Ruthin
Denbighshire, LL15 1AS
Category: Place to Visit
Perched on a hill, this pretty town boasts fine food and accommodation
This is one of the grandest market towns in the Vale of Clwyd. Perched on top of a hill, all roads into Ruthin seem to lead to St Peter’s Square in the centre. Here, you can admire the mix of architectural styles, some excellent specialist shops and a good selection of eateries. Two of the town’s bank buildings are interesting in their own right. On the outside of the NatWest Bank are traces of a gibbet (the building was formerly a 15th century Assize Court) and over the road, the HSBC Bank was formerly Exmewe Hall. Wynnstay Arms in Well Street is a handsome 16th century half-timbered coaching inn and the 16th century Myddleton Arms, with its unusual Dutch style roof is worth seeing. Near to St Peter’s Square is Ruthin Gaol which contains a series of informative displays about Welsh prison life. Also worth a visit is Ruthin Castle which dates back to the 13th century. It has now been partially restored and you’ll find peacocks roaming the delightful grounds and a hotel that hosts medieval banquets. The town is a good base to start exploring the Offa’s Dyke long distance path which boasts the remains of six Iron Age forts.