Kington
Kington is an historic market town, very close to the border of Wales and sitting alongside the infamous Hergest Ridge and Offa’s Dyke, where musician Mike Oldfield gained inspiration for his music and composed the magical Tubular Bells.
The beauty of these hills surrounding Kington is outstanding and a must-see for anybody searching to relax and take in the incredible Herefordshire panoramas. Staying up in the hills Kington boasts the highest 18 hole golf course in England, which runs around this medieval town and presents outstanding views of Herefordshire. There are many sporting traditions continued in the town, which has its own football club that plays in the West Midlands league, and has become well established as sons and heirs signed up to keep a sporting legacy in Kington going for many generation.
There is a primary school and secondary school where sport is a large part of the curriculum and where the singer Ellie Goulding was educated.
Now well known for its Walking Festival in September and recognised as a ‘Walkers are Welcome town’, it is a magnet to walkers from afar and near. The walking festival is opened with a Goulash Evening and music by the Kington Community Choir and is always well attended.
The local countryside encompasses some great lanes for keen cyclists too. Kington Horse and Agricultural Show in autumn is a long standing country show steeped in tradition and a great family day out attracting visitors from all over the country. The Herefordshire Trail, which links the county’s five market towns, runs right through Kington, and is the finish for the Mortimer Trail, a most enjoyable 30 mile romp around the surrounding area, taking in forest land and Croft Castle en route plus of course, very close to Offa’s Dyke.
Kington has a beautiful central High Street with various cafes, restaurants and quirky shops including the UKs only traditional Clog Maker, Jeremy Atkinson. There is a good camaraderie in the High Street amongst shop keepers, residents and visitors. You will always meet someone to suggest a little known hideaway or fascinating piece of history to explore. There is also a wonderful tourist information shop in the centre of the town where you will find local volunteers with wonderful knowledge of Kington and Herefordshire in general.
Market Hall Street Bridge Street High Street Bradnor Hill
At the top end of the town sits the clock tower and market hall which was built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887, and alongside this is the quaint Place de Marines named after Kington’s Twin Town in France. The clock tower area is the iconic picture scene of Kington and the point where festivals and events are usually launched from.
A short distance from the town centre you will find any plant lover’s perfect dwelling, Hergest Croft Gardens. Lawrence and Elizabeth Banks welcome you to visit Hergest Croft Gardens, created by four generations of their family and a wonderful combination of new and old plants and gardens including a croquet lawn, azalea garden, maple grove, kitchen garden and park wood. All shrouded by the splendour of Hergest Ridge.
There is a number of B&BS both centrally and on the outskirts in the pretty villages and hamlets nearby, many with amazing views of this quintessential part of Herefordshire. There is a caravan and camping park which nestles by the beautiful River Arrow and the riverside recreation ground.
The recreation ground is an ideal spot to walk in each other’s company or to take the children to the play area or to watch the cricket on a summer’s day. Whether you are looking for a walking, biking, golf or riding holiday, the chance to relax, explore, eat out, or just simply have fun, you will find somewhere that can cater just for you in Kington. Only a 30 minute ride from the City of Hereford, 20 minutes from Hay on Wye and 15 minutes to Leominster, sitting right on the border of the gateway to Wales, it is the perfect getaway.
useful information
Kington Tourist Information Centre
Download Kington Town Bus Map
Looking for somewhere to stay, take a peek at our comprehensive Accommodation in Herefordshire section.