Herefordshire's forgotten town welcoming visitors with open arms

Holiday lets and bed and breakfasts across the country are reporting a surge in bookings as people are put off holidays abroad due to coronavirus travel restrictions, but that’s good news for the town.

Ali Allen, who owns The Walking Hub in Kington’s High Street, said her shop and B&B is looking busy this year as more people want to discover Offa’s Dyke between England and Wales.

She said: “While all the honeypots are filling up, by default we’re also getting a surge of people just desperate to find unique places to go to. I do think it’s a hidden gem.

“It’s going well with Offa’s Dyke walkers, they’re returning and I think there’s a rise in those, and I think generally people are just turning to walking in this country.”

She moved to Kington and saw so much promise, adding: “It’s a town that hasn’t been discovered yet, in the most beautiful location and on a national trail, and a really significant town on the national trail.

“I’m not sure Herefordshire appreciates Kington enough to be honest, it’s been a forgotten little town on the border, but it’s a significant town for Herefordshire. It really is the walking town, it’s the gateway to town.

“I think it’s really brilliant here and I think other people are starting to find that to. People are starting to come here to stay and use it as a base as well.”

In nearby Lyonshall, newbie to the industry Isabelle Watts, who bought Lyonshall Lodge last year, felt people were avoiding the hassle of holidays abroad and visiting “more trusted” places in the UK.

Ms Watts, who runs the B&B with her son Ethan Roberts-Watts, said visitors appreciated the beauty of Herefordshire and every weekend until September was fully booked.

Lyonshall Lodge B&B owner Isabelle Watts with her son Ethan Roberts-Watts. Picture: Rob Davies

“I think, obviously with the current situation, people are not only looking to holidaying at home, but also short breaks at short notice with no massive commitments.

“Some families last year had big holidays booked, but it took months and months to get your money back last year.

“People want breaks with more trusted places at home, and if something does go wrong they can quickly change. I think people are just taking the less stressful option.

“We moved here during Covid in May last year, and then we were operating from July. My feet didn’t touch the ground as we were solidly booked, it was madness.

“I love it because you get to meet so many people, and they’re all just so happy to be away and have a little break.”

Having moved to Herefordshire last year from the south coast, she appreciated the beauty of the area, as do visitors.

Eat Sleep Live Herefordshire, which boosts the county as a holiday destination, said the year was shaping up to be one of the busiest yet.