Things To Do In Holywell Wales
The market town of Holywell in North East Wales is one steeped in history. Set amongst gloriously unspoiled countryside that overlooks the estuary of the River Dee, the town is named after the famous landmark that resides there; St Winefride’s Holy Well. Its not just for history lovers though, Holywell has charming Georgian and Victorian architecture, cafes, restaurants and shops as well as a wonderful heritage park to meander through. Here are the top things to do in Holywell Wales.
Things to do in Holywell Wales
Visit St Winefride’s Holy Well
Visit Basingwerk Abbey
Visit Greenfield Valley Heritage Park
Visit Mostyn Hall
Stroll the town centre and the open-air market
Visit St Winefride’s Holy Well
St Winefride’s Holy Well is one of the seven wonders of Wales and is reputedly the oldest, continually visited pilgrim site in Britain! The story goes that the 7th Century maiden Winefride was brought back to life on this spot by her Uncle, Abbot St Beuno. The sanctuary area is open to the public and comprises of the crypt, the outer pool and a small chapel. The crypt houses the source of the spring, where the water bubbles up and flows out in to the exterior pool. People come from all over to bathe in the healing waters. Visitors are asked to be quiet and mindful when visiting this sacred place.
You can also tour St Winefride’s Chapel at set times, you need to get the key from the visitor centre and pay a refundable £5 deposit.
There is a small car park onsite for approx. 5 cars plus 1 disabled space. Admission is £1 for adults and 40p for children. You will also find a gift shop and museum onsite in the former Victorian Custodian’s house.
Visit Basingwerk Abbey
These impressive, Grade I listed ruins are free to enter and open all year round (aside from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day). The oldest part of the Abbey is the 12th Century Chapter House and there, you can even see the remains of the benches used by the monks for their daily readings. Perhaps the most impressive surviving room is the dining hall, which has a through to the old kitchens.
This site is still a significant religious site and is the starting point of the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way. St Winefride’s Holy Well, mentioned above, is also part of that same pilgrimage route.
There are no facilities here but there is free parking for visitors and well behaved dogs on leads are welcomed.
Visit Greenfield Valley Heritage Park
At Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, you can stroll through an impressive 70 acres of woodland and learn about the fascinating history here that spans 2000 years. The 1 1/2 mile route through the valley runs along the Holywell stream, with historic monuments dotted along the way. You can also get a view of the farming and industrial past at the museum plus see what life was like for a Tudor farmer in the historic farming buildings.
Opposite the visitor centre is the Bakehouse Cafe, which serves both hot and cold food and there is free parking onsite. Entry to the valley is free but you’ll need to book tickets for the museum. Tickets are £7.50 for adults and £4.50 for children, under 3s go free.
Visit Mostyn Hall
This beautiful mansion is open on selected days of the year for the public to visit. Its early origins are unknown but it is thought the great hall, which the mansion was been built around, is thought to be from the 15th Century. Over the centuries, the site has been re-modelled and extended but one thing that has remained consistent for over 500 years is that its been home to the Mostyn family.
The open days are announced on the website so check before you go. Entry is £10 for adults and under 16s go free.
Stroll the town centre and the open-air market
The part-pedestrianised centre of Holywell is a peaceful place where you can slow the pace down and enjoy life like a local. There are around 60 listed buildings here to admire and almost 100 shops, most of which are family owned. If you are visiting the town on a Thursday, you’ll get to see the colourful street market and experience the friendly, small town atmosphere. Make sure you also check out the memorial gates, located at the entrance to From Park. They were built to commemorate the 110 men from the town who lost their lives in WWI & II.
As you can see, Holywell is bursting with incredible places to see and isn’t short of things to do. If you have visited Holywell recently, let us know what you thought of this wonderful market town and feel free to share any suggestions in the comments below.
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