The small town has been named one of the best places to live in the UK and it’s easy to see why, with a thriving local community and stunning views
On the cusp of the English border, surrounded by the lush Welsh hills lies Presteigne—a historic town recently crowned by The Sunday Times as one of the UK’s finest places to reside. With its vibrant community spirit and breathtaking vistas, it’s not hard to see what makes this town so special.
Despite its modest population of under 3,000, Presteigne is anything but dormant. The town is alive with cultural festivities, boasting an award-winning museum, a plethora of community initiatives, and a bustling high street that offers an abundance of choices.
The Sunday Times praised the town, stating: “You’re guaranteed a spectacular starscape in the only official Dark Sky town in England and Wales – and much more besides in this supremely community-minded town. Volunteer drivers are on hand to take people for long-distance hospital visits, the wildflowers that brighten up every verge and roundabout are planted by guerrilla gardeners, and a new community orchard and veg garden is taking shape.”
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The publication continued to highlight the town’s unique charm: “There’s a repair café, toy hospital and regular litter picks, as well as sports clubs, concerts and film screenings. From the pharmacist who moonlights as a fire-eater to the wheelbarrow race down the high street, expect the unexpected in Presteigne. There’s an incendiary Bonfire Night celebration, and lots of music, from the highbrow to the homespun.”
Nestled amid the stunning, untouched landscapes, this bustling border town is a gem with many singular attractions, making it a hit amongst both visitors and residents. It’s particularly beloved by the creative crowd, including Sara Bamford, 73, who in her twenties was captivated by the area, ultimately establishing the esteemed local haunt, The Workshop Gallery and Café, reports Wales Online.
The Workshop Gallery and Café is an emporium of ethical and quirky finds ranging from gifts and greeting cards to toys and trinkets, not to mention a cafe that dishes up locally-sourced fresh fare, like light lunches, soups, salads, handmade cakes, alongside a brew of teas and coffees.
Sara, along with her husband David, also helms the renowned David Bamford Handmade Carpets, where they craft exquisite, custom, hand-knotted carpets and textiles, as well as an array of flat weaves, runners, blankets, embroideries, cushions, and scarves. Additionally, their establishment encompasses a dedicated service for carpet conservation, restoration, and cleaning.
Sharing her love for the region, Sara remarked: “We love it, we’ve lived here for 30 years… it has attracted a whole load of artists, musicians, writers and we all like each other.”
She reflected on the vibrant spirit of the place, adding: “There is loads of stuff going on… it’s a really lively area with all these things happening, I love Presteigne. Everyone knows everyone else and looks after everyone else, there is lots of community things that go on.”
Sara observed a heartening trend: “What has been nice is to begin with a lot of my sort of age, older people, were coming here but more young people are coming back.
“My daughter was brought up here, she runs the café now, her friends are coming back to live here. Her friends have little kids and they all come to the gallery and the café and its really nice.”
Every August, the Presteigne Festival takes centre stage, working closely with composers and artists to craft and curate inspiring programmes and events that attract an ever-growing audience.
The six-day festival has been a staple for over three decades, boasting a rich tradition of supporting young talent. It presents a unique blend of contemporary works, carefully balanced with 20th century classics and a wide range of music from the standard repertoire.
But it’s not just the local events and community spirit that make Presteigne such a desirable place to live—it’s also the breathtaking scenery. Rolling hills stretch as far as the eye can see, while Clatter Brook and the River Lugg meander through the town, adding to its charm.
Deputy mayor Andre Vanhuls shared his thoughts on the area, stating: “We have got some amazing walks around the area, great footpaths that go in through the town and out in different directions. It is a big tourist area for walking, cycling and is very popular.”