About

Presteigne, (Llanandras in Welsh), was once the county town of Radnorshire and nestles on the border of Wales and England. Surrounded by devastatingly beautiful, unspoilt countryside, this thriving border town has many unique qualities that make it both a perfect destination and a base from which to explore.

Set alongside the river Lugg, at the corner of the three counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys, it is within a short drive from Hay on Wye, Hereford, Ludlow and Shrewsbury.

Just over an hour and a half from Birmingham and the beautiful coastline of West Wales, it would be difficult to find a better place to stay for easy access to the rich variety of experiences necessary for a rewarding break. There’s always something on hand, or within easy reach, to treat the whole family.

Presteigne High Street has a good range of independent shops, restaurants, pubs, hotels and services. Good accommodation is plentiful, both in the town and the surrounding area, and whether your choice is self-catering or serviced accommodation, high quality local and organic produce is available in both shops and restaurants.

Presteigne began life as a small settlement clutched around St Andrews Church. It was registered in the Domesday Book under the Humet Manor. Despite some prosperity in the next hundred or so years, the plague and the Glyndwr rebellion consigned the inhabitants of Presteigne to hardship.

The Tudor period saw a resurgence in economic activity in the town, with the cloth trade providing the majority of townsfolk with their income. The early modern period brought stability to the town which grew to become the administrative centre of Radnorshire. From then until the mid-19th century Presteigne hosted five annual fairs. Its position on the mail coaching road from London, Cheltenham and Gloucester to Aberystwyth made it a town of considerable importance.

The Judge's Lodgings Visitor Centre

The Judge's Lodging's in the town centre is well worth a visit.  Formerly the Shire Hall, it opened in 1829 on the site of the former County Gaol. Designed by Edward Haycock, it was not only the judicial centre for the County, but also home to the Radnorshire Constabulary. In 1970 the last judge donned his wig here and it now houses an award-winning museum and Tourist Information Centre. The Presteigne Town Trail starts from Judge's Lodging's

Annual events include the Presteigne Music Festival.