Historic charm & wild nature on your doorstep.

Kington

Multi award-winning Walking Town
Wander slowly through medieval street
Discover charming pubs & cafes
Explore a rural 'Zoo' & RHS-partnered Gardens
Independent shops full of local artisan wares

A Town for All Seasons

Kington has been welcoming visitors for over a thousand years, and the reason is simple: it’s the kind of place you plan to pass through and end up wanting to stay, or come back time and again. Over the centuries it's long been a natural resting point for travellers, from ancient drovers crossing Hergest Ridge to today’s hikers on Offa’s Dyke and the Mortimer Trail.

This quaint town offers respite in its warm pubs, excellent cafes, and friendly local accommodation. Steeped in heritage, visitors can explore medieval alleyways, discover the town’s story at the Museum, or enjoy the wonderful independent spirit found in its two art galleries, delicatessen, cookshop, dedicated walking hub, and restored cinema. Beyond the town, experiences like the internationally acclaimed Hergest Croft Gardens, England’s highest golf course, and the Small Breeds Farm and Owl Sanctuary—Herefordshire’s only zoo—are all within easy reach. From its many seasonal festivals to the local-favourite agricultural show, Kington consistently delivers far more than its size suggests.

Illustrated map showing Kington within the County

Top Highlights

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Seasonal Offerings

Kington in the spring

If you take your preserves seriously, plan a trip in April to see who takes the crown at the Kington Marmalade Competition. The perfect season to visit Hergest Croft Gardens for spectacular Spring displays from magnolias and camellias to vibrant azaleas, and with their May Plant Fair, you can take a few blooms home. A great month for art lovers too, as the town hosts the Marches Makers Festival.

For outdoor enthusiasts, join the spring edition of the Kington Walking Festival for a guided ramble across the hills and valleys, or take a self-guided hike along the Mortimer Trail in bluebell season. Little ones will love seeing the new spring arrivals at the Small Breeds Farm Park, followed by tea and cake at one of the town’s independent cafés. Browse the weekly Friday market and check out the Craft Market held every third Saturday (April to December).

Kington in the summer

Make the most of the golden hour with a walk (or even a trail run) at sunset or sunrise along the summit of Hergest Ridge. Pack a picnic and savour the sweet smells of summer amongst the wildflower meadows and gentle, humming hedgerows of Birches Farm Nature Reserve. Enjoy an e-Bike Tour of White Heron Estate through vineyards and orchards, sampling award-winning drinks.

Be sure to check the dates for the town’s annual August Vintage Show and June Wheelbarrow Race - two quintessentially quirky British occasions not to be missed, along with the lively Smoke Fest music festival, also held in June! Browse the weekly Friday market and check out the Craft Market held every third Saturday (April to December).

Kington in the autumn

Head to the Kington Show in September, the County’s largest one-day agricultural event, for everything from livestock and vintage vehicles to craft stalls and local food, there’s something for everyone. Join the main autumn edition of the Kington Walking Festival, which draws hikers from all over for a weekend of guided walks, geology tours, and social events. Take a trip to Hergest Croft Gardens for awe-inspiring autumn colour displays from their internationally renowned collection of maples and birches, and catch their October Plant Fair.

Herefordshire Art Week sees artists and makers across the town open their studio doors, followed by 'The Big Draw', a series of community-focused art workshops in October. As the nights draw in, join the locals for the truly spectacular Kington Bonfire and Fireworks display. Browse the weekly Friday market and check out the Craft Market held every third Saturday (April to December).

Kington in the winter

Watch the town transform into a cosy, twinkling winter wonderland, kicking off with the much-anticipated Christmas lights switch on. Don’t miss the Kington Food Festival in December - a real highlight featuring local artisan producers, craft stalls, live music, and more. December also brings the brilliant annual Kington Tractor Run, a wonderfully unique sight for all ages. Keep your Christmas shopping independent by discovering unique gifts in the town’s many boutiques and art galleries.

Finally, brace yourself for a crisp winter walk up Hergest Ridge to take in 360-degree views including the snow-dusted Black Mountains, before warming up with a pint at The Swan or the Burton Hotel. While you're in town, browse the weekly Friday market.

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