Visit Knighton- the town on the Dyke

Knighton from Garth Hill
Photograph courtesy of Jim Saunders, jimsaunders.co.uk

Knighton, Powys, is a small market town sitting astride the border between Wales and England. A historic town set in the lush rolling country of the Marches.

The Welsh name for the town is “Tref-y-Clawdd”, the town on the Dyke. Knighton is the only town to lie on the line of Offa’s Dyke, and is the home to the Offa’s Dyke Centre and the mid point of the Offa’s Dyke National Trail.

Knighton is an excellent location for a day trip, a short break or holiday with a wide range of places to stay. These include an award winning hotel, many cosy bed and breakfasts and farmhouse accommodation, camping, and many self catering cottages. Knighton is the perfect place for both those who want an energetic holiday or those who just want to relax. There are many places providing good food and drink. There is a museum right on the main street reflecting the social history of the area.

Many people return to Knighton and surrounding areas year after year.

Exploring this remarkable landscape and its rich history is what attracts most people to the Knighton area. Knighton itself is part in Shropshire in England and part in Powys in Wales, and therefore an ideal base for exploring the Marches both sides of the border. “Marches” means border or disputed country. This part of the country certainly had a turbulent past and was governed by the Council of Marcher Lords who met at Ludlow Castle. For many years Knighton was controlled by the powerful Mortimer family from their mighty castle at nearby Wigmore.

New in 2023

The Heart of Wales Railway Line Trail, connecting all the stations along the line, opened fully last year. Use the train to travel out then walk back, just as far as you choose. Find full route details here.