Ruthin in North Wales is a beautiful historical town with plenty to do. If you are limited to 48 hours then you must visit one (if not all) of our suggestions below!

Introduction

There are many luxurious places to stay in Ruthin. From a charming historical castle located in the centre of the town, to a range of fine hotels and B&B’s, you’re sure to find somewhere great to stay!  There’s also some really nice self-catering accommodation options, along with fantastic camping sites and caravan sites located very close to the town.

Ruthin is a thriving little town with many superb independent shops (including Cherry Tree Country Clothing located on the Lon Parcwr Industrial Estate), cafes and pubs.   In addition, there are many attractions to see and some absolutely stunning views for you to take in.  In fact one of Ruthin’s surrounding areas, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley,  has been given the status of an Area of Outstanding Nature Beauty (AONB). You’ll be amazed and astounded by its beauty!

Oh, and if you have the time, you could visit nearby Anglesey’s own Area of Outstanding Beauty, which is approximately a 1.5 hours trip from Ruthin. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of the picturesque hills and coastline.

Well, let’s assume that you only have 48 hours to spend in Ruthin. We have carefully selected a range of activities that will keep you fully entertained for the full two days!

The Footgolf Experience

Time needed for this experience: Dependent upon your skills but we would recommend 1.5 hours
Location: Dyffryn Clwyd Centre, Mwrog Street (Approximately 10 mins walk from the centre of Ruthin)
Attire and equipment needed: Shorts, t-shirt, trainers

By the way, have you ever heard of footgolf before? No? Well don’t worry because neither had we until it suddenly arrived here in Ruthin!

Ruthin, North Wales - Footgolf

So if you’re not sure if it’s for you, Footgolf is a game that combines both golf and football tactics at the same time! It’s played on a golf course and a standard size 5 football is kicked into a range of large holes (cups) around the course.  The overall object of the game is to complete the course with as few kicks of the ball as possible.  There are either 9 or 18 holes courses. This really is a great sport to play perhaps as a couple, a small group or even as a much larger party!

Of course, you might be wondering whether you have the right skills to complete a foot-golf course. One sure way to find out is to  visit the Dyffryn Clwyd Footgolf website where, if you feel ready, you can also book a game.

Alternatively, you might prefer to just stroll around the Ruthin area or perhaps visit a venue that holds a lot of mystery. Indeed, as the evenings draw out and it gets a bit warmer, you might choose to get out and about and go sight seeing. For example you might go for a walk and treat yourself to some tasty fish and chips! Or maybe you’d like to view some of the many historical buildings located in and around Ruthin.


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Ruthin Castle

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Image Source: Jim Linwood Flicker

Time needed for this experience: 1.5 hours is walking the grounds, or 3 hours if dining
Location: 2 mins walk from the top of town
Attire and equipment Needed: Casual wear or medieval costume, if attending the medieval banquet!

The Ruthin Castle really is a ‘must see’ building. It was built in 1277, (on land originally used for an Iron Age fort) by Dafydd Ap Gruffydd on behalf of King Edward I of England.  The grounds are beautifully set out and provide for a lovely evening walk. There are many of the original ruins still in existence to see and enjoy. The castle is no more than a 2 minute walk from the top of the town and it’s open all year round.

Ruthin Castle truly is a magical Welsh castle with medieval roots. It is beautifully set within acres of woods and parkland and is a fine romantic castle to visit and enjoy!

The castle was converted into a hotel back in the 1960’s making it a great place to stay. Or if you prefer why not dine at one of the castle’s famous themed medieval feasts, where the staff dress up in traditional medieval costume.

You too can enjoy your meal the traditional way and use your hands and a dagger to eat your food!  You can join in and get fully engrossed by hiring a medieval costume for the evening  – or you could even make and wear your own!  If this is for you or perhaps you’d like to stay at the hotel, then you can visit the Ruthin Castle hotel website for more information.

Other Venues

There are many other historical buildings to visit in Ruthin which really shouldn’t be missed. These include:

  • Ruthin Gaol – This is a purpose built Pentonville style prison. It is open for the public to visit. You can actually live like a prisoner for a couple of hours if you wish and experience the atmosphere.  You’ll be able to find out what prisoners ate, what work they were forced to undertake and how they were punished. The Gaol is open from April to September.
  • Old Court House – The Old Court House is a Grade II listed building. It is thought to be the first ever building to be attached to Owain Glyndwr’s revolt in the 1400’s.  This is a beautiful building with lots of character.
  • Nant Clwyd Y Dre – This is a Grade I listed building. It is Wales’s oldest dated timbered town house, which has been fully restored. It is now open to the public as a historical house museum.

Cycle Ride – ‘Over the Top’

Time needed for this experience: 4 hours
Location: Starting point at the Craft Centre
Attire and equipment Needed: Mountain Bike and appropriate safety cycle clothing

Over the top cycle route near Ruthin, North Wales

You can take in the beautiful views of North Wales on a saddle, by giving the ‘Over the Top’ cycle path a try!

This is an intermediate ride that takes you through some of the idyllic views of ‘Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty’.  Once you reach Moel Famau the views are truly breathtaking. You’ll be able to see the Carneddau group of mountains in Snowdonia and on a clear day you’ll see as far as the North Wales coast. With a distance of 30+ kilometers and an approximate ride time of 4 hours, this route is perfect for intermediates and professional riders alike.

For more information or to download a route map click here.

The Vale Country Club – Relax and Enjoy!

Time needed for this experience: 3 hours
Location: 2 miles outside of Ruthin
Attire and equipment Needed: Swimming costume, dressing gown

You might be experiencing a wee bit of saddle soreness after that cycle route earlier in the morning!  Well, if so, what’s better than taking a bit of time out to relax?

One way to do this is to enjoy a half day spa package at the Vale Country Club. Enjoy a back, neck and shoulder massage in beautiful surroundings and enjoy the heated jacuzzi and spa.  Or if you prefer, why not relax outside with a nice cuppa or a glass of bubbly and enjoy the far reaching views of North Wales!


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Motor Safari

Time needed for this experience: Give yourselves a minimum of 3 hours (depending on which time package you choose)
Location: Bwlchgwyn, Wrexham (13 miles and a 23 minutes drive from Ruthin)
Attire and equipment Needed: Casual clothing

off road experience near Ruthin, North Wales

If off roading and playing in mud is what you crave, then motor safari is definitely for you!

Based in a disused quarry in Bwlchgwyn (which is the highest village in Wales) this unique 4×4  motor experience will definitely get your blood pumping. There are a range of time slots available ranging from 20 mins up to 4 hours.

Get behind the wheel of one of their 4×4 vehicles and experience driving over difficult terrain. In your vehicle, you’ll navigate slopes and splash through water. You’ll climb up hills and crash into craters! Great fun! Mind you, if you prefer to take more risks the package can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. Experienced instructors will lead you and the whole experience is 100% safe. There’s a range of 4×4 vehicles to choose from including classic Land Rovers, Toyotas, Mitsubishis, Jeeps or Suzukis.

By the way, if you’ve recently bought a 4×4 and you want to find out what it can do, then Paul at Motor Safari is the person to speak to. He is very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.

To find out more or to book an experience click here.

Enjoy Your Visit To Ruthin

For more information on what’s available in Ruthin and its surrounding areas, view the Visit Ruthin website. Ruthin really is the place to visit!

We hope you thoroughly enjoy your time in Ruthin!