12 Top Attractions Around Knighton
2023-08-29
A town dating back to the Stone Age obviously boasts a plethora of historic buildings and interesting sights.
Simply step out of The Knighton Hotel and set out on your sightseeing adventures in a town known for its narrow winding streets and timber houses. The surrounding areas are ideal for leisurely strolls as well as the more serious walkers and hikers. Be prepared for a refreshing and enlightening, once-in-a-lifetime journey on foot.
For a gentle introduction to the town of Knighton
Follow Knighton Town Trail starting from Offa’s Dyke Centre on West Street, just 5 minutes from The Knighton Hotel. You can tour the town and visit landmarks like Market Square, Market Hall, the Castle Bank, the Clock Tower, Brookside Square, St Edward’s Church, and Bryn y Castell, to name just a few. Maybe stop for a bite to eat and relax in this historically wonderful setting.
1. Offa’s Dyke Trail
As one of Britain’s National Trails, the walking path covers 177 miles along the Wales/England border. Offa’s Dyke Path was originally constructed by King Offa, said to be part of his plan to divide his Kingdom of Mercia.
The spectacular path passes through eight counties with many different attractions. The attractions include Sedbury Cliffs, Prestatyn, Marches, Brecon Beacons National Park, the Wye Valley, the Shropshire Hills and the Clwydian Range/Dee Valley.
2. Offa’s Dyke Centre
The Centre opened in 1999 and is the focus for activities based on the 8th-century earthwork Offa’s Dyke. The attractive interactive exhibition encourages and allows visitors to explore the Dyke and the border area. Enjoy and learn through the interactive displays and graphics.
The free exhibition covers the construction of Offa’s Dyke, the Welsh Princes of the Anglo-Saxon period. Also learn about the flora and fauna in the area and the fascinating history of Knighton.
3. Glyndwr’s Way
As with Offa’s Dyke, Glyndwr’s Way is another similarly attractive trail in Knighton. This 135-mile path’s history and landscape may not be as glamorous or as expansive as Offa’s Dyke Path, but definitely worth the steps and the breathtaking views.
Just a 10-minute walk from The Knighton Hotel, you’ll arrive at the start of this trail.
4. The Space guard Centre, observatory just outside Knighton
For science and astronomy enthusiasts, Knighton is home to the fully operational Spaceguard Centre. The centre hosts a telescope holding Europe's largest camera obscura, as well as a planetarium.
The amazing Spaceguard centre searches the skies for asteroids and other natural phenomena. The Centre brings the wonders of the universe to everyone in a fun, informative and understandable manner.
5. Heart of Wales Railway Line
What is more relaxing than taking a train ride through villages and towns?
Travel the line to explore 121 miles of rugged beauty, quaint villages, picturesque towns and breathtaking landscapes, from Shrewsbury to Swansea.
6. St Edward's Church above the River Teme
Churches in Knighton date back centuries. The Knighton St Edward’s Church dates back to the 11th century. Due to age and various damages much of it was rebuilt in the 19th century. The church was dedicated to St Edward who was the patron saint of England before St George. St Edward's church lies in a rectangular churchyard on the northern side of the town. Almost all of the present stonework in the body of the church is Victorian but there are remnants of the Georgian aisles.
7. The Clock Tower at the top of Broad Street
The Knighton Clock Tower was built in 1872 on the site of Knighton's old town hall. The Clock Tower is very similar in design to the one in Hay-on-Wye.
8. Knighton Museum
The Knighton Museum run by volunteers, reflects the social history of the Knighton area. Most exhibits have been either lent or donated by local residents. The items on display illustrate the varied history of Knighton. From the drovers to the flannel weavers as well as trade and agriculture. Many of the exhibits may be handled by visitors making the experience, for both adult and children, memorable.
9. Hergest Croft Gardens, Kington - One of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in the British Isles.
Hergest Croft Gardens extends to over 70 acres. Home to more than five thousand rare trees and shrubs, Hergest Croft Gardens is a treat for any flora or nature enthusiast. The Gardens hold the UK National Collections of Maples, Birches and Zelkovas.
The six distinct areas are Hergest Croft, the Azalea Garden, the Maple Grove, the Kitchen Garden, the Park and Park Wood.
10. Knucklas Viaduct
Knucklas is a small village near Knighton. The viaduct at Knucklas has 13 arches and a maximum height of 23 metres. It is 174 metres. long across a tributary of the river Teme. It is one of the most picturesque and impressive viaducts in Britain. Having a crenellated parapet with towers at either end and square towers at the buttresses.
11. Clun Castle
Clun Castle ruins overlook Clun VIllage. The dramatic riverside ruins sit high on a rocky mound on the edge of the small, picturesque town. The castle's tall 13th century keep is set on the side of its mound, which is out of character for the era in which it was built.
12. Wigmore Castle
Wigmore Castle is among the most remarkable ruins in England,largely buried up to the first floor level by earth and fallen masonry. Once the stronghold of the turbulent Mortimer family, Wigmore Castle was later dismantled. Many of its fortifications survive to full height, including parts of the keep on its towering mound.
For full information about visiting Knighton please visit the Knighton and District Tourism Group website at www.visitknighton.co.uk
Knighton is a true reflection of history surrounded by ancient beauty.
The Knighton Hotel is conveniently in the centre of this fascinating little Welsh town.
With comfortable rooms, the Knighton Hotel offers you the perfect place to stay while discovering the wonderful Knighton area. Convenient, cosy and comfortable.
Explore the ancient history and heritage of Knighton. Take a walk through the ages, relax, enjoy, sightsee and discover.
