Art, Antiques & History in Leominster
Treasure hunt, contemporary art & workshops
In north Herefordshire, in the heart of Mortimer Country, Leominster is a charming market town brimming with history and local colour. From its Gothically gorgeous church to the medieval market hall and Jane Austen-era houses lining the high street, you’re surrounded by beautiful architecture from across the ages. If you've got time, Bromyard and its studios are only a short drive away, too.
Treasure Hunt around Town
As well as being home to independent shops and cafés, Leominster is packed with antique dealerships – in fact, it’s home to over 120 sellers plying their trade. Whether it’s furniture, jewellery or vintage clothes you’re after, you’ll find treasures of every kind in Leominster.
If you’re on the hunt for antiques, but want to begin your trip with a coffee and a bite, make your way to Drapers Lane Delicatessen. Sit al fresco to people watch on this pretty pedestrian street before taking a mooch around the many antique shops on Broad Street.
It’s then time to explore the local art scene.
Contemporary Art in Historic Settings
In town, you're spoilt for choice. First, make for Norri Davies and Bob Brown’s studio on Corn Square. Admire Norrie’s original paintings, handmade paper bowls and greeting cards. Or be inspired by Bob’s portraits and drawings from life, beautifully and simply created using charcoal and pastels.
Then, check out the group shows at the Lion Ballroom and at Grange Court, where a huge range of work by artists and creators is on display in beautiful environments. The Lion Ballroom, once a lively Assembly Room, has been restored to its former glory – decadent plasterwork and all. Over at the unique, timber framed Grange Court, discover master carpenter John Abel’s impressive 17th-century hand-carved beams in the last building he worked on.
Sculpture Garden & Hands-on Workshops
After a morning in town, take the short drive to Lower Newton. Wander around the sculpture garden and gallery of International artist Jenny Pickford to see her works in their natural, outdoor environment. A selection of Jenny's friends will be exhibiting alongside, offering the chance to see everything from jewellery and batik to painting. There's also many opportunities to get creative yourself, whether that’s blacksmithing, willow weaving, or wood turning – just phone ahead to book your space. Grab a spot of lunch at the nearby cafe at Newton Court and enjoy a nosy around the farm shop while you’re there, too.
On your way to Newton Court, make sure to call in at Peter King's studio, along the same route. A fellow artist blacksmith, Peter brings his ideas to life with 'bold and dreamy' metal sculptures. As well as creating work that adorns many RHS show gardens, Peter worked on the Windsor Castle renovation, producing huge iron strap work to adorn the entrance doors to St George's Chapel. Pop along to see a mix of botanical and abstract pieces.
Group Shows, Cream Teas & Glass-Making
Up the road there's another group show, over at the lovely Stockton Bury Gardens. There’ll be a mix of ceramics, metalwork, homewares, jewellery and textiles from seven local creatives. Grab a cream tea and browse the plant shop, before heading onto another group exhibition at St Michael and All Angels Church in Kingsland. After wandering around the newly restored church, discovering more artists, drop into their glass picture tile making sessions (11am - 1pm, then 2pm – 4pm) and create your own masterpiece to take home.
Jewellery and Woodcut Prints
If you've got the time, explore the county some more with a short drive out of town. On the way to Bromyard, another quintessential, tiny market town, you'll find a couple more treasures in its nearby villages. Clare de la Torre is opening her jewellery studio at Stoke Lacy's Old Rectory, so call in to have a look at her gorgeous and eclectic pieces - all handcrafted, and many using gems in wonderfully earthy colours.
Annabelle Oppenheimer, who makes prints inspired by the Herefordsire landscape, is also opening her studio in Pencombe, just up the road. Discover the unique properties of each printing method, from etching and collograph, to linocut, woodcut and monoprint. Joining Annabelle in her studio will be Mark Whitehorn, who produces a range of both practical and ornamental wood-turned pieces. From black bog oak to rich, red rosewood, Mark's technique brings out the distinct characteristics of each piece of wood he uses.
Stately Homes, Black & White Villages & Riverside Ambles
Round off your day with an afternoon visit to a historic house, with both Hampton Court Castle and the National Trust’s Berrington Hall, boasting Capability Brown-designed landscapes, a few minutes drive away. For a longer walk, head up Dinmore Hill to Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum with over 100 acres of ancient native woodland and a further collection of exotic trees.
Leominster is also the starting point for Herefordshire’s Black and White Villages Trail, a 40-mile tour of the county’s enchanting medieval towns and villages. Soak up the unsurpassable charm of ancient orchards and timber framed architecture. If you’re pressed for time but can’t bear to miss out, Eardisland is a short journey from Leominster and is one of the prettiest villages on the trail, boasting thatched chocolate-box cottages and picturesque ambles by the River Arrow.
Stay Awhile
If you’ve been captured by Leominster’s charm, and want to stay longer, there’s heaps of choice for accommodation in the area. Stay in a delightful converted hop kiln or hayloft over at Wall End Farm, or just kip in an ensuite room in the main farmhouse – with your own sitting room. If you’re an avid angler, try one of Docklow Pools’ self-catered cottages and enjoy fabulous fishing at the country’s oldest commercial fishery. In town, there's a range of self-catering options including Gardener's Cottage, The Servants' Quarters, Diagon Alley Town House and the Leominster Holiday Cottage.
