How to Spend a Weekend in Kington
A centre for walking. Jaw-dropping views. Border country.
- Gorgeous location, only minutes from the hills
- Endless walking routes
- Fab cafes & deli
- Easy drive to Leominster & Hay-on-Wye
- Ideal base for the Black & White Villages trail
Lying in the Arrow Valley in the shadow of the imposing Hergest Ridge, Kington is a tiny town with a big character. Explore the constellation of art galleries, shops and cafes lining its historic streets, then lace up those hiking boots. A hiker's dream, Kington is surrounded by tempting routes, including Offa's Dyke Path and the Mortimer Trail (which starts here) which both tell of the area's tumultuous past. The town also hosts annual walking festivals.
Love Your Kington Break
Walking Heaven
Kington was made for walking! The hike up to Hergest Ridge is a classic, rewarding with dramatic views across the English-Welsh border. Offa’s Dyke Path and The Mortimer Trail nod to the area's strife-riven history, along with the Iron-Age hill forts, castle ruins and medieval battle sites that stud the countryside. Enjoy a range of guided outings during Kington's annual Walking Festivals or download the Visit Herefordshire app and the perfect route for you.
Artisan Delights
Move away from the mass produced by buying hand-crafted gifts from local designer-makers. The characterful market town of Kington is a magnet for makers. Find the work of contemporary artists & designer-makers as well as artisan foods. There's also shops to satisfy the adventure lover in your life. And once your shopping is in the bag, you can head for the hills.
A Heritage Stroll
Before heading for the hills, roam the historic town to discover art galleries, a great deli, cookshop, The Walking Hub (and UKs first Barefoot shoe shop) and some excellent cafes. Spot the distinctive red-brick Market Hall and clock tower, and drop into Kington Museum to learn the story of local life. Traditional timber-framed cottages stud the streets, and you'll also find an old tramway, a 13th-century coaching inn and an unusual water tower.
Explore Kington
Hergest Croft Gardens
Spanning over 70 acres, Hergest Croft Gardens is a wonder for all seasons. Famed for its rare trees and shrubs, the site hosts National Collections of maples and birches, and more than 80 'champion' trees. Other attractions include the Kitchen Garden, colourful Azalea Garden and exotic Park Wood, where rhododendrons grow to 10m tall.
Small Breeds Farm Park & Owl Centre
Meet a wonderful menagerie of miniature, rare and friendly animals including pigs, donkeys and horses – the mischievous pygmy goats and their naughty kids are popular favourites! The centre is also home to one of the largest and most important collections of owls in Europe.
Rhodds Farm Garden
A fabulously romantic garden, featuring a charming dovecote, wildflower meadow and herbaceous borders.
White Heron Drinks
Visit the home of British Cassis to enjoy a tour of the blackcurrant farm and Cassiserie as well as a tutored tasting.
Kington Golf Club
Tee off from the highest golf course in England and try not to get distracted by the stunning views.
White Heron E-Bike Tours
Unique in Herefordshire, cycle through blackcurrant plantations, cider-apple orchards and vineyards, discovering the history of the estate. Complete the tour with an optional Off Grid Dining Experience on locally sourced, artisan foods.
Getting Out and About
Discover the Black & White Villages Trail
Kington makes an ideal base from which to explore the area's celebrated picture-postcard villages. Drive or cycle between them, past hopyards, orchards and beautiful farming country – it’s a small slice of heaven.
Inspiration & Itineraries
3 Day Walking Holiday in Kington
A walking adventure focused on the quirky little border town of Kington, which is Herefordshire’s Centre for Walking. Each day includes
Weekend Break with Friends
Getaway with your friends for the weekend to experience a night out in Hereford city, an outdoor activity, and watching the
Adrenaline Weekend with Teens
Kington: Where to Stay (& eat)
Pick from gastropubs, hotels, B&Bs, or unique self-catering accommodation, and be sure to sample the plentiful local produce on offer at surrounding restaurants and foodie pop-ups.
Kington: What's On
From the annual Kington Show to the biennial Walking Festival, to the positively bonkers wheelbarrow race, there's always something happening in this quintessentially British market town.
