Knighton Tourist Information

700 years ago Knighton was the scene of one of Owain Glyndwr's most famous victories against English invaders. Now it warmly welcomes tourists from all over Europe and beyond to this attractive and interesting border town.

Knighton is steeped in history with sloping winding streets and half timbered houses. It's a good place to stay, whether you are striding the length of Offa's Dyke or exploring the beautiful and fascinating Teme Valley in more leisurely style. On each Thursday and Friday livestock comes to market and there are lively fairs celebrated in May and Autumn. Antiques and gifts, old inns with character, good food and places to stay.

Knighton occupies a unique position; part of the town is in Wales, and part in England. This gives it a unique character - to many residents it is neither English nor Welsh, just simply Knighton.

Offa's Dyke Heritage centre - Offa's Dyke Footpath wends for miles along the famous earthworks marking the boundary between England and Wales. Stretching from the Severn Estuary to the North West coast, this marvel of primitive engineering runs through Knighton, the only town on its entire length. Visit the Offa's Dyke Heritage centre here and you will learn much of the history of the ancient border.

The Narrows are sharply climbing streets lined with interesting buildings. Most date from the 17th century but others are older. Behind the 300 year old façade of the "Old House" for example stood a cruck built open hall which could have survived since the town was founded in Norman times. Now The Narrows is the place to shop for antiques, crafts and gifts - and an unhurried drink to absorb the atmosphere of times long past. The nearby Horse and Jockey is a stone house of medieval origin.

The Powys Observatory offers a unique and fascinating opportunity to see life around Knighton and the sky above. Not only are visitors able to see a planetarium show but the observatory's main instrument a 13 inch diameter refracting telescope permits live viewing of the moon and distant galaxies. A weather station collects data direct from satellites and there is also a seismological station. The Camera Obscura observes wildlife and the surrounding countryside and transmits its images to viewers in a darkened circular room.

Knighton is well served for pubs and restaurants. Swimming, tennis, bowls and other sporting activities are available at Knighton leisure centre. High quality golf, clay pigeon shooting, game and coarse fishing are also accessible nearby.