A secret gateway for defenders, rings of walls and a historic house with several lives: discover Denbighshire through its buildings and their stories. There are also trails along the coast and across moorland. Historic places and experiences in nature sit side by side, so your visit need not follow a set itinerary.
Castles with different stories
Denbigh Castle is a large stone fortress with extensive town walls. It was built on the fortress of Dafydd ap Gruffudd. The contrast between the imposing gatehouse and the fortified Sally Port is particularly striking: this secret entrance was used by the defenders. Visitor facilities include a car park, gift shop and toilets.
Rhuddlan Castle makes a different defensive impression. Construction began in 1277; the castle was the first concentric design, with a system of rings of walls, and was designed by James of St George. Alongside one of the largest dry ditches in Cadw’s care, the site offers upper and lower viewing levels. Rhuddlan Castle is accessible by bus routes 35, 36 and 51, and by rail via Rhyl. Check the current timetable before travelling.
Houses, abbey and a town’s eventful history
Nantclwyd y Dre was built in 1435 as a weaver’s hall house. It later became a lawyer’s townhouse and then a Victorian school for young girls. Today, the visit includes interactive activities such as historic clothing, parlour activities, lawn games and exploring the gardens. A Bat Cam gives younger visitors a glimpse into a nursery roost of lesser horseshoe bats, brown long-eared bats and pipistrelle bats.
Ruthin Gaol also tells its story through its rooms. It is the only purpose-built Pentonville-style prison open to the public as a heritage attraction. Visitors can see the punishment cell, the dark cell and the cell reserved for those condemned to death. Valle Crucis Abbey offers another glimpse into the past: Prince Madog ap Gruffydd founded the abbey in 1201 together with Cistercian monks.
St Asaph Cathedral has been a place of pilgrimage and worship for more than 1,400 years. The present building dates from the 15th century and houses William Morgan’s first Welsh translation of the Bible. Its long religious history and more recent building tell different chapters in the story of the same place.
Gardens, museums and experiences in Llangollen
At Plas Newydd, Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby created a Gothic Revival interior in their cottage. An exhibition displays some of their personal belongings, and walks lead through the gardens and along the riverbank. The tea rooms serve locally sourced and homemade food seasonally from April to October. As the offering may change, check before you travel. Llangollen Railway also serves a traditional afternoon tea aboard its historic train; check availability in advance.
Llangollen Museum presents exhibitions on the heritage of the town and surrounding region and preserves more than 10,000 objects relating to local history. Another way to connect places and landscapes is the Llangollen History Trail: it follows the Llangollen Canal and the River Dee towards Berwyn, then passes the Horseshoe Falls and continues to Llantysilio Church. The standard-gauge heritage Llangollen Railway runs for more than 10 miles through the Dee Valley from Llangollen to Corwen. It follows the River Dee along its entire length; the river is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Operating hours and running days may change.
Coastal trails and inland landscapes
The Wales Coast Path between Prestatyn and Rhyl is mostly flat, running over boardwalks and promenades. Along the way, there are opportunities to watch wildlife and enjoy coastal views. The Prestatyn and Gronant circular route is 7.4 miles (11.8 kilometres) long and starts at Prestatyn railway station. Rare natterjack toads live in the marsh pools along the Wales Coast Path at Gronant.
For longer walks, Llyn Brenig has a 15.2-kilometre circular route, as well as shorter linear trails from the visitor centre and car parks. The Two Lakes Trail around Llyn Brenig and Alwen Reservoir is shared by walkers and cyclists, who travel in opposite directions. Part of the trail passes through Hafod Elwy Moor National Nature Reserve, with its heathland, moorland and marsh. Red grouse and black grouse can be found there.
Coed Moel Famau also offers a variety of options: signposted walking trails of different lengths and a blue-grade mountain bike trail. A walking trail from the car park leads to the summit of Moel Famau and the ruins of Jubilee Tower; the Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail also crosses the summit. As trails may be diverted, closed or affected by seasonal conditions, check current conditions before setting out. A shorter alternative is the 1-kilometre Loggerheads Riverside Trail in Loggerheads Country Park. The circular route crosses the River Alyn and is suitable for people with a range of mobility needs; trail conditions and access arrangements may change.
Discover more destinations: Prestatyn, St. Asaph, Ruthin, Rhyl, Llangollen, Llandegla, Denbigh, Corwen, Rhuddlan, Llandrillo, Tremeirchion, Brynsaithmarchog, Dyserth, Cynwyd, Mold, Llandyrnog, Llanrhaeadr, Henllan, Nantglyn, Clocaenog, Carrog.
View the main travel overview: Wales.
