photo: Alex RamsayMore About Our Town
Presteigne
Presteigne is the former county town of Radnorshire and nestles at the heart of the Welsh Marches on the border between Wales and England. Surrounded by beautiful, unspoilt countryside, it is a gently busy, connected community on the River Lugg, at the corner of the three counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys. Describing Presteigne, The Sunday Times said: ‘The inspirational community in this small town on the Welsh border have a knack for getting things done’.
The town offers a variety of places to eat, drink and shop, many featuring locally sourced and made food and goods created by local artists and crafts people, alongside stylish antique and vintage businesses.
Those who book tickets for Festival events will receive details about where to eat out and other helpful local information to enhance their visit.
Things To Do →
Countryside
The surrounding countryside is breathtaking, and provides a lovely backdrop to the town’s bustling streets. Just to the west are the wild areas of the Radnor Forest and Offa’s Dyke Path, which follows the line of the 8th-century ancient earthwork which runs the length of the border between Wales and England. Head slightly southwest to explore the charming bookshops of Hay-on-Wye, while to the east, you can savour the celebrated culinary delights of Ludlow. About an hour’s drive away near Rhayader, you’ll discover the extraordinary chain of reservoirs and spectacular dams of the Elan Valley.
Links to local walks and wildlife organisations:
Local Presteigne Walks →
Radnorshire Wildlife Trust →
Herefordshire Wildlife Trust →
Offa’s Dyke Path →
Local Projects, Organisations and Events
Presteigne is a Transition Town. Transition Town is an increasingly widespread grass roots movement, in which people in local communities throughout the UK and Ireland have joined together to prepare for a future in which a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions will be essential.
In 2024, Presteigne and Norton was declared the first official ‘Dark Skies’ community in mainland England and Wales, after a six-year project.
There are active volunteer groups involved in planting wildflowers and daffodils, making and sharing preserves to fund local needs.
Together with the Festival, Mid Border Arts and Sheep Music are defining features of the town’s cultural life, staging events year-round at the Assembly Rooms and in the Community Barn on Went’s Meadow.
Mid Border Arts →
Sheep Music →
Places to visit in and around Presteigne
The Judge’s Lodging
Winner of numerous national awards, this museum in the town centre has been called ‘a fascinating social document – an amazing survival’, ‘the most remarkable survivor of all UK court buildings’ and ‘setting a model for preservation’. Amongst its numerous appearances on Welsh and English television, it featured in BBC2’s epic series ‘Simon Schama’s History of Britain’.
The Judge’s Lodging →
Sidney Nolan Trust at The Rodd
Located just outside Presteigne, The Rodd is a picturesque 17th-century house and garden once home to renowned Australian artist Sir Sidney Nolan. Today, the Sidney Nolan Trust continues his legacy, driven by his lifelong commitment to experimentation, innovation, creativity in the arts as well as his love for the environment. The Trust preserves a significant collection of his artwork and extensive archives, ensuring that his extraordinary vision endures.
Visitors can explore world-class exhibitions, delve deeper into Nolan’s life and work, explore Rodd Court and unwind in the gardens.
Sidney Nolan Trust →
The Offa’s Dyke Centre, Knighton
A walk or short drive over the hills will take you along the line of the famous Dyke to the Offa’s Dyke Centre, where you can discover its rich history and wildlife while planning further walks and adventures.