By Debra Greenhouse
There are so many things to do in Denbighshire and Flintshire, but here are the top 10.
Pick your own fruit
Strawberries or gooseberries, apples, pears, plums or pumpkins, customers can get an empty punnet at Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, then go to the fields to pick their own produce. Return to the shop for weighing and paying. The type of fruit depends on the season but it’s always plumptious.
Grab a basket and pick some delicious strawberries!
Walk the walks
Offa’s Dyke National Trail, the Clwydian Way, Wat’s Dyke path, and Wales Coastal Path all wind through this region. Don’t miss the chance to soak up their stunning views exploring on foot.
Summon some pedal power
Over 14s can rent electric powered bikes from Glan Llyn E-Bike Hire, Llanarmon-yn-Ial. Equipped with that extra boost trail blaze two-wheeled over Llangollen’s wondrous Horseshoe Pass! Alternatively mountain bikers get their adrenaline fix conquering Llandegla Forest. Google Oneplanet Adventure for details.
Marvel at a mansion
Learn about the notorious ‘Ladies of Llangollen’, Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby who became sirens of Regency society. Their extraordinary home at Plas Newydd is now a popular museum. Alternatively tour the 17th-century Bodrhyddan Hall, near Rhuddlan. The home of Lord Langford, set in several acres of formal gardens, it boasts notable artworks and a 3,000-year-old Egyptian mummy.
Be literally astounded
Check out Gladstone’s Library, Britain’s finest residential library at Hawarden. Once the retreat of Victorian era Prime Minister William Gladstone, it is housed in a Grade 1-listed building open daily for ‘Glimpse’ visits at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm. Each glimpse lasts 15 minutes.
Lose yourself in a good book at the historical Gladstone’s Library
Cook a feast
A Cookery Club is open to the public at four star luxury Hope Mountain B&B on the first Sunday of the month from 5.30-6.30pm. You don’t have to be a masterchef, just keen to learn, share foodie tips and have some delicious fun.
Go ghosthunting
Visit Wales’s oldest lighthouse, operational from 1776 until 1883 at Talacre Beach. It’s said to be haunted by a former keeper. Or tour the allegedly haunted Plas Teg Jacobean mansion, Pontblyddyn, open at 2pm on Sundays or for private tours booked in advance. It once spooked pop band Girls Aloud.
Abseil down a fiendish gorge
Situated in Loggerheads Country Park is the thrilling Devil’s Gorge where abseilers get their kicks. This is an exhilarating way to start any day. Bravehearts can book sessions via AbseilUK based in Llanarmon. If you prefer to spectate rather than plunge, the footbridge across the gorge provides a grandstand view.
The spectacular landscape of Denbighshire and Flintshire is perfect for adrenaline sports
Gaze through a looking glass!
Call at the Glassblobbery, Corwen, to watch amazing creations being made out of glass including animals, flowers, ornaments and drinking vessels. Buy a gift to take home or inquire about commission pieces which can be made on request.
Catch a match
Football and rugby are the UK’s big games but few towns offer a chance to catch an ice hockey match. Flintshire’s team is Deeside Dragons, based at Deeside Ice Rink. If it’s National Ice Hockey League tournament time or even an out-of-season friendly, bag a ticket to see the coolest sport.
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