Visit These 5 Denbighshire Towns

 

Stretching from the North Wales coast down to the edge of Snowdonia National Park and taking in much of the Clwydian Range along the way, Denbighshire is dotted with characterful market towns that are just as interesting as the varied local landscape. Whether you're looking for new hidden gems to explore or are yet to get to grips with the county, read on to learn more about the best towns (and one city) to visit next time you're holidaying in Denbighshire.

Browse our full list of Denbighshire campsites, glampsites and holiday parks. 

Rhyl

With a miniature railway, an aquarium, a modern seafront and a well-tended botanical garden, the seaside town of Rhyl isn't short of family-friendly things to see and do. That's not the only reason you should visit this North Wales coastal resort, though – the largest town in Denbighshire is also home to an impressive range of bars, pubs and top places to eat, has easy access to the mountains and hills and has a safe and spacious beach. Feeling energetic? National Cycle Route 5 passes through Rhyl if you fancy a day pedalling along the coast to neighbouring Conwy. The seven-mile Lon Clwyd route south to St Asaph, which is 90% off-road, also starts here. 

Find seaside holiday accommodation around Rhyl. 

St Asaph

With its gorgeous small-scale cathedral, St Asaph is home to just over 3,000 people, making it the second smallest city in Britain after St Davids down the coast in Pembrokeshire. Learn more about St Asaph's Norman and medieval past and this place’s rich ecclesiastical history on the town’s heritage trail, or use the city as a launchpad for exploring Denbighshire's gorgeous green interior. 

Explore more things to do in Denbighshire.

Llangollen 

Located as it is in the spectacular Dee Valley, Llangollen isn’t a particularly hard sell. Holidaymakers flock here to check out its steam railway, to try out adventurous outdoor activities – including rafting, climbing and archery – or to take a horse-drawn canal cruise along a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site waterway that meanders down to the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Llangollen is also a shopper's paradise, and despite its small size is home to a wealth of independent boutiques and two different weekly markets.

Find a friendly Welsh welcome at one of these Llangollen campsites.

Denbigh

Denbigh's name comes from the Welsh for 'little fortress', a reference to the castle built here by Edward I after the conquest of Wales in the 1280s. Denbighshire's former county town continues to attract visitors from all over because of this medieval history, but hillwalkers coming back from hikes in the Clwydian Range would do well to explore the independent shops and cafés that line its bustling high street too. For rainy days, the town also has a couple of popular specialised museums dedicated to vintage radios and 1950s life. 

Explore more historic fortresses with our in-depth guide to the best castles in Denbighshire.

Ruthin

Ruthin is a characterful little town with centuries with a lively food and arts scene. While many people will come here simply to see Ruthin Castle, there's a lot more to take in here, including a foot golf course, Nantclwyd House (the oldest timber house in North Wales), the Ruthin Craft Centre and Ruthin Gaol, a Victorian prison with interactive exhibits. And for lunch? The town has delis, whole foods shops and traditional pubs to explore, plus takeaways if you're not in the mood for a sit-down dinner. 

 

Get your hiking boots on and give these picturesque Denbighshire walks a go.