About Ruthin

Ruthin is a beautifully positioned old market town, in the Vale of Clwyd, running alongside the River Clwyd. It boasts the remains of a 13th century fortified castle on its hill (three towers and a gatehouse still stand, the rest having been burned to the ground by Owain Glyndwr), the oldest known townhouse in Wales (Nantclwyd House) and an Old County Gaol. There's also a very pleasant maze of little streets and alleyways lined by lovely buildings — now shops and cafes — and because it’s a market town on the old drover’s run, it’s also said to have a ‘pub for each week of the year’. Some of the best places to stay in Ruthin are pubs, or restaurants-with-rooms, or else have been converted from historic buildings, so it’s picturesque whereever you look.

If you want a base for exploring the Denbighshire region of North Wales, Ruthin makes an excellent choice. There’s plenty to see in town, but it’s easy enough to get out and explore the pretty surrounding countryside and local landmarks. We recommend visiting the iron age hill fort of Moel Arthur, Moel Famau, and the Pontcysylite Aqueduct. And popping into Corwen, Llangollen, and maybe even visit the seaside at Rhyl.

As well as being magically historic, Ruthin is also surrounded by spectacular countryside, so ideal for cyclists, walkers, keen fishermen, and horse riders. However it is a popular haunt come the peak summer months. So if you want to guarantee a room in one of the best places to stay in Ruthin during July or August, you'll need to get organised and book well ahead.

The Best Places to stay in Ruthin

For Foodies

Manorhaus is a highly acclaimed restaurant with eight rooms, and an art gallery. The art works are displayed throughout the restaurant and hotel, with different artists featured in each room; the bar and lounge downstairs act as a sort of exhibition space for a changing offering of artists’ work. The restaurant is known for its contemporary take on classic Welsh recipes. There’s also an excellent bar, and if you fancy it, a cinema room, where you’re able to take your pudding and coffee for a screening.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

Ruthin is within striking distance of Liverpool John Lennon Airport, Manchester Airport, and Birmingham Airport. Liverpool and Manchester airports are about an hour away by car or taxi, or about two and a half hours by public transport; and Birmingham is about two hours away by road, or just over two hours by rail. London Euston is only about three houses away via Chester as well.
If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
Wales in spring is beautiful. If you enjoy a stroll, be it around a castle grounds, up a mountain or along a rocky peninsula, then the mild, dry weather of spring is a good time for it. Plus there are lambs and birdsong. Summer in Wales is also appealing, what with the long, long days, and the golden beaches looking almost as good as the Med. under the summer sun. Autumn is great for walkers, with the colours adding to Wales’s dramatic views and welcoming pub lunches to come in for. Plus the castles are at their most moody and dramatic looking. In winter you might need to walk more briskly to keep you warm, but there’s always a welcoming fire burning somewhere and plenty of colourful Christmassy events to keep you in good cheer.