Besides great sights, an interesting history and many exciting destinations, Leominster has a lot more to offer. Here you will find many helpful tips to enjoy your vacation in Leominster.
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Sights in Leominster
Why Visit Leominster?
The picturesque market town of Leominster sits in theHerefordshire countryside, among a patchwork of fields and orchards. Visitors can explore its winding streets and medieval buildings, visit Beacon Hill for spectacular views, or enjoy a walk or cycle ride along the River Lugg. Here are just a few reasons to add Leominster to your English itinerary.
Delve Into History
Leominster’s name comes from the Latin word for monastery, “leomnSTERium,” as it was once home to two monasteries. The first, a Benedictine Abbey founded in 646, was destroyed by the Danes in 1010. The second, a Cluniac priory dating back to 1085, is now Leominster’s Parish Church. Parts of the old priory church remain, including the beautiful West Window which depicts scenes from the life of Christ.
Other historic sites in Leominster include the 12thcentury Grange Court, the Grade I listed St. Katherine’s Chapel, and the 15thcentury Wilkinson’s Bridge. For a taste of local history, pop into the Leominster Museum which is housed in an 18thcentury building once used as a courthouse.
Browse the Market
Leominster’s bustling market dates back to the 12th century and is still held every Friday in the town center. Browse the stalls for local produce, handmade goods, and antiques. On the first and third Monday of the month, an outdoor antique market sets up shop.
If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, you can also browse Leominster’s farmers market which sells seasonal produce straight from the farm.
Take in the Views
To get your bearings and take in sweeping views of the countryside, head to Beacon Hill overlooking the town. The hilltop is topped with an Iron Age hillfort, the remains of a medieval castle, and a folly in the form of a Gothic castle.
If you’re feeling active, there are several walking and cycling trails around Beacon Hill. The Herefordshire Trail runs for 44 miles (71 kilometers) through the county, while the Bodenham Lake Nature Reserve is a great spot for a leisurely stroll or a picnic lunch.
Get Outside
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Leominster. The Riverside Walk follows the River Lugg for 2 miles (3.2 kilometers), past historic buildings, parks, and Leominster’s old watermill. Or, head to High Town where you’ll find Castle Hill, a grassy park with sweeping views over the town, and New Bridge, a protected medieval structure.
For a more challenging hike, follow the Herefordshire Trail to the north of Leominster and continue on to Hergest Ridge, the highest point in Herefordshire. The 9mile (14.5kilometer) roundtrip hike takes you through fields, woodlands, and along the edge of a Iron Age hillfort with stunning views.
How to Get There
Leominster is located in northwest England, about halfway between Birmingham and Cardiff. The nearest airport is Birmingham Airport, about an hour and a half away by car. Leominster is also accessible by train from Birmingham, Cardiff, and London. Once in the town, getting around on foot is easy.
History of Leominster
Leominster is a small city in Herefordshire, England. Situated on the River Lugg, it lies 10 miles northeast of Hereford and 10 miles southwest of Ludlow, Shropshire. The town had a population of 11,829 at the 2011 census.
The town is notable for its fivearched bridge, unique in England. This Grade I listed structure is attributed to Spanish architect Juan Piqué, who also designed Eden Bridge across the River Eden, Cumbria. Leominster was also the site of one of the deadliest air raids of the Second World War. In September 1940 a bomb landed in the Corn Exchange, demolishing the building and killing twentyone people who were sheltering inside.
The town’s name is derived from the Latin for monk, referring to the foundation of a Benedictine priory in the town in 633 AD. The priory, situated within the town’s medieval walls, was home to a small community of monks who built the first bridge over the River Lugg.
Leominster began life as a small market town, and prospered throughout the Middle Ages as a stopoff point for pilgrims travelling to the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury. The town’s market charter was granted by King John in 1227, and over the following centuries the town became an important trading centre for wool and cloth.
The FiveArched Bridge was constructed in the early 15th century, and is one of only two such bridges in England (the other being at Eden Bridge, Cumbria). The bridge was built by Spanish engineer Juan Piqué, and is a Grade I listed structure.
In September 1940 Leominster was the site of one of the deadliest air raids of the Second World War. A bomb landed in the town’s Corn Exchange, demolishing the building and killing twentyone people who were sheltering inside.
The town continued to grow in the postwar years, and was awarded city status by Queen Elizabeth II in 2002. Today Leominster is a thriving market town, with a twiceweekly market and a number of independent shops and businesses. The town is also home to a number of historical buildings and monuments, including the 12thcentury Priory Church, the 15thcentury FiveArched Bridge, and the Old House Museum.
Vacation in Leominster
Leominster is a beautiful and historic city located in the English Midlands. The city offers a variety of vacation possibilities, from exploring its medieval past to enjoying its modern amenities.
The historic centre of Leominster is a great place to start exploring the city. Highlights include the 11th century Leicester Cathedral, the picturesque Grange Court and the remains of the city walls. Visitors can also learn about the city’s Roman history at the local museum.
For those looking for a more active vacation, Leominster offers a variety of outdoor activities. The city is located on the River Lugg, which is popular for canoeing and fishing. There are also numerous walking and cycling routes through the surrounding countryside.
Leominster also has a number of great shops and restaurants. The High Street is lined with independent stores selling everything from clothes to antiques. There are also several cafés and pubs serving up traditional English fare.
So whether you’re looking to explore Leominster’s rich history or simply enjoy its many modern amenities, the city offers something for everyone.
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