In the heart of Herefordshire, close to the Welsh border, Kington is a charming historic market town that offers a blend of countryside tranquillity and a vibrant local community. Known for its stunning natural surroundings, rich history, and friendly atmosphere, Kington is an ideal place for many families and working professionals to call home, especially for those who appreciate outdoor activities, traditional market town charm, and a slower pace of life.
Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Marches and sitting on the banks of the River Arrow, Kington provides plenty of opportunities for walkers, nature lovers, and those looking for a more peaceful yet well-connected place to live.
The town itself is steeped in medieval history, with this evident in the architecture as well as cultural traditions and events still taking place today. What was once a trading hub for wool and agriculture, Kington now has a bustling high street, independent shops, excellent pubs, and a thriving arts and culture scene.
In this guide to living in Kington, we’ll explore everything from the local lifestyle and community events to transport links, schools, property market insights, and the best places to eat and drink. Whether you’re considering relocating or investing in property in Kington, this guide will help you discover why Kington is such a desirable place to live.
Thinking of Moving to Kington?
If you’re looking for a place that combines rural living with strong community ties and good amenities, with easy access to surrounding green areas, Kington might just be the perfect choice.
With a range of traditional and modern properties on offer, an excellent selection of independent shops and cafés, and easy access to some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes, Kington is an attractive destination for families, retirees, and professionals seeking a quieter way of life away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Here we can walk down many of the cute narrow streets and take in the quiet pace of life that Kingston offers the locals.
The town itself is home to a thriving arts and cultural scene, numerous walking trails with some running 30 miles through Kington to Ludlow, and local events that bring the community together. Plus, with Hereford, Leominster, and Hay-on-Wye just a short drive away, you’ll never be far from additional amenities and attractions.
The Benefits of Living in Kington
- Strong Local Community
- Beautiful Green Spaces & Outdoor Lifestyle
- Diverse Property Options
- Safe & Peaceful Environment
Local Community and Lifestyle in Kington
Kington has a welcoming and friendly community, where residents take pride in their town. They come together to put on local markets, events, and social groups to create a strong sense of belonging, making it easy to integrate and make connections.
Some highlights of Kington’s community life include:
- Kington Walking Festival
- Kington Show
- Monthly Farmers’ Market
- Kington Arts and Crafts Centre
From the likes of its Walking Festival which takes place in September drawing in walkers from all over, to the Kington Winter Food and Drink Festival, and even the Kington Horse Show, also in September this year, there’s certainly plenty of opportunities to get involved and become part of the local community.
Showcasing the best of Herefordshire’s local produce, from fresh vegetables to artisan bread and cheeses, the Kington Farmer’s Market is held every Friday and on the 3rd Saturday of every month.
To find out more about Kington’s local community and events, head on over to the Kington Community Market Hub.
Kington’s Green Spaces & Outdoor Activities
Situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, and alongside the Hergest Ridge, the Offa’s Dyke Path and east of the Black Mountains, Kington is an outdoor haven for walkers, cyclists, and nature lovers. The surrounding countryside of the Welsh Marches, the border between England and Wales, offers some incredible landscapes to explore, with plenty of walking and hiking trails, hills, and scenic spots to enjoy a picnic.
Offa’s Dyke Path, roughly a 177-mile-long walking trail, and the Mortimer Trail, a 30-mile trail over hills, ridges and valleys, and Hergest Ridge a 13.4km circular trail tend to be the most popular walking trails to cover. You can explore the extensive forests, limestone tops and pastures on offer here, taking breaks between to take in the breathtaking views across the Herefordshire and Shropshire rolling hills.
If you’re a keen golfer and looking to get your swinging practice in, then the highest 18-hole golf course in England runs along the town providing some amazing view of the Herefordshire countryside.
If you’re looking to step away from the walking and hiking, then why not explore the Hergest Croft Gardens? Extending over 70 acres, the Hergest Croft Gardens created over 120 years ago contains more than 5,000 rare trees and shrubs. This is truly a beautiful place to visit and explore for keen gardeners looking for some inspiration.
Kington’s Diverse Property Options
Property prices in Kington tend to be more affordable compared to larger towns and cities. There is a great range of property investment opportunities here from charming period cottages to modern homes, and contemporary flats and apartments.
Kington is very popular with renters, with cottages and modern apartments being on offer here. 40% of renters in Kington are aged 60+, meaning the population largely falling into an older age. 8.8% of the local population here are aged between 35 and 44, which is below the regional average.
Currently, 19% of the residents live in privately rented accommodation, and importantly, over the past 5 years there has been 331 new homes built across Kington, meaning there is plenty of opportunity for purchasing, renting and investing in property.
Those looking to rent can find plenty of traditional terraced, detached and semi-detached properties, as well as flats.
Looking to rent, purchase, or find your right property investment? Get in touch with our local Chancellors Kington estate agent’s branch so we can help you get started.
Safety and Crime Rates in Kington
Kington is known for its low crime rates and friendly atmosphere, making it a great place for families and those looking for a secure, relaxed way of life. The residents in Kington have a great sense of security, and the fact the crime rate is lower than average crime rates in larger towns and cities makes this area desirable.
