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Tours > Wales > Ruthin
Ruthin (Rithin)
The little town of Ruthin, with its variety of architectural styles, looks as if it had strayed over the border from Cheshire, but a scant 20 miles away. Yet, the chief market town for the Vale of Clwyd, this is a very Welsh town indeed. Most visitors head for the Castle, founded by Edward I, and granted to the earl of Chester. It was attacked in 1400 by Owain Glyndwr as a prelude to his unsuccessful rebellion, besieged in the English Civil Wars and destroyed by Parliament.
A new castle was constructed in the 19th century which now acts as a luxurious hotel featuring Medieval Welsh banquets that are very popular with overseas tourists. Welsh singers, musicians and dancers from the Vale of Clwyd provide the entertainment. The food is cooked using Tudor recipes and eaten with medieval utensils and washed down with great quantities of red wine.
 The town of Ruthin contains the 15th century Middleton Arms (now part of the Castle Hotel); with its three storeys of dormer windows; St Peter's Church, with its fine oak roof of five hundred panels was presented by Henry VII after Welshmen had supported him against Richard III. The Church gates are the work of the Davies Brothers of Bersham, whose work at Chirk Castle is perhaps the finest wrought iron creation in Britain. The town is full of interesting medieval and Tudor buildings. Elizabethan foundations include the Grammar School and Christ's Hospital. Nantclwyd House, with its astonishing carved roof, is a magnificent 14th century town house, completely restored.
The market town of Ruthin lies to the west of the Clwydian Hills, the first range of high ground in Wales as one enters from Cheshire. From Chester, visitors should take the A55 to a point just west of Buckley, then the A494 through Mynydd Isa (Munith Eesa). From Wrexham, take the A525 through Coedpoeth. Ruthin can also be reached on the A525 from Rhyl, a drive that runs through the centre of the delightful Vale of Clwyd (Kloo wid).
Next Stop: Mold
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