Kington is a beautiful English market town that is well known for its proximity to one of the country's favourite national trails, the Offa's Dyke Path. Despite its links with the Anglo-Saxon king, Offa, Kington is on the western side of the boundary, meaning that it was once under the rule of the Celtic king of Powys. Today, it is the epitome of English charm and a top choice for a holiday in all seasons, with cottages to rent whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or family holiday. Its beautiful walks, exciting cycling trails, friendly community and proximity to stunning vistas make it an ideal base for exploring not only the picturesque county of Herefordshire but also the Brecon Beacons National Park and places like the Wye Valley, Shropshire Hills and Malvern Hills Areas of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). Read more
A clifftop retreat with direct access to the South West Coast Path is a rarity, and one with no immediate neighbours even more so. Cancleave delivers both of these features together with superb views and a high standard of accommodation with space for eight people to sleep in four beautiful bedrooms. It is conveniently located on the coast road between Crackington Haven and Widemouth Bay, with easy access to Bude, Boscastle and Tintagel. Cancleave has been in the family since 1962 and used as a holiday let all that time. They have recently replaced the original property with a modern building boasting energy-efficient features that will help protect the landscape for generations to come.
Nestling amongst Herefordshire countryside on the Whittern Estate, The Lodge provides a high standard of self-catering with classic Victorian charm blended with fabulous modern conveniences. Perfect for couples, families or friends who want to explore the area (Ludlow, Hereford and Hay-on-Wye are all within easy driving distance) and those who simply want to escape away and enjoy a taste of country life. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Stay in comfort in this converted 18th Century barn. Granary Cottage is a welcoming ground-floor apartment sleeping four people in two bedrooms. It's in the rural hamlet of Rosecare, two miles from Crackington Haven and within easy reach of Bude, Newquay, Boscastle, Port Isaac, and Tintagel. Guests love walking along the South West Coast Path to admire the breathtakingly dramatic cliffs and coastline of North Cornwall. Cycling is also popular, and there are many family-friendly attractions for all seasons. The self-catering holiday home is ideal for couples and families, with well-behaved dogs welcome by arrangement.
A magnificent 4 Star Gold holiday home offering stylish accommodation on an impressive country estate of some seven hundred acres in North West Herefordshire. Perfect for couples, friends and families with plenty of attractions within easy driving distance including Hay-on-Wye, Ludlow, Hereford and the Welsh Borders. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A delightful cottage sitting in an orchard setting with stunning panoramic views over the Black Mountains on a large 700 acre estate within Herefordshire countryside - an ideal retreat to relax or use as a base for exploring the areas many attractions. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Offering the chance to live the 'Downton Abbey' lifestyle, this Grade II listed Queen Anne house offers spacious self-catering accommodation for large groups of up to eighteen and sits on a seven hundred acre estate amongst beautiful rolling Herefordshire countryside within easy reach of Ludlow and Hay-on-Wye. The perfect venue for spending time or celebrating with friends or family. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Combining 21st century modern convenience with Victorian charm and elegance amongst secluded Herefordshire countryside - six self catering holiday homes provide a chic venue for parties of two to fifty guests. Whether you are looking for a romantic break or want to celebrate a milestone event with friends or family, The Colloquy is an ideal choice. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
A cosy stone self catering cottage on a large seven hundred acre estate set amidst rolling Herefordshire countryside, providing holiday accommodation for six guests or larger parties of up to eleven if the nearby cottage is rented at the same time. Close to the Shropshire Hills AONB, Hereford, Hay-on-Wye and the Welsh Borders with an abundance of great days out. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Families, couples and friends all appreciate how welcoming the self-catering accommodation at Anneth Lowen is. The holiday cottage is near Boscastle, and its name means "happy home" in Cornish. It sleeps four people in three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a large enclosed garden safe for children and dogs. Ample, easy, private parking. You're within walking distance of The Horseshoe Inn in Tresparrett and within easy reach of beautiful beaches, the South West Coast Path, the Camel Trail, and favourite attractions like Tintagel Castle and the Eden Project.
Situated right by Offa’s Dyke Path in the heart of excellent walking country, Haywood Cabin is a romantic and peaceful retreat. It is perched at the top of award-winning Hergest Croft Gardens to which you have free access even when they are closed to the public. Within easy reach of Hay-on-Wye and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
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Offa's Dyke
London wasn't always the central seat of British power. More than a thousand years ago, an Anglo-Saxon king ordered the construction of a physical barrier to mark the border between his kingdom and the Welsh. The kingdom of Mercia may be no more, but the king lives on in the name of the earthworks, known as Offa's Dyke. Offa's Dyke Path is one of the most famous long-distance footpaths in the country, spanning 177 miles along the border between England and Wales and stretching from Chepstow in the south to Prestatyn in the north. Despite its age, some of the best-preserved areas of Offa's Dyke are close to Kington, offering walkers a taste of history together with panoramic views over both Herefordshire and Powys.
You can find out more about the history of this area at the Offa's Dyke Centre on West Street. The museum, which has free entry, will help you make sense of the area as well as give you an understanding about the various rulers - English and Welsh - who helped shape this stunning landscape.
Walking and Cycling around Kington
The Offa's Dyke Path isn't the only footpath in the area. Kington is a focal point for several excellent routes with the Glyndwr Way, Herefordshire Trail, Mortimer's Trail, Wych Way, Vaughan's Way and Arro Valley Trail all passing through or starting in the town. The Kington Tourist Information Centre has a wealth of maps and information, with knowledgeable volunteers who know the area well and can help visitors to plan the perfect route.
Although the views from Kington are stunning in every season, they are especially glorious in late summer when a four-day festival celebrates the region's beautiful walks. There is also a programme of spring walks held towards the end of April which helps you explore Kington as it bursts into life.
Visitors who prefer two wheels to two feet will be delighted with the variety of cycling routes. There is a trail to suit every ability including a popular 28-mile route that starts at the Tourist Information Centre and takes riders along quiet lanes and through the villages of Pembridge, Eardisland, Dilwyn, Lyonshall and Weobly. Another favourite route takes in Huntington and Gladestry, crossing the border into Wales and providing far-reaching views from Hergest Ridge before returning to town.
Food and Drink
The fields and farmland in Herefordshire aren't only pretty. The farmers here enjoy some of the most fertile and productive land in England, making Kington a tasty choice for a gourmand's self-catering holiday in the countryside. Kington Market runs every Friday morning and is a fantastic place to buy local produce, allowing buyers to talk to the producers and suppliers of meat, vegetable and other goodies grown within a few miles of the Market Hall. The town also has an excellent choice of independent shops that include two butchers, an artisan bakery, a fishmonger and an ice-cream parlour.
Although Herefordshire is known for its cider, there are several excellent breweries including the Swan Brewery in nearby Leominster which uses hops grown in Herefordshire and neighbouring Worcestershire. The brewery shop is open every Friday, or you can taste their beers on tap at several local pubs.
Attractions and Day Trips
Kington's location is ideal for exploring Herefordshire and the surrounding region. Local attractions include Hergest Croft Gardens, the Owl Centre and the 18-hole Kington Golf Course. The historic city of Hereford is within easy reach, with an excellent choice of places to eat, drink and shop as well as a magnificent cathedral and several museums. Hay-on-Wye is even closer, with its plentiful bookshops and cafes, and riverfront location with kayaks to navigate the River Wye.
Kington is a wonderful year-round holiday destination. It has a beautiful landscape and a relaxed pace that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, even if you only have a few days. Its selection of charming self-catering cottages in the town and countryside will provide a welcome respite for couples, families and friends in every season.
