Ruthin is a town where the attractions are the town itself — its streets, buildings, history and setting. But it also has a set of specific visitor destinations that between them make a very full day or an excellent weekend: a medieval castle turned luxury hotel, a complete Victorian gaol, the oldest townhouse in Wales, exceptional walking country immediately to hand, and a serious contemporary craft gallery. Here is a guide to all of them.
Ruthin Castle
Medieval fortress, now a hotel
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Ruthin Gaol
Complete Victorian prison museum
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Nantclwyd House
Oldest townhouse in Wales, 1314
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St Peter's Church
Tudor ceiling, Davies Brothers gates
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Clwydian Range
Moel Famau & the hills above town
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Ruthin Castle — the medieval fortress is now Ruthin Castle Hotel, a four-star property with spa and 30 acres of grounds. Non-guests can visit by arrangement; the medieval banquets are a popular evening event. See our Ruthin Castle page for the full history.
Ruthin Gaol — the Victorian prison on Clwyd Street is open as a heritage museum. One of the best-preserved examples of its type in Wales, with cells, exercise yards and execution facilities all accessible. See our Ruthin Gaol page.
Nantclwyd House — Grade I listed, built 1314, the oldest surviving townhouse in Wales. Open on selected days through the tourist season. See our Nantclwyd House page.
St Peter's Church — medieval parish church with a Tudor oak ceiling and the celebrated Davies Brothers iron gates of 1727. Free entry, usually open daylight hours. See our St Peter's Church page.
Town Square — St Peter's Square, the medieval market place with the Myddelton Arms ("eyes of Ruthin"), Maen Huail, and the old courthouse. Today's regular market has moved to Ruthin Market Hall on Market Street. See our Town Square page.
Arts & Culture
Ruthin Craft Centre — contemporary craft gallery, resident studio artists and café on Park Road. Free admission. See our Craft Centre page.
Outdoors
The Clwydian Range AONB starts on Ruthin's doorstep — the ridge visible from the town square. Moel Famau (554m), the highest point of the range, is accessible on foot from the town or from the Bwlch Penbarra car park. See our walking and Clwydian Range pages.
The Vale of Clwyd itself offers quieter walking along the river and through the farmland of the valley floor. See our Vale of Clwyd page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top attractions in Ruthin?
The top attractions are Ruthin Gaol (Victorian prison museum), Nantclwyd House (oldest townhouse in Wales), Ruthin Castle (medieval castle hotel), St Peter's Church (Davies Brothers gates, Tudor roof), the town square (St Peter's Square, Maen Huail), and the Clwydian Range AONB for walking.
Are there free things to do in Ruthin?
Yes — St Peter's Church, the town square, Maen Huail, Pendref Chapel, and the Craft Centre gallery are all free. Walking the Clwydian hills costs nothing, and Ruthin Market Hall is free to browse. The paid attractions are the gaol and Nantclwyd House.
Is Ruthin good for a day trip?
Ruthin works very well as a day trip from Chester, Rhyl, or Wrexham. A full day covers the gaol or Nantclwyd House, the town square, St Peter's Church, the Craft Centre, and lunch at the Myddelton Arms or castle hotel.