Denbigh Tourist Information

Denbigh, in the Vale of Clwyd, Denbighshire, North Wales, is 13 miles South of Rhyl at St Asaph on the A55 (the main coastal road). Nearby to Ruthin (8 miles), Mold and Chester, Denbigh’s location is great for any kind of a getaway break.

What’s Denbigh like?

Following the Norman Conquest, Denbigh’s importance was clear – as a Welsh Border Town its obligation was to guard Snowdonia and the Hiraethog Hills. Described as a small border town in the 11th century, its name means “little fortress” and the town and castle became a stronghold of Welsh power. The town was burnt and badly damaged in 1400 when Owain Glyndwr’s revolt occurred (he’s a folk hero and the last of the Welsh princes) but the castle largely remained intact.

This North Wales market town originally made its name making gloves, weaving, shoemaking, saddling and tanning, and by Elizabethan times, Denbigh was large and rich – a bustling market town.

Denbigh Castle

Denbigh Castle and town walls (built 1282 onwards), were ruined when the Welsh surrendered during the English Civil War. The striking ruins sit on a hill above the town, spectacularly overlooking the hills of the Clwydian range. The walk up may take some effort but it’s worth the trek up the narrow lane to the entrance. The town had initially settled within the castle’s walls, which are notable for the triple towered great gatehouse. There are around 2/3 of a mile of ruined town walls still standing. The castle and walls are full of character and fascinating, being well maintained and popular amongst visitors who love their intriguing wall carvings.

Events in Denbigh

Denbigh holds a number of activities through the year – including a midsummer festival, a plum festival, beer festival, Denbigh Show, a fireworks display, many markets and heritage weekends. And, intriguingly, a Boxing Day Barrel Rolling competition in the town square!

How to get to Denbigh

Denbigh has no railway station, though Wrexham and other local towns do. Accessible via road it isn’t far off the A55 main coastal road, just past St Asaph, the town being at the meeting place of the A543 and A525. There is a healthy network of well maintained A roads through this part of Wales.

Where to stay in Denbigh

We are pleased to offer visitors to Denbigh a wonderful choice of mainly self-catering holiday cottages, though we are also happy to offer guest houses, hotels and pubs. From couple-friendly luxury accommodation with hot tubs, to studio cottages or holiday lodges… or generously proportioned accommodation for a perfect family holiday, we have it all – so do browse our lists below.