Ruthin
Local Attractions
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attractions | facilities | location l terms | gillian | ilbordello | millend mitcheldean
For further tourist information please visit either: www.ruthin-wales.co.uk or www.denbigh.com
To make enquiries or reservations - contact postmaster@recordstruthin.co.uk
In front of the mock Tudor Exmewe Hall, now a bank just off St Peter's Square, there is a large limestone rock on which King Arthur is said to have beheaded Huail, a rival in love. Ruthin has more listed buildings than any other market town in North Wales, and whichever way you look, out towards the hills or up to St Peter's Square, there is a beautiful view. |
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The
Old Courthouse, right, now also a bank, dates from 1401.
Part of the gibbet used for hangings can still be seen protruding
from the eaves on the right hand corner of the building. For those
interested in history and ancient buildings, Ruthin has a lot to
offer. |
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The Seven Eyes Pub, adjoining the Castle Hotel and Off-The-Square Bar, is so called because of the seven dorma windows. It was built in the 16th Century in the Dutch Style, by Richard Clough, who worked in Antwerp. |
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The 13th Century Ruthin Castle at the top of Record St, has recently been taken over, and offers a restaurant, beautiful grounds with strolling peacocks, many hotel rooms and, in season, medieval banquets. The ancient remains of Ruthin's castle are some of the oldest in Wales - commenced in 1277 by order of Edward 1 - years before the great fortresses of Conwy and Caernarfon. |
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| Nantclwyd House was the home of an Elizabethan nobleman, and is one of the oldest medieval houses in North Wales. It was often visited by royalty, and during the assizes the judge would always reside here. Nantclwyd House is currently undergoing extensive renovation and restoration. |  |
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The clock tower in St Peter's Square, is surrounded by much seating, for watching the world go by and resting after the ascent of Ruthin's many hills. The town has survived the Wars of the Roses, sent Sir Thomas Exmewe to London to become Lord Mayor in 1517 / 18 and Dr Gabriel Goodman established a grammar school (1574) and Christ's Hospital (1590) for twelve poor people around St Peter's Church - a unique foundation in Wales; he went onto become Dean of Westminster, a post he held for 40 years. |
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Edward I's queen, Eleanor, was already in residence in Ruthin Castle in 1281. Reginald de Grey, Justiciar of Chester,was entrusted with the defence of Ruthin in 1277 and he completed the castle in 1284. The Wine Vaults, right, offers live music on some nights of the week, and the opportunity to sit on the verandah looking along to Ruthin Castle or onto St Peter's Square itself. |
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| The town of Ruthin was built on a red sandstone hill as a strategic lookout over the River Clwyd. Ruthin is a town which has over seven hundred years of recorded history & whose streets have been trodden by kings, queens, princes and travellers. In its past, Ruthin suffered plague, battle and siege; its buildings reflect the best of historical and architectural styles. |  |
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At
the top of Record St, and to the left, is the walk
leading in to the bottom of Ruthin's park, providing a pleasant
20 minute morning or evening circular walk. The return lap can go
up through town to St Peter's Square and back, or can cut back up
the path, skirting the walls of the Castle. Or there is the option
of turning left and walking along the edge of the river, where herons
are often seen in the field. |
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The Old Gaol Ruthin, has an interesting recorded guided tour, which children are fascinated by. Clwyd Street, Ruthin Tel :01824 708 281 |
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Ruthin Gaol offers an educational experience for all the family, visiting the 'Pentonville' style block where thousands of men, women and children were held prisoner between 1654 & 1916. The displays and interactive scenarios offer a comprehensive social history of both Britain during this period of history, and more specifically, life for locals in the Vale of Clwyd. |
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Recently voted Britain's Second Finest Stately Home, Erddig Hall is near Wrexham - about 45 minutes from Ruthin. Tel : 01978 355 314 |
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Plas Newydd, the home of the infamous 'Ladies of Llangollen' offers exquisite grounds and a pictorial exhibition telling their renowned story. PlasNewydd, Hill St, Llangollen Tel : 01824 708 223 |
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Bodnant Garden, near Colwyn Bay on the North Wales coast, offers 80 acres of magnificent garden and views. Visit Conwy Castle whilst there. Bodnant Gdn, Tal-y-Cafn, Conwy Tel : 01492 650 731 |
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Plas Madoc Leisure Centre offers a tropical lagoon, whirlslide, surf, and crocodile and elephant slides. Llangollen Road, Wrexham Tel : 01978 821 600 |
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Wrexham Waterworld has a six-lane swimming pool, a raft ride, a lazy river leisure pool and a spa. There is also a full fitness and health suite, with sauna, steam room & jacuzzi. Holt Road, Wrexham Tel : 01978 297 300 |
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Llangollen Wharf offers horsedrawn canal trips, cruises across the Pontcysyllte aqueduct in a motor narrow boat and restored steam train trips between Llangollen & Carog. Tel : 01978 860 702 - canal Tel : 01978 860 979 - train |
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Abseil into Devil's Gorge, at Loggerheads Country Park, on the A494 between Mold & Ruthin! Or for the less adventurous, enjoy walking in the beautiful wooded valley & gorge. Tel : 01352 810 458 |
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Helen Job is one of the most prominent painters in the Vale. Her work ranges from stunning North Wales landscapes, through abstract calligraphic canvases to finely crafted, figurative paintings of animals and people around her. Her work is available for viewings and for sale, by prior studio appointment only. Tel : 01824 702 420 www.jobfineart.com Painting is a product of the mind more than a product of the physical self. Without the thought process we would have no art to look at. Though we might lose a hand we can paint with another part of the body - the important thing is that the brain still functions and finds a way for thoughts to express themselves.
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Ann
Bridges RCA With a studio based in Ruthin, Ann creates images from real life sources including insects, butterflies, plants, fish, flowers, shells, rock pools etc. Drawing is Ann’s passion, filling sketch books and drawing on a daily basis. |
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Once Cynthia Lennon's guesthouse, Manorhaus now offers contemporary gallery space, a well stocked bar, a classic cocktail range, (the only place in Ruthin to serve a G&T with a slice of lime!), a good menu and fantastic, friendly service. Visit Chris and Gavin, for a relaxed evening, in an artistic and cultured ambience. Regular live music, art talks and themed weekends also feature strongly. Tel : 01824 704 830 |
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The White Horse is a country village pub in nearby Hendrerwydd, and is abolutely fantastic, both in terms of decor and menu. A visit to Ruthin is not the same without a visit to this culinary heaven. Use their professional and informative web-site for menu and wine list details, and also links to other North Wales features. Tel : 01824 790 218
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Ruthin Craft Centre is North Wales' premier centre for the applied arts - with independent craft workshops offering work for sale, two gallery spaces, a shop and cafe. It is part of the National circuit of travelling fine arts and craft exhibitions, and is always inspiring. Tel : 01824 704 774 |
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For further tourist information please visit either: www.ruthin-wales.co.uk or www.denbigh.com