The stunning market town Knighton (or in Welsh: “Tref-y-Clawdd”, which means ‘the town on the Dyke’) is situated in the beautiful area of Powys, Wales. It is the perfect location for those who want to relax and unwind as well as for the energetic. Enjoy one of Britain’s best getaways with its wide range of activities, rich history and amazing scenery and wildlife.
As a small part of the town’s built-up area is located in Shropshire, England, it is the perfect place to explore the “Marches” (which means border or disputed country) from both sides of the border. The town has a rich history with its beautiful houses, The Narrows (streets) and castles in the area. A quite unusual fact of the town’s past is that it was possible for a man, until the mid-1800s, to divorce his wife by selling her at the place where the clocktower is situated now.
To find out more about Knighton’s history, we recommend you to walk the Town Trail, as it brings you along the town’s historic buildings and places, such as a section of Offa’s Dyke and ‘Bryn y Castell’, which is a Norman castle. You can get your leaflets including the Town Trail at the Tourist Information Centre, located in the Offa’s Dyke Centre. The Offa’s Dyke Centre, which is a free interactive exhibition, allows visitors to explore the Dyke, the border area and the long distance footpath through the means of graphic display panels and interactive displays.
As there is so much to do in Knighton, we will list a few of the best activities:
Walking – Two National Trails meet in Knighton, Offa’s Dyke Path and Glyndwr’s Way, which is unique in Wales and therefore makes it the perfect walking area. Download walking maps of the Knighton Town Trail, Knighton Nature Trail and more here. The Offa’s Dyke National Trails stretches out along the English-Welsh border for 295 km. In Knighton, the path will take you through the stunning hills of Powys and along the Dyke itself. For more information about other walking tours, click here.
Cycling – There are cycling routes for everyone to enjoy, from simple circular rides to full day rides in the hills and range from 15 to 55 km in length. Enjoy a lunch or a drink in one of the pubs during your stay. You can also ride on the English side of the border, in Shropshire. The possibilities are endless in Knighton! Get your maps at Offa’s Dyke Centre. For more information, click here.
Knighton Golf – Enjoy the best rounds of golf at the Knighton Golf Club, which was founded in 1906 and designed by Mr. Harry Vardon (the 6 time’s British open Champion)! For more information, click here.
Arts & Crafts – There are different craft events throughout the year in Knighton, such as the Hereford’s Art week happening in September. This particular event is a fantastic opportunity to see professionals in their studios and to buy unique pieces of their work. For more information, click here.
We would also recommend that you try to visit the Space Guard Centre and Knighton’s castles.
Enjoy your getaway in Knighton at its fullest by staying in the Milebrook House Hotel where Offa’s Dyke, Ludlow and the black and white villages of Herefordshire are on your doorstep. From the moment you arrive, peace and relaxation are the watchwords. Blessed with an ideal location on the border between Mid Wales and Shropshire, Milebrook House is an utterly delightful family-run country house ideal for walking, cycling or just lazing about. The surrounding area is fabulous walking country, with Offa’s Dyke and Glyndwr Away very close by. Ludlow, with its splendid Norman castle, narrow alleys, market square and excellent restaurants is only 19 km away. Even closer to hand are the border townships of Clun, Bishops Castle, Kington and Presteigne with its historic Judges Lodging Museum.
Enjoy Knighton!
View towards Knighton image courtesy of NH53 Narrow Knighton and Glyndwr’s Way image courtesy of Freddie Phillips Wild Horses on Offa’s Dyke Trail image courtesy of Ingo Ronner
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