Presteigne Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Presteigne Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Presteigne packs a lot into a small package. The Judge's Lodging (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) is the town's standout attraction - a Victorian courthouse and judge's residence that's been perfectly preserved. It's open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm (LD8 2AD).

St Andrew's Church is worth a visit for its 15th-century tower and rare Flemish tapestry. The church is usually open daily from 9am-5pm and doesn't charge for entry, though donations are welcome.

Just outside town, Bryan's Ground (4/5 on TripAdvisor) is a stunning 3-acre garden that opens to the public on selected days between April and July. Check their website for current opening times as they vary year to year.

For a taste of local history, the Radnorshire Arms on High Street dates back to the 1500s. The black-and-white timbered building was once a coaching inn and has loads of character. You can pop in for a pint before heading back to enjoy your hot tub.

Pet Friendly

Many cottages around Presteigne welcome dogs, which is great news as this area is perfect for four-legged visitors. The town sits right on the edge of the Welsh Marches with miles of footpaths and open countryside to explore.

The Farmers Inn on Hereford Street allows dogs in the bar area and even provides water bowls. They serve good pub grub too, so you don't need to leave your pet behind while you eat.

Went's Meadow and Eddie's Meadow provide excellent walking spots right in town. The riverside path is flat and accessible - ideal for older dogs or those who can't manage hills.

If you're bringing a dog to Presteigne, I'd recommend packing some towels specifically for them. The River Lugg is accessible in several spots and most dogs can't resist a splash, especially before jumping back into your cottage's hot tub (though keep them out of that!).

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Presteigne

The Judge's Lodging (LD8 2AD) tops my list. This award-winning museum lets you explore a fully-furnished Victorian judge's lodgings. You can wander through the judge's private apartments, sit in the courtroom dock and even visit the holding cells below. What makes it special is that you're encouraged to touch things - sit in the chairs, lie on the beds and really experience Victorian life. One visitor recently wrote: "We spent 3 hours here and could have stayed longer. The guides were incredibly knowledgeable."

The Presteigne Festival happens each August (check presteignefestival.com for exact dates) and transforms this small town into a classical music hub. Even if you're not a huge classical fan, the atmosphere during festival week is brilliant. Concerts happen in St Andrew's Church and other venues around town. Book well ahead if you want a hot tub cottage during festival week - they sell out fast.

Offa's Dyke Path runs near Presteigne and offers some of the best walking in Britain. The section between Kington and Knighton (about 14 miles) gives amazing views across both England and Wales. You don't need to tackle the whole thing - even a small section makes for a great day out. The path is well marked and there are several circular routes if you don't want to arrange transport back.

Is Presteigne in England or Wales?

Presteigne sits right on the Welsh border. Technically it's in Wales (in Powys), but it's so close to England that parts of the parish extend into Herefordshire. This border location gives it a unique character - you'll hear both Welsh and English accents in the pubs.

What shops will I find in Presteigne?

Presteigne has a surprising range of independent shops for a small town. There's a good butcher (W.J. Watkins), a deli (The Granary), a hardware store and several antique/vintage shops. For groceries, there's a Spar on High Street that stays open until 10pm most days. The town doesn't have big supermarkets - nearest ones are in Knighton or Leominster.

Do I need a car in Presteigne?

A car is useful but not essential. There's a limited bus service connecting Presteigne to Kington and Knighton (where you can catch trains). Taxis are available but need booking in advance. Many cottages are within walking distance of town and you can easily spend a week exploring locally on foot.

When is the best time to visit Presteigne?

Late spring through early autumn offers the best weather for enjoying your hot tub. August brings the Presteigne Festival if you like classical music. September is quieter but still has good weather. Winter visits have their charm too - nothing beats a hot tub under clear winter stars.

Is there good mobile reception in Presteigne?

Mobile reception can be patchy in and around Presteigne. O2 and Vodafone generally have the best coverage in town, but signal can drop in the surrounding valleys. Most cottages offer WiFi, but it's worth checking the speed if you need to work during your stay.

Are there any good walks directly from Presteigne?

Yes, loads! The Warden walks around Presteigne offer circular routes of different lengths. Pick up a free walking guide from The Judge's Lodging. The Presteigne Local History Trail is another good option that takes you around the town's historic sites.

Some helpful links:

1. The Judge's Lodging Museum
2. Presteigne Festival
3. Offa's Dyke Path National Trail
4. Visit Wales - Presteigne Guide