Knighton Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Knighton Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Knighton offers plenty to see beyond your hot tub. The Offa's Dyke Centre (LD7 1EN, open 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, 10am-4pm Nov-Mar) provides fascinating insights into the 8th-century earthwork that defined the England-Wales border. Their interactive exhibits explain how this massive construction project shaped the landscape.

The Spaceguard Centre (LD7 1LW, open Wed-Sun 10:30am-4:30pm) is the UK's only professional observatory tracking near-Earth objects. Their 90-minute tours (4.5/5 TripAdvisor) let you see real astronomers at work tracking potential asteroid threats.

History fans should visit Knighton's 17th-century half-timbered buildings around the clock tower and the remains of the Norman motte and bailey castle. The town's narrow streets retain their medieval layout, making for an interesting wander.

The Judge's Lodging in nearby Presteigne (LD8 2AD, open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm) scores 5/5 on TripAdvisor. This Victorian courthouse and judge's residence remains exactly as it was in the 1870s. We think the servants' quarters tour is particularly eye-opening.

Pet Friendly

Many Knighton cottages welcome dogs and the area is perfect for four-legged visitors. The Offa's Dyke Path offers miles of walking routes where dogs can run free in sections away from livestock. I recommend downloading the Offa's Dyke Path app which highlights dog-friendly stretches.

The Knighton Hotel's bar (LD7 1BL) welcomes dogs and serves good pub food. They even keep dog treats behind the bar! The George & Dragon (LD7 1EN) also allows dogs in the bar area and garden.

Watson's Pet Shop (LD7 1EN) stocks emergency supplies and local knowledge about dog-friendly spots. If your dog needs a wash after muddy walks, Bubbles Dog Grooming (LD7 1DP) offers a self-service dog wash facility - handy before returning to your hot tub cottage.

Remember that sheep farming is big around Knighton, so keep dogs on leads when crossing farmland. The local vet (Knighton Veterinary Surgery, LD7 1DP) is open weekdays 9am-5:30pm with emergency cover.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Knighton

1. Offa's Dyke Path National Trail. This 177-mile route follows the ancient earthwork built by King Offa in the 8th century. The Knighton section offers some of the best-preserved parts of the dyke and spectacular views. The Visitor Centre (LD7 1EN) provides maps and trail guides. A local walker told us: "The section north from Knighton towards Newcastle has the best views and fewer hikers than other parts."

2. The Spaceguard Centre (LD7 1LW) is the UK's leading asteroid research facility. Their tours explain how they track objects that might hit Earth. Kids love the meteorite collection and the massive telescopes. A recent visitor commented: "Our guide Jay was brilliant - made complex science understandable and had my 10-year-old completely hooked."

3. Knucklas Viaduct, just outside Knighton, is a spectacular Victorian railway bridge with 13 arches spanning the valley. The walk from Knighton to the viaduct takes about an hour each way through beautiful countryside. Time your visit for when a train crosses for the full effect. The best viewing spot is from the public footpath at Glyndwr's Way.

Is Knighton in England or Wales?

Both! Knighton (Tref-y-Clawdd in Welsh) straddles the England-Wales border. The town centre and most facilities are in Wales (Powys), while some eastern parts are in Shropshire, England. This border location means you can enjoy two countries in one holiday.

Where can I buy groceries in Knighton?

Harry Tuffins supermarket (LD7 1EN) on Station Road is the main grocery store, open 8am-8pm weekdays and Saturdays, 10am-4pm Sundays. For local produce, visit Knighton Farmers Market on the 2nd and 4th Saturday each month. The Pantry (LD7 1BL) on Broad Street sells excellent local cheeses and Welsh specialties.

Can you see the stars from the hot tubs in Knighton?

Yes! Knighton sits in one of the UK's darkest sky areas with minimal light pollution. Many hot tub cottages are in rural locations perfect for stargazing. The best viewing is between September and April when nights are longer. The Spaceguard Centre occasionally runs evening stargazing events worth checking out.

Is there public transport in Knighton?

Knighton has a train station on the Heart of Wales line with services to Shrewsbury and Swansea (though only 4-5 trains daily). The X75 bus connects to Shrewsbury and Llandrindod Wells. However, a car is recommended for exploring the area fully and reaching your hot tub cottage.

Where's the nearest hospital to Knighton?

Knighton has a minor injuries unit at Knighton Hospital (LD7 1DP) open weekdays 9am-5pm. The nearest A&E departments are at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (35 miles) or Hereford County Hospital (30 miles). Knighton Medical Practice (LD7 1DP) handles non-emergency medical needs.

What's the best time to visit Knighton?

Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of good weather and fewer tourists. The Knighton Show in late August is a traditional agricultural fair worth seeing. Winter can be magical with frosty landscapes visible from your hot tub, but some attractions have reduced hours.

Helpful links:

1. Visit Knighton Official Tourism Site
2. Spaceguard Centre - Book Tours
3. Offa's Dyke Path National Trail
4. Heart of Wales Railway Line Timetables