Winter Delights: Artisans & adventure-lovers in Kington
Fill your 'Bag of Delights' with gifts for arty & active types
This winter, we're taking inspiration from the Herefordshire poet John Masefield and his captivating Box of Delights. We’re inviting you to feel the magic of Christmas once more by delving into the county’s wealth of winter delights - enjoy stress-free shopping, unique experiences, relaxed rambles plus fantastic places to eat and stay.
And leave with your very own Christmas 'bag of delights', filled with well-considered presents for family and friends.
A tiny town packed with character, Kington offers a constellation of galleries and shops as well as being an enticing destination for walkers. Hunt down perfect arts and crafts from local designer-makers and keep active sorts happy with walking gear.
Home to makers
Start your day in Made in the Marches Gallery where you can pick up artwork from established and emerging artists and makers based in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Powys. This year’s ‘Magic & Merriment’ exhibition promises to be a bright and beautiful end of year extravaganza. Along the street, you’ll find Kat and Fiddle Gallery where the acclaimed artist Kathryn Moore makes and sells her brilliant mixed media landscapes. Head to 'The Old Shoe Shop' to discover the work of three makers, including handcrafted clothing and interiors at Raw Thread Design. In Kington, you can even order bespoke footwear from master clogmaker, Jeremy Atkinson.
For lovers of the great outdoors
A magnet for walkers, Kington is moments from the magnificent Hergest Ridge, with its favoured section of Offa’s Dyke Path, and is also the starting point for the Mortimer Trail. Head to The Walking Hub to find highly performing outdoor gear with excellent eco credentials such as Paramo, Freet and Keen. Pop in for well-researched guidance from owner Ali Allen as to the best buys for the adventurer in your life. For active sorts, Club Sport is always a great place to hunt for sporty stocking fillers.
Perfect presents
Stock up on eco essentials for the body and home at Planet B and find culinary gifts at the Bee’s Knees Cook Shop. At Bopsums Emporium you are guaranteed to find quirky gifts and Forget-Me-Nots is the place for lovely cards, wrapping paper and presents.
Foodie treats
The best artisan-made foods are a speciality at Number 25 Delicatessen which also stocks plenty of special festive goodies. Choose from Herefordshire treats such as Penrhos Gin, British Cassis, Hay Charcuterie, Monkland Dairy cheese and artisan chocolate.
The Fork and Chicken is also a recommended stop for stocking fillers such as BBQ sauces and rubs, as well as excellent meats, restaurant-quality ready meals and delectables cakes.
Lunchtime
- Border Bean is a favourite stop for coffee and homemade cake, soups and light bites.
- The Cattleshed at Penrhos Court, just outside Kington, has a tasty all-day menu.
- Relax over a local ale at CAMRA-listed Ye Olde Tavern.
- Just outside town, visit Maples Tea Room at Hergest Croft Gardens
Dinner & stay overnight
- Enjoy a warm welcome at both Church House B&B and The Walking Hub B&B.
- Chill out at The Burton Hotel which has its own relaxing spa.
- Try the nearby New Inn at Pembridge for beams, roaring fires and good pub food.
Delightful experiences
- Learn how to make British Cassis: Discover the secrets behind the beautiful blackcurrant liqueur.
- Stride out in style: Take a tutored Nordic walking experience.
- Meet the animals: See the owls and small animals at Small Breeds Centre
- For a Winter Walk: Drink in the 360-degree views and see the wild ponies on this 5.5 mile circular walk around Hergest Ridge.
2023 Diary Dates
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Kington Lights Switch On, 29 November, 5.30pm onwards at Place des Marines, with music, carol singing, hot food and drink as well as Santa’s Grotto and his post box.
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Kington Winter Food & Drink Festival, 2 December, 9.30am - 3.30pm
Sample the best of what the borders has to offer. Tour five venues hosting 100 stalls, each hand picked to offer a wide range of producers from charcuterie and oils to patisserie and chocolate.
