By Debra Greenhouse
There are many reasons to visit Denbighshire and Flintshire, but here are the top 10.
The festivals
Some last an hour or two, others for several days, but whatever their duration, festivals in this part of Wales are varied and convivial. There’s something on the calendar spring, summer, autumn and winter, from Prestatyn Flower Show to Ruthin’s fundraising U Know Festival, Caerwys Agricultural Show to Mold’s December Santa Dash.
The Good Life Experience
Moel Fammau
From so many places in Denbighshire and Flintshire this much-loved summit is visible. The Jubilee Tower on top makes a distinctive outline which can even be seen from The Wirral. One of the best views of it is from Pantymwyn, near Mold. Enjoy a drink at The Crown pub as you take in the picturesque scene.
The wildlife
Wading birds and garden birds, badgers and bats, hedgehogs, frogs, butterflies and dragonflies – at nature reserves in Buckley, Connah’s Quay, Prestatyn, St Asaph, Rhuddlan and Ruthin you can spy nature’s wonders. Get ready for your hearts to be lifted.
The history
From ley lines to battle lines, North Wales heritage entails heroic freedom fighters and handsome princes, Iron Age hillforts and hidden castles. Some villages once in England are now in Wales and vice versa, making the history a riveting tale of struggle and survival.
The food
Check out Mostyn Kitchen Garden for jams and chutneys; Authentic Thai Company for the hottest green curries, or Chilly Cow for the coolest ice cream. We could list all the amazing food artisans in Denbighshire and Flintshire, but the best way to sample their recipes is at regional food festivals including at Mold, Llangollen and Bodelwyddan Castle. They showcase the great taste of North Wales.
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- Sample some locally-made preserves, they make a great gift to take home
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- Indulge your sweet tooth with some delicious locally-made ice cream
The drink
For a quiet pint or a pub crawl, there are inns and quaffs aplenty. The choice is made more interesting by real ale masters like Hafod Brewing Company, Mold; Facers of Flint; Loka Polly in Rhyd y Goleu; Denbigh Brewery and Llangollen Brewery. Try them all at Mold Novemberfest, which celebrates real ale.
The mountain race
Scores of athletic types flock to the August Bank Holiday mountain race at Cilcain Show. Held annually since 1960, it’s one of Britain’s oldest fell races – 4.5 miles to the 1,820ft Moel Fammau summit and back. Invigorating for runners and spectators!
The enterprising spirit
The get up and go ethos of Denbighshire and Flintshire is typified by its numerous community shops run by volunteers. Arts trails and crafts fairs also promote local skills and give budding entrepreneurs a lift up.
The countryside
The story goes that Mendelssohn composed his Rivulet on the banks of the River Alyn at Rhydymwyn, near Mold. We’re not surprised he was inspired by the lush meadows, majestic mountains, whispering forests and rippling waterways. The countryside here is a breath of fresh air!
The beautiful Welsh countryside has inspired many a literary great
The lively neighbours
This region’s countryside offers peace and tranquility but it’s not too far from bustling towns or big cities. Close neighbours such as Chester, Wirral, and Wrexham are a blink away and Manchester and Liverpool a mere hour whenever you feel the need to go loud.
Read more about Denbighshire and Flintshire