Local Amenities and Facilities in Kington
Despite its small size, Kington still has a good choice of local shops, pubs, cafés, schools, and healthcare facilities. Local towns close by offer larger shopping experiences and amenities than Kington does.
There are fitness facilities available in Kington with the local leisure centre providing a gym and swimming pool.
For those interested in sports you can get involved with more than just swimming and golf. Here you’ll find a wide range of sport activities such as badminton, bowling, mountain boarding, and more.
If you’re interested in history, then the Kington Museum with its frequently changing exhibitions and displays provides a great insight into the history of the area, taking you through World War I, to farming and agriculture.
Education Institutions and Schools in Kington
Kington offers a range of education options, making it an appealing choice for families. The town has a well-regarded primary school, as well as secondary schools within easy reach. 7.9% of homes in Kington are within reach of an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ primary school.
Below is a list of some of the notable and highly ranked schools in Kington.
- Kington Primary School – A highly rated primary school with a strong emphasis on community and outdoor learning. Suitable for ages 2 to 11, with a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.
- Lady Hawkins’ School – For students aged 11 to 16 this local secondary school offers a supportive learning environment and good academic results. They have a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating.
39% of pupils in Kington achieved 5 or more grades in CGSEs in 2023, compared to the England average of 30.03%.
- Hereford Sixth Form College – For those seeking further education, this college is just a short drive away offering a large range of courses from Criminology, Chemistry, Business, Acting, English Literature, Law, and Mathematics.
For those considering private education, there are several independent schools in nearby Hereford and Leominster.
Transport Links in Kington
Kington is a rural town, and with limited transportation options this is one of the drawbacks of the area, especially for those without personal vehicles.
Kington doesn’t have its own train station, although the nearest one is close by in Knighton, roughly 9.9 miles away.
- By Car: Kington is located on the A44, which provides easy access to Hereford (20 miles away), Leominster (14 miles away), and Hay-on-Wye (12 miles away).
- By Train: The nearest railway stations are in Leominster and Hereford, both offering connections to larger cities like Birmingham and Cardiff.
- By Bus: Regular bus services run between Kington and surrounding towns, making it easier to travel locally without a car.
Property Market & Investment Opportunities in Kington
Kington’s property market offers a variety of homes, from historic cottages and characterful townhouses to modern family homes, countryside retreats and modern apartments and flats.
The average property price in Kington over the past 12 months was £303,343. 3% of sales during this period were flats, achieving an average sales price of £94,041. Houses achieved an average of £312,947.
Average Property Prices in Kington
- Detached Houses: £382,432
- Semi-Detached Houses: £267,243
- Terraced Houses: £200,707
- Flats: £94,041
With more affordable prices compared to nearby Hereford or Hay-on-Wye, Kington presents an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to buy property in a quiet and picturesque location.
Average Rent Prices in Kington
Over the past 12 months the average rent prices in Kington were £1,052. This is a +6% change on the previous 12-month period. During this period 0% of homes let in the past 12 months were flats. Houses though gained an average of £1,052 rent per month.
If you’re considering selling or letting property with Chancellors reach out to our local Kington estate agents branch for a free valuation.
How Does Kington Compare to Nearby Areas?
| Feature | Kington | Leominster | Hay-on-Wye | Hereford |
| Green Spaces | Offa’s Dyke Path, Hergest Ridge, The River Arrow | Queenwood Country Park, Bodenham Lake | Brecon Beacons, River Wye, The Warren | The Lugg Meadows, Aylestone Park |
| Average Property Price | £303,343 | £301,026 | £318.817 | £449,856 |
| Transport | Limited, but bus links to nearby train stations | Train station with direct routes to Hereford & Manchester | Bus connections; nearest train station in Hereford | Train station with direct routes to London, Birmingham & Cardiff |
| Lifestyle | Quiet rural town with a strong community, great for walkers & nature lovers | Affordable market town with good amenities & historic charm | Famous for bookshops, independent cafes & cultural events | Cathedral city with shopping, dining & vibrant nightlife |
Best Places to Eat and Drink in Kington
Despite being a small town, Kington offers many places to eat and drink, from traditional pubs, comfy restaurants and cosy cafes. These are all great local places to socialise and enjoy the locally produced and sourced food and drinks.
You can find traditional British hearty food to international cuisines, so there’s something for everyone’s taste.
The Stagg Inn – A renowned gastropub offering high quality and locally sourced dishes in a charming countryside setting that’ll make you come back for more.
The Burton Hotel & Restaurant – A hotel and restaurant which is a local popular spot for both casual dining and special occasions. It’s 1 mile from the golf course, so you can make sure to get your morning practice in before getting something to eat.
The Swan – A cosy traditional pub serving hearty meals and a great selection of drinks. They’re said to have some of the best and finest cuts of beef which are hung for 28 days and source locally.
Border Bean Café – A lovely independent café with great coffee, homemade cakes, and a relaxed atmosphere. They pride their selves on their quality products and locally roasted coffee.
Ready to Move to Kington?
Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or rent property in Kington, Chancellors Kington Estate Agents can help you find your ideal home in this beautiful market town. Simply call our Sales team on 01544 329412, or lettings team on 01544 329431.
Looking for a property market appraisal instead? Get in touch so we can arrange this.
