Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At the far west of the vanished county of Radnorshire, pressed right up against the English
border, is Presteigne - its former county town. It's a quaint little place, lined with attract-
ive old buildings and surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Sights
Judge's Lodging
( 01544-260650;
www.judgeslodging.org.uk
; Broad St; adult/child £6.75/3.50; 10am-5pm Tue-Sun Mar-Oct )
The Judge's Lodging offers an intriguing glimpse into Victorian times through an audio-
guided wander through the town's 19th-century courthouse, lock-up and judge's apart-
ments. The commentary does tend to ramble on but the displays are fascinating. The local
tourist office is based here.
HISTORIC BUILDING
Sleeping
Old Vicarage
( 01544-260038;
www.oldvicarage-nortonrads.co.uk
; Norton; s/d from £78/112 ; )
A real treat in the
lesser-known Welsh Marches region, this three-room gay-friendly boutique B&B features
Victorian fittings, all rescued and recycled from auctions and scrapyards. It boasts an al-
most womblike ambience of opulent, rich colours and perfect calm, the latter only inter-
rupted by the chiming of antique clocks. A three-course dinner (£34.50) is also available
if booked in advance. Norton is 2.5 miles north of Presteigne on the B4355.
B&B
££
Getting There & Away
Bus 41 heads to Knighton (20 minutes).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Llandrindod Wells
POP 5300
This spa town struck gold in Victorian times by touting its waters to the well-to-do gentry
who rolled in for rest and recuperation. However, the allure of stinky water gradually di-
minished and it closed in 1972. The grand architecture of the era remains, but now it's the
