A different view of sight-seeing

The town of Denbigh offers a unique experience to visitors. It is where nature and history come together in a fascinating environment, it’s surprising and engrossing, quirky and hospitable. Denbigh offers a compelling alternative to some of the better-known destinations in North Wales.

Impressive architecture and ancient buildings feature prominently here, the most famous of which is Denbigh Castle. Built in 1282, it enjoys spectacular, panoramic views of the Clwydian Range. With a striking, triple-towered gatehouse, the fortress has an on-site exhibition and is maintained by Cadw, the Welsh historic monuments body.

The Town Walls held back Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads during the Civil War and now you can walk along them and enjoy the same breath-taking views across the Vale of Clwyd that the defenders of the town saw all these centuries ago. Call at the Castle or Town Library if you would like to borrow the keys to the town walls.

The Burgess Gate was the main entrance to the old town and one of the strongest medieval town gateways in Britain. Its twin towers form part of the symbol on Denbigh’s civic seal. Another building worth a look is Leicester’s Church, and although never completed, it was built by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, reputedly Queen Elizabeth I’s lover.

Many historic buildings open their doors to the public during annual heritage weekends. They include an old butter market, a Carmelite monastic house, the old Bull Hotel, Bron y Ffynnon (a Tudor townhouse), the churches of St Mary’s and St Marcella’s, chapels such as Capel Mawr, Pendref Chapel and Swan Lane Chapel.

A figure from the past looming large over the town is Dr Evan Pierce, a 19th century medic. A 50-foot statue and memorial gardens in Vale Street are dedicated to his memory.

The Welsh radio museum, Wireless in Wales, is a small radio museum with a difference. With its emphasis on the history of Broadcasting in Wales, the influence of broadcasting on our national identity and the contribution of the Welsh to the development of wireless technology, this museum is unique. We have an interesting collection of old radio devices as well as educational and informative displays. The museum is open every Friday from 11am until 3pm plus the first Saturday of every month (11am - 3pm) and at other times by arrangement.