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
A tiny town, crammed with character, Kington’s situation is very special: it lies in the Arrow Valley, in the shadow of the imposing Hergest Ridge. There's a tiny constellation of art galleries, shops and cafes to be found on the historic streets. Walkers are very welcome - there’s an annual walking festival and many routes to explore. Meanwhile, Offa's Dyke Path and the nearby Mortimer Trail nod to the area's tumultuous past.
Love Your Kington Break
Walking Heaven
Kington was made for walking! The hike up to Hergest Ridge is a classic, highly recommended for its views across the English-Welsh border. Offa’s Dyke Path and the Mortimer Trail nod to the area's strife-riven history, told by the scattering of Iron-Age hillforts, castle ruins and medieval battlesites. Other options include The Arrow Valley Walk or The 8 Pubs Challenge. Short circular routes include a trip to a tree reputedly planted by Wordsworth. The Kington Walking Festival is a must for hiking fans.
The Legend of Black Vaughan
Pay a visit to St Mary's Church in Kington, where the magnificent alabaster and marble effigies of Thomas and Ellen Vaughan lie. They look at peaceful pair but the legends surrounding them are anything but. Sir Thomas Vaughan of Hergest was beheaded following the War of the Roses and after his burial here, his restless spirit wreaked havoc locally, often appearing as a black dog or bull. There is also reputed to be a black dog, his one-time faithful companion, which haunts Hergest Court when a death is imminent. Meanwhile, Ellen the Terrible is said to have avenged the murder of her brother by firing an arrow into the heart of the perpetrator who was her own cousin.
A Heritage Stroll
Before heading for the hills, stroll around the historic town. You’ll find two superb art galleries, as well as a great deli, a cookshop, an eco-store, a walking hub, the UK’s only traditional clog maker and some excellent cafes. Spot the distinctive red brick Market Hall and Town Clock, and drop into Kington Museum, which tells the story of local life. There’s lots of traditional timber-framed cottages to admire, plus an Old Tramway, a 13th-century coaching inn and an unusual Water Tower.
Explore Near Kington
Hergest Croft Gardens
Extending over 70 acres, Hergest Croft Gardens is a garden for all seasons. Fame for its rare trees and shrubs, Hergest holds National Collections of maples and birches, plus over 80 'champion' trees. Other attractions include the Kitchen Garden, colourful Azalea Garden and the exotic Park Wood, featuring thirty-foot high rhododendrons.
Small Breeds Farm Park & Owl Centre
A wonderful collection of miniature, rare and friendly animals and birds including pigs, donkeys, horses and goats. The mischievous Pygmy goats and their naughty kids are a particular favourite! The centre is also home to one of the largest and most important collections of owls in Europe.
Get Active near Kington
Black and White Villages Trail
Kington makes an ideal base to explore the area's celebrated picture-perfect villages. Passing hopyards, orchards and beautiful farming country - it’s a small slice of heaven.
Get to know Mortimer Country
Take a trip around Herefordshire's tumultuous and beautiful borderland, visiting castles and pretty villages which were at the heart of the action.