Visit These 5 Denbighshire Towns
Stretching from the North Wales coast down to the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park and taking in much of the Clwydian Range along the way, Denbighshire is certainly an attractive place to visit. But it’s not just about the mountainous scenery – this county is dotted with characterful market towns that are just as interesting as the varied local landscape.
Whether you're looking for a day at the seaside, a spot of heritage or just somewhere nice for lunch, read on to learn more about the best towns (and one city) to visit in Denbighshire. If you like the look of several of them, or feel you need more time to explore in depth, Pitchup has a great selection of places to stay nearby – from quiet farms to stylish glamping sites. Click the link below to find the place for you.
Browse all Denbighshire campsites
Rhyl
With a long sandy beach, a boating lake, a BMX track, a well-tended botanical garden and an indoor waterpark – not to mention the oldest miniature railway in Britain – the seaside town of Rhyl is packed with family-friendly things to see and do. Family time isn’t 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 and it has easy access to the mountains and hills.
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.
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 in Pembrokeshire).
St Asaph Cathedral, which dates back to 1143, is the highlight for most visitors, but you can extend your trip here by following the heritage trail to find out more about the city’s Norman and medieval past. This trail delves into the area’s rich ecclesiastical history, passing things like the Bible translators’ monument.
As it’s on the A55 (the North Wales Expressway), St Asaph is also a handy base for exploring the area more widely, whether you fancy getting out into Denbighshire's gorgeous green interior or heading up to the coast.
Llangollen
Located in the spectacular Dee Valley, the lovely town of Llangollen isn’t a particularly hard place to sell. Visitors flock here to check out its steam railway, to walk to the hilltop Castell Dinas Brân 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 – it may be a small place, but it’s home to a wealth of independent shops and places to eat, two weekly markets and several annual festivals – most notably the famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in July.
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, and it’s also a popular hub for hillwalkers planning hikes in the nearby Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape.
To help fuel those outdoor pursuits, there are plenty of independent cafés and shops lining the town’s bustling high street. For rainy days, head a little way out of town to the 1950s Museum, packed with all sorts of mid-century artefacts including cars, comics and everyday objects.
Ruthin
Ruthin is a characterful little town with centuries of history to explore, plus 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 footgolf course, Nantclwyd House (the oldest timber house in North Wales), the Ruthin Craft Centre and Ruthin Gaol, a Victorian prison with interactive exhibits.
Time for lunch? The town has several delis, whole food shops and traditional pubs to check out, plus takeaways if you're not in the mood for a sit-down dinner.
If you’re planning a trip to North Wales, it’s well worth exploring the countryside as well as the towns – and those lovely landscapes make wonderful backdrops to overnight stays as well. With prices starting at just £10 per night, Pitchup’s camping options can really help you keep costs down, too – take a look at the full list to see what you can find.