When writer George Borrow came to Presteigne in 1867 he asked where he was - the reply was 'Neither in England nor Wales, but simply in Radnorshire'. To take a glance now at Presteigne ('Llanandras' in Welsh), little seems to have changed since Borrow's time in this small border town where one step over a little stone bridge takes you into England. Do not be fooled though, for Presteigne is a thriving community, with a bustling High Street full of traditional and more exotic shops, a diversity of public entertainment, a fully equipped leisure centre, restaurants and public houses galore!
Presteigne's former prominence as the legal and administrative centre of Radnorshire (now central Powys) is echoed in The Judge's Lodging, where any visit to the town should start. Here you will find an award-wining museum and the town's Tourist Information Centre where you can pick up a copy of the town trail (available also throughout the area). The trail will take you on a journey not only through the streets of this charming town, but also on a trip into the past, as it guides you by buildings such as The Duke's Arms, home to the last (and longest) mail coach in the UK; The Red House, home of Rear Admiral Puget, after whom Puget Sound on Vancouver Island is named; The Radnorshire Arms Hotel, home of Sir Christopher Hatton, (a favourite of Elizabeth I) and St Andrew's Church, Broad Street, home to a superb 16th Century Flemish tapestry. Local archaeological treasures include standing stones (Walton), holy wells (Pilleth) and the ruins of Stapleton Castle that look down over the town.
The discerning walker can walk straight from town to country on one of the many local footpaths and just outside the town you can get onto the famous Offa's Dyke long distance path.
This beautiful town recently hit national news as one of the top 10 places to live in Britain in a Country Life survey, whilst its road from there to Aberystwyth is in the AA's top 10 scenic routes in Europe.
With such an unusual museum and such local accolades, can you really resist a visit? After all, one visiting judge called the town ' a sort of paradise'.
Courtesy of Presteigne Tourist Information Centre. Population 2,000
Attraction
Bryan's Ground Garden
The Judge's Lodging
Camping
Doctor
Estate Agent
Inn
Forest Inn Hotel
Radnorshire Arms Hotel
Pub and Bar
Farmers Inn
Radnor Arms
Red Lion Inn
Royal Oak
Restaurant
School
John Beddoes School
John Beddoes Secondary School
Presteigne County Primary School
Taxi
Places to Stay near Presteigne
Radnorshire Arms Hotel (0.06 miles)
The Radnorshire Arms is a warm and welcoming, family run hotel which lies at the heart of the old county town of Radnorshire, Presteigne (Llanandras in Welsh, meaning 'the church ... More
Norton Manor Hotel (1.87 miles)
Norton Manor Hotel is a Victorian Manor House built in 1858. It became the home of 1st Baronet of Radnorshire Sir Richard Green-Price and his extensive family. Sir Richard owned ... More
Staunton House (4.32 miles)
Staunton House is an early 19th Century rectory set in countryside near the historic town of Leominster, providing extremely comfortable B&B accommodation.
If you're a fan of rural countryside, this is an ideal place to ... More | visit website
Burton Hotel (4.97 miles)
Set within a modernised coaching inn, this charming residence is situated on the Offa’s Dyke footpath in the small market town of Kington, which lies on the Welsh border. During your stay ... More
Horse & Jockey (5.18 miles)
Originally a 14th century coaching inn, the Horse & Jockey offers a warm and friendly atmosphere, owned by the same family since 1989. Situated in Knighton town, close to the Offa's Dyke Centre, the inn offers ... More | visit websiteKnighton Hotel (5.19 miles)
For business or pleasure The Knighton Hotel has much to offer. Situated on the Welsh Border, in the beautiful County of Powys, The Knighton Hotel is within easy driving ... More
Bateman Arms (5.56 miles)
The Bateman Arms, an 18th Century three storey Inn with rooms, is situated in the village of Shobdon in the unspoilt County of Herefordshire on the English, Welsh Border. The listed ... More
The Baron at Bucknell (6.46 miles)
Brick House Farm (6.71 miles)
Mortimers Cross Inn (6.86 miles)
Check availability and book this hotel online with Active Hotels
This charming, family run, 12th century inn, set amidst beautiful countryside, boasts many original period features whilst offering you a wealth of modern conveniences for ... More
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