Welcome to Presteigne & Norton the first accredited dark sky community in England and Wales.
FOR INFORMATION ON THE NEW LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN PROCESS PLEASE SEE COUNCIL NEWS PAGE: Information on candidate sites can now be found at the following link - https://ldp.powys.gov.uk
FREE TOWN CENTRE WIFI AVAILABLE. Search for Powys SMART Towns Wifi to log in.
The Town Council set up Presteigne and Norton Covid-19 Support on facebook which contains information on local businesses, shops etc and the services they are offering plus links to current government guidance. It also has full details on the East Radnorshire Day Centre Home Support Service (you can also phone 01544 260360 to get more information on the service provided). The page continues to be used for updates on local businesses and services.
For latest community news please see What's On page - http://presteigne.org.uk/calendar
PRESTEIGNE
Presteigne, (Llanandras in Welsh), was once the county town of Radnorshire and nestles at the heart of the Marches 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.
Shops
The High Street has a good range of individual 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. There’s even a Michelin starred restaurant five miles outside Presteigne.
Countryside
The surrounding countryside is breathtaking, and the drive from Presteigne to Aberystwyth was voted one of the ten most beautiful drives in the world by the AA. Just to the west are Radnor Forest and Offa's Dyke. Go slightly south west and you can browse the book shops of Hay on Wye, and to the east you can sample the renowned culinary delights of Ludlow. Hereford, with its Cathedral, is a stone’s throw away and in between there are activities and visits to satisfy a whole variety of tastes.
What to do.
Throughout the year the senses are served with a range of musical and arts based events; The Presteigne Music Festival is a prestigious and internationally renowned regular event whilst Irish music, African drums, and French Canadian percussionists have performed in a rich and constantly varied menu supplied throughout the year.
There is a calendar of high quality art exhibitions throughout the year, whilst the Church of St Andrew's permanently houses its own treasure, a 16th century Flemish Tapestry.
If all this isn’t enough the Judge's Lodging, an award winning restored Georgian Court House complete with cells, courtroom and living quarters that will provide ‘hands on’ interest and amusement whatever the weather.
Twin Town
Presteigne and Norton attract visitors from many parts of the world. In particular, the town benefits from being twinned with the town of Ligné near Nantes, France, and there are frequent exchange visits between the two communities.
Transition Town
Presteigne is a Transition Town. This 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.
Norton
Norton is situated 2 miles north of Presteigne. The village church of St. Andrew was almost certainly Norman in origin with subsequent alterations and additions. The font is 15th. Century, the rood screen is 16th. Century and the belfry is 17th. Century.
If you would like to contact our Tourist Information Centre please email presteigne@judgeslodging.org.uk
For information on BUS TRANSPORT SERVICES see https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/4019/Transport-and-Travel
The nearest Train Station is Leominster or Knighton.
For information on TRAFFIC PROBLEMS click here
If you want to contact us for further information about Presteigne and Norton generally please email the Town Council on pntc@hotmail.com or for Tourist Information - the Judge's Lodgings on presteigne@judgeslodging.org.uk