Antiques galore, vintage shopping, the must-see Grange Court, the Priory church, green spaces, plentiful parking and friendly shop keepers. A wealth of antique shops has brought TV stardom to Leominster (pronounced ‘Lemster’) – but this beguiling market town remains charmingly down-to-earth, with its array of vibrant independent shops and blend of medieval, Tudor and Georgian architecture. Look up at the buildings and see how many Lions you can see!
Leominster town can be difficult to navigate in a wheelchair due to awkward cambers and uneven pavements (they are in line to be replaced) but if you are "in the know" you can have a great experience in Leominster - it's really not to be missed!
There is a platform lift at Leominster Railway station - and a short way into town from there for those travelling by train.
The Grange green space and Grange Court
Head to the Etnam Street car park and through the cut through where you will see public toilets in front of you - to the left there are sign posts to The Grange which is a roughly circular green space which is surrounded by a wheely friendly path. There is a beautiful building on the far side of the entrance to the Grange - this is Grange Court, built in 1633. It is the last surviving market house known to be built by John Abel, a local master carpenter. Today it is a Community, Heritage and Enterprise Hub, owned by the people of Leominster through the LARC Development Trust. It is a place for people to meet, work, learn and enjoy. There is a cafe with lots of seating and a lovely ramped outdoor area to enjoy at the rear and a delightful knot garden to the front.
Accessible for people with disabilities; there is a lift to all rooms, and ramped access to the rear garden. Grange Court is a pretty wedding venue too. There is a wet room and we have a wheelchair and two walking frames on site should anyone wish to borrow them. There are also baby-changing facilities and families are welcome - games, toys and books available. They also welcome dogs with fresh water and biscuits!
A short way across from Grange Court. Leominster was the site of one of the earliest Christian foundations in the county. Not long after the Saxons settled in the area around Leominster, the ruling family converted to Christianity. It is said that Merewalh, King of Mercia, built a convent here. This ancient building has many different levels and the floor surfaces can be worn or uneven in places, so please take extra care. The central nave is accessible, although at the east end in St. Paul's Chapel some assistance might be necessary where there are two rises of about 15cm. Prior to church services there is normally a temporary metal ramp set up for this purpose.
There is a temporary ramp in the building so that wheelchair users or anyone who struggles with steps can access the much lower Norman Nave. Subject to planning consent for this Grade 1 Listed Building, and the necessary funding being raised, there is a plan to make significant alterations to the floor layout to improve accessibility. The Priory has a hearing loop that is used for all services.
If you head out of the Priory Church through its main doorway and turn left through the gates you will come out on to Church Street. Continue along and turn 1st left up Drapers Lane where delicous local food and drink await at the independent delights of the Drapers Lane Deli and The Press Room. Blissful outside drinking and dining in the summer, great local ales and seasonal cosy comfort food the rest of the year.
Next door on to Corn Square is the Dukes Head which is a Wetherspoons - they have a wheelchair lift to an upper level and outside. There is plenty of space to eat and spread out inside and outside.
Look out for Zenith just off Corn Square - its a tight squeeze but worth it for crystals, one off pieces of beautiful crystal jewellery and ethical fair trade gifts and books.
The Leominster Tourist Information Centre is on Corn Square and has ramped access in. Local crafts, jewellery and art are on display as well as wealth of specialist local information on whats on and what to do in the area.
School Lane lies just off Corn Square opposite the Dukes Head and has a fantastic independent cheese shop called The Mouse Trap and Ye Old Sweet Shop sells old fashioned sweeties, ice cream and slush puppies too.
If you go to the bottom of School Lane and cross over at the zebra crossing you will see Leominster Museum. This has accessible ramps to view displays on the ground floor and technology in place to explain the artifacts as well as very helpful volunteers on hand to explain and help. There is a mezzanine level which is only accessed by stairs but the staff will explain what is there and bring articles down to be viewed if possible and appropriate. It provides a valuable insight into the heritage and history of Leominster.
Friendly independent shopping in Leominster
There are some great antiques shops and quirky independents in and around West Street. Plantastik CIC is the Cafe with a heart, serving delicious plant based dishes. They are a Community Interest Company run by volunteers and profits will go back into the community. They use surplus food from supermarkets that otherwise would be wasted and the food is amazing. A fantastic bakery with seating area, toy shop, chemist, and health food shop too which are not to be missed. Clever Betsy is a studio workshop, where people with disabilities learn new skills, make friends and create a range of beautiful items to sell in the shop. There is plenty of crafty shopping to done here.
Head back towards for more independent shopping in High Street and down to Broad street where there is Leominster Antiques Market - this has plenty of disabled parking outside and there is a flat entrance in. War and Son are on the opposite side of the road (with 2 steps up and in) War & Son are family dealers of medals and military antiques. Father and son, Dave and Steve Nuwar have 30 years knowledge and experience of buying and selling military memorabilia, war relics and combat collectibles. Often seen on TV. Look out for their private bunker ! Leominster Antique Centre are at the bottom of Broad Street and have a small step in to the shop.
More historial information about Leominster and its beginnings can be found here
Please tell us if you would like to add any buisness or accessible experience to this trail.
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