Kinnersley: History, Architecture and Walks

If you are looking for a hotel in Kinnersley, the local history and the routes described here can give your stay different focal points. Kinnersley Castle, the kitchen garden walls, the War Memorial and St James represent different aspects of the area’s architectural and commemorative history. Consider whether you are particularly interested in historic architecture, church details or walking routes; these themes can be explored through specific places and paths.

Kinnersley Castle and its kitchen garden walls

The present-day Kinnersley Castle was built towards the end of the 16th century on the site of an earlier building. The earlier predecessor and the present Castle therefore belong to different periods in the area’s history. The Castle has rooms with oak panelling. It also includes the kitchen garden walls: they are about 15 to 20 feet high and feature several curved ramps. They are thought to date from the 18th century. As well as their height, the curved ramps are another distinctive feature of the walls.

Memorials and church art

The Kinnersley War Memorial is an obelisk made of Aberdeen granite. It commemorates the First World War and was later extended to include additions relating to the Second World War. This monument therefore brings together a clearly defined form and a commemorative purpose that was added later. If you like to consider historic places in terms of their design and what they commemorate, the Memorial offers both.

St James offers a different architectural focus. The church has a blocked Norman doorway with a Perpendicular window above the arch. Its furnishings include a pulpit with carved panels and allegorical figures. These are thought to be Flemish and are dated to around 1530. St James therefore brings together architectural details and a cautiously qualified attribution of the pulpit figures.

Compare walking routes

The three Kinnersley Walks mentioned here differ in both length and the places they pass. Walk 1 is 5 km long and is associated with St James’ Church, Ailey and Newtown. Walk 2 passes through The Sturts and Kinley and covers 4 km. Walk 6 goes from Kinnersley to Almeley and back; the route is 7.5 km long. Of these three routes, Walk 2 is the shortest and Walk 6 the longest. When comparing the walks, you can use the stated distances and the places named for each route as a guide. Conditions on the routes may change; check them before setting out.

Kinnersley by bike and other interests

The “Cycling through the Black & White Villages” route includes St James Church in Kinnersley as stop 9. St James is therefore both a named point on the cycling route and a place with the architectural details described above. Those interested in church architecture who are also considering a cycling route will find a specific connection here between the two interests.

The Orgasmic Cider Company offers tours of its orchards and cider house, as well as tastings. The options include cider, perry, juices and cider vinegar. The offering therefore combines insights into the orchards and cider house with a variety of tastings. Check booking options and availability before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Burley Gate, Burghill, Letton, Pontrilas, Kington, Bringsty, Upper Sapey, Moreton On Lugg

For the main travel overview: County Of Herefordshire.