the award-winning Judges’ Lodgings, a Victorian museum complete with stunning judges’ apartments, servants’ quarters, courtroom and cells. The town plays hosts to music and arts festivals throughout the year as well as a monthly farmers’ market. Explore the Mortimer Trail, Offa’s Dyke, the lovely walks up to Wigmore Castle, Croft Ambrey and the quiet valleys of the Lugg, Teme and Clun. The small town of Kington, well regarded as a centre for walking, is celebrated by visitors for its lovely scenery and excellent walking and cycling in the surrounding rolling hills. This quiet, pleasant town offers a number of excellent shops, pubs and restaurants. There is a variety of tourist attractions close by including the Kington Small Breed Farm Park and Owl Centre, the pretty blooms at the Hergest Croft Gardens and Radnor Hill, which boasts England’s highest golf course. Ludlow, with a magnificent castle, over 500 listed buildings and stunning medieval street pattern, provides a fascinating backdrop for the town’s regular street markets, showcasing a range of goods – from cheeses and fresh produce to books and local crafts. Take a day trip to the town of books, Hay-on-Wye, the pretty market town of Leominster or Hereford with its cathedral home to the Mappi Mundi world map.
