About

Presteigne Open Studios is a non-profit organisation run by a small team of artists and volunteers. Now in its 9th year, Presteigne Open Studios 2026 will run from 28th to 31st August 2026, 11am to 5pm daily.

This event is free to attend, and whilst visitors can support local creativity by buying directly from artists and makers – whether a major artwork or a small piece such as a card – the main aim is to demonstrate the wealth of talent within this small community, and its contribution to the life of the town.

Presteigne Open Studios takes place largely within the town, with most exhibitors within easy walking distance of each other, so visitors can enjoy strolling the streets and alleyways, whilst stopping off at the many local hostelries and cafes. A map (which will be available on this website and in the brochure) explains where each venue is to be found.

There are many parking options (with disabled parking spaces available), for more information about getting here, visit Presteigne Festival website. So there really is no reason not to take a trip to this beautiful town and to meet and see the work of the artists and makers who live and work here!

Presteigne

Presteigne is regularly voted one of the best places to live in the Sunday Times. Once the county town of Radnorshire and a wealthy centre of wool production, it is a real gem of a small border town, set amidst stunning scenery, with a mix of stunning Georgian buildings, half-timbered houses and Italianate and vernacular architecture.

The award-winning Judges Lodging Museum, which once housed the county courtroom, can be found in Broad Street - open throughout the weekend – and is well worth a visit. It now also houses newly refurbished flats in which to stay, all in the Victorian style of the museum itself.

Alongside Open Studios, the acclaimed Presteigne Festival offers a mix of the best modern classical music together with a huge range of more historic pieces performed by both solo artists and a first-class orchestra.

Music of all genres thrives in Presteigne – Sheep Music offers regular events featuring world, folk and rock music, whilst there are regular Irish music evenings in the town.

Mid Border Arts promotes arts, education and community activities; integrating them into the community life of Presteigne. The programme of events at the Assembly Rooms runs throughout the year, with live music, cabarets, theatre shows, literary talks, art exhibitions and films.

The Sidney Nolan Trust is located nearby. The Trust was founded by Sir Sidney Nolan CBE (1917-1992) and his wife Mary Nolan at The Rodd, a 17th-century manor house, farm and estate. Today, the Trust provides inspiring encounters with arts, heritage and environment through exhibitions, workshops and events. To visit, follow the B4355 Presteigne to Kington road.

Presteigne High Street is lined with independent shops, galleries, cafes, pubs, restaurants and antique shops. Standing at the top of Broad Street, the view is straight out to the hills. You can walk out of town into the beautiful countryside that surrounds it, where you go for miles without seeing anyone at all…