Denbighshire Holiday Cottages
Stretching from the edge of Eryri National Park to the shores of the Irish Sea, Denbighshire blends natural beauty and a rich history.
Outdoor enthusiasts will love The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley for hiking, white-water rafting, kayaking, gorge walking, and climbing. History lovers can immerse themselves in Denbighshire’s heritage with visits to Ruthin Gaol, Denbigh Castle, Ruthin Castle, the evocative ruins of Castell Dinas Bran, and the charming town of Llangollen. Known for its heritage railway, historic canal, and the iconic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, Llangollen also boasts a vibrant mix of cafes, bars, restaurants, and independent shops.
DENBIGHSHIRE
Just over the border from Cheshire, Denbighshire in north-east Wales offers a peaceful and picturesque holiday escape.
Often overlooked by visitors heading to better known Eryri (Snowdonia) and Ynys Môn (Anglesey), this hidden gem boasts attractive rural market towns including Ruthin, Llangollen, Denbigh, and Mold.
The region’s stunning landscapes, framed by the Clwydian hills and Dee Valley AONB, have inspired generations of poets and artists. From heather-clad hills to rolling moors and Iron Age hillforts, you’ll find a rich blend of natural beauty and Welsh history to explore.
Things to do in Denbighshire
It was the Denbighshire hills – ‘The true Arcadia of wild beauty’ – which inspired the great Victorian poet Gerard Manley Hopkins to write some of his best-loved poetry. To this day, there is a proud creative tradition and a thriving local arts scene, some of which is on display at the excellent Ruthin Craft Centre.
Renowned for its stunning Dee Valley setting, arty Llangollen is a lovely town with lots of antiques, crafts, and gift boutiques to browse. Head to the historic Plas Newydd manor house to find out more about the famous Ladies of Llangollen, and to explore beautiful gardens. Don’t miss a ride on the fabulous Llangollen Steam Railway, which chuffs its way along the picturesque Dee Valley to nearby Corwen.
This is a historically important region of Wales and the area is etched with reminders of a medieval landscape: picturesque ruins of Castell Dinas Bran overlooking Llangollen with nearby Valle Crucis Abbey, and the mighty Chirk Castle which guards the entrance to the Ceiriog Valley. In historic Corwen you can visit a small museum to find out more about 14th century Welsh hero Owain Glyndwr.
The majestic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal near Llangollen, now a World Heritage Site, is a jaw dropping monument to the region’s more recent industrial past. If you have a good head for heights, follow the ‘stream in the sky’ to cross the highest navigable aqueduct in the world – you can walk, putter across on a canal boat, or even canoe your way over.
Denbighshire is fantastic walking country, with a great variety of quiet waymarked trails to explore in the Clwydian Hills. Perhaps a more accessible place to start exploring is the Loggerheads Country Park, where you can follow the Alyn River through a pretty wooded gorge to the village of Cilcain – make sure you stop for refreshments at the wonderful White Horse Inn. Moel Famau, Offa’s Dyke National Trail, and the hills around Llangollen all offer beautiful alternatives.
Off the beaten track ideas:
Discover the Llangollen History Walk – starting in Llangollen, this gorgeous 6 mile / 9.5km walk meanders through beautiful countryside, taking you high above the town for brilliant views across the Dee Valley. The route takes in Llangollen Canal, the Horseshoe Falls, and Llantysilio Church. Then it’s uphill to Valle Crucis Abbey and across to Castell Dinas Brân before heading back down to Llangollen.
Explore the region’s best bike trails – cyclists love Denbighshire. It’s part of the North Wales Cycling Centre of Excellence – a network of roads, tracks, climbs and descents that are guaranteed to get your heart racing. Check out the Ride North Wales website for more information on the region’s bike trails. Alternatively, head to One Planet Adventure at Coed Llandegla, which offers bike hire and swooping trails for riders of all abilities.
Denbighshire is in north-east Wales, close to the border with Cheshire and Shropshire. It stretches from Rhyl and Prestatyn on the coast, down to the countryside beyond Llangollen in the Clwydian hills. The popular town of Bala is a short drive away in neighbouring Gwynedd.
Lunch at the excellent Corn Mill pub in the centre of Llangollen – with views over the River Dee towards the heritage railway on the other side of the river – is always a real pleasure. In Ruthin try Café R at the Ruthin Craft Centre, or for a more formal treat book in at No. 11. Head to the excellent Rhug Estate near Corwen to stock up your holiday larder with some of the region’s best organic produce. You’ll also find great local produce at the Hawarden Estate Farm Shop in nearby Deeside. Both farm shops have excellent cafés for brunch and lunch.
Head north to Denbighshire’s coastline to find golden sandy beaches at Prestatyn and Rhyl. A little further along the North Wales coastline you’ll find some of Eryri’s most beautiful beaches – including Llandudno, Conwy, and the many beaches and coves of Ynys Môn.
