Ideas for great days out in Denbighshire

If you haven’t yet discovered Denbighshire you’re in for a treat. This is a beautiful area, accessible yet not overcrowded, with plenty to make it worth a trip.

We wanted to create some itineraries for some great days out for the whole family. We have tried to include all the information you might need with links to opening times and admission costs. If you’re looking for something different you’ve just found it!

Route One: Welcome to the Vale of Clwyd

A wonderful introduction to the beautiful Vale of Clwyd, easily accessed from the A55.

The day starts with a visit to historic Rhuddlan Castle.

King Edward I liked his castles to be on the coast. It was safer that way. If his ruthless campaign to subdue the Welsh ran into trouble, supplies could still get through by sea. At Rhuddlan, several miles inland, the plan was to use a river instead. Just one problem – the meandering Clwyd wasn’t quite in the right place. So Edward conscripted hundreds of ditch-diggers to deepen and divert its course. More than seven centuries later Rhuddlan still looks like a castle that was worth moving a river for. Begun in 1277 it was the first of the revolutionary concentric, or ‘walls within walls’, castles designed by master architect James of St George. Most impressive was the inner diamond-shaped stronghold with its twin-towered gatehouses. This sat inside a ring of lower turreted walls. Further beyond was a deep dry moat linked to the River Clwyd. This bristling statement of Edwardian intent guarded a new town surrounded by ditched defences. You can still clearly make out the medieval grid layout of the streets in modern-day Rhuddlan.

Lunch is at the Plough Inn, St Asaph. A dog friendly restaurant and bar.

In the afternoon, you will visit Tweedmill, a factory retail outlet offering a wide range of shopping opportunities at keen prices. Over 30,000-sq. ft of bargains are all situated under one roof.

Refreshments can be taken at Blas Clwyd Cafe, Tower Coffee Shop  Or the new Booth’s Tearoom.

Route Two: Discover Ruthin

Locked behind bars or as free as a bird, this tour of the attractive market town of Ruthin brings you to the heart of Denbighshire.

Itinerary: am:lunch:pm

The day starts with a tour of Ruthin Gaol. Step back in time to the harsh realities of early prison life. From the intriguing early history of the prison to the convicts food and dietary requirements, every aspect of life behind bars is covered. Whether its hard labour or a padded cell, this House of Correction since 1654, certainly is a fascinating museum of social history and crime and punishment.

Lunch is a short walk into town to the Castle Hotel on the square in Ruthin.

The afternoon will include a browse at the North Wales premier centre for the applied arts – Ruthin Craft Centre. It is a modern Gallery with an exhibition space and retail area under the same roof, and a selection of contemporary applied art from all over Britain.

Before returning to town and exploring Nantclwyd y Dre, Historic House and Garden. Become a time-traveller as you step through the seven ages of Nantclwyd y Dre, and relax in the beautifully tranquil Lord’s Garden.

Why not finish the day with afternoon tea at Ruthin Castle Hotel a beautiful retreat; steeped in history. Set in acres of immaculate gardens and sprawling woodland, this four-star castle hotel embraces its royal heritage with traditional interiors and top class facilities. The Tafarn Y Ddraig serves up local & seasonal produce.

Route Three: A breath of fresh air

Exploring a castle and the great outdoors combine to make this day out a real breath of fresh air.

Itinerary: am:lunch:pm

The day starts with a visit to Denbigh Castle. A castle all about the drama, cross the drawbridge to sounds of the portcullis thundering down, chains rattling and the din of horses and marching soldiers. It was once the royal residence of Dafydd ap Gruffudd, whose attack on nearby Hawarden Castle provoked the English king Edward I to mount a full-scale invasion. By 1282 Denbigh was the in hands of the king’s commander Henry de Lacy.He lost no time in building a huge stone fortress with extensive town walls on top of Dafydd’s stronghold. But the Welsh weren’t finished just yet. The half-complete castle was attacked and captured and, by the time they got it back, the English had changed the blueprint. They made the curtain walls much higher, added the imposing gatehouse and inserted an ingenious ‘sally port’ – a secure secret doorway – so defenders could sneak out in an emergency.

Lunch is at the Guildhall Tavern in Denbigh.

The afternoon includes a visit to Llyn Brenig  a 920-acre reservoir in the heart of the Denbigh Moors. Explore over 2500 acres of forest, moorland and lakes amid stunning upland scenery. With visitor centre, café, gift shop, osprey exhibition, adventure playground, cycle hire, mountain biking, walking trails, sailing and world class fishing to discover.

Route Four: Discover Llangollen

Travel back in time to the days of the steam railway and further again to the turn of the eighteenth Century during this tour of wonderful Llangollen.

Itinerary: am:lunch:pm

The day starts with a journey on the old steam locomotive which runs from Llangollen station to Corwen station with breath taking scenery through the valley.

Returning to Llangollen station, lunch is at the Cornmill in the town centre.

The afternoon includes a visit to historical Plas Newydd, home of the ladies of Llangollen. An exhibition within the house features the romantic story of how the ladies eloped from their families and set up home in this wonderfully Gothicised dwelling. The grounds also provide a peaceful riverside walk and spectacular gardens and house a tea shop for afternoon refreshments.