With itslandmarks and culture, Ruthinis a must-visit stop on any tour of North Wales. Thanks to its central locationthe town also makes an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the region,with SnowdoniaNational Park and the Welsh coast both just a half-hour driveaway.
Landmarksin Ruthin
Ruthin's rich historydates back to the 13th century, during the height of the Principality of Wales,when King Edward I of England ordered Ruthin Castle be built to defend against anyrebellion. The castle's first occupant was Dafydd, brother of the famous Welshprince Llewellyn ap Gruffydd. But the brothers' own rebellion against Englishrule in 1282 led to their execution and the end of the principality in northWales.
Ruthin Castle wasconverted into a country house in the 19th century and is now a luxury hotel,although its three towers and remains and can be freely explored byvisitors.
The townwas built up around the castle over the following centuries. The Old CourtHouse and Seven Eyes are among several listed landmarks built in thetraditional black-and-white style that few other Welsh towns can stillboast.
StPeter's Square, Ruthin'shistoric town centre, is also home to the ancient monument ofMaen Huail, where the legendary King Arthur issaid to have beheaded a love rival in the 6th century.
Otherlandmarks include St Peter's Church, founded in 1284, Ruthin Gaol, an 18thcentury prison now converted into a museum and Nantclwyd y Dre, the oldestsurviving timbered town house in Wales, also open to the public.
Artsand Crafts in Ruthin
Ruthin is home to agrowing arts and crafts movement. It led to the construction of theaward-winning RuthinCraft Cente, where visitors can observe glass and ceramics being made by localcraftsmen in their workshops. The Ruthin Art Trail encourages visitors to explore aseries of artworks created to showcase and celebrate the town's history, whilein summer RuthinFestival showcases the best local music, including Welsh folk bands.
Eatingand Shopping in Ruthin
Ruthin has a number of quaint shopping streets that haveavoided being overrun by chain stores, making for a unique retail experience,while RuthinIndoor Market is a haven for handmade goods. Independent cafes and restaurantscan be found in abundance around Ruthin, many utilising locally-sourced ingredients,such as Welsh lamb and beef.
Stayingin Ruthin
A charmingcollection of B&Bs in Ruthinprovide value-for-money retreats in a range of styles and settings, someaffording views across the Vale of Clwyd. Mid-range and luxury hotels can befound in the town centre, while camping and caravan sites are dotted around thetown's surrounding countryside.
