Hidden gems of Wales – the best villages, towns and locations in Wales that you might not have heard of
There are so many excellent villages and towns to visit in Wales and we're written about many of them - our guides about Crickhowell, Brecon and Aberystwyth are among the most popular on our site. But there are lots of smaller, lesser-known locations which we wanted to highlight. Let's look at some of the best-hidden gems of Wales, and what there is to see and do in these places:
Pontypridd
St. Gwynno's Church
At this stunning church you can visit the grave of Guto Nyth Bran, a runner who became a bit of a local legend before his death in the 18th century. One particularly interesting story about him is that he managed to run from his home to the local town of Pontypridd and back (7 miles), before his mother's kettle had boiled. True or false, we're not sure!
Pontypridd Museum
If you're looking to learn more about the fascintating history of the town, a trip to this excellent little museum is highly recommended. Learn more here - pontypriddmuseum.wales
Cefn Eglwysilan
Cefn Eglwysilan is a hill in South Wales, the twin 382m summits of which lie 2 km east of Pontypridd in Rhondda Cynon Taf county borough.
Llantwit Major
This lovely little town on the Bristol Channel coast is the 2nd smallest of the 4 towns in the Vale of Glamorgan. People might typically head to Barry or Penarth, but there are a few great things to see in Llantwit Major. Here are our favourites:
Llantwit Major Beach
This might not be your typical sandy beach, but if you like exploring rockpools and you're looking for a beautiful place to visit, Llantwit Major Beach is the place to head to. Backed by cliffs, the beach is great for families with young kids who enjoy an adventure and who enjoy doing things like catching crabs and looking for fossils. As an added bonus, the car park is free too! It's worth keeping in mind that anyone with mobility issues will likely struggle with this terrain, but there is a gentler sandy area on the cafe side of the beach.
St. Donat's Castle
Just to the West of Lantwit Major you'll find St. Donat's Castle, a medieval castle with some fascinating history attached to it. Perched on the cliffs overlooking the Bristol Channel, it is estimated that the site has been occupied since the Iron Age, and is said to have once been the home of the Celtic chieftain Caradog. The castle is beautifully built, but it is the interior of the building which gets architecture geeks really excited. The castle is now used mostly as a venue for weddings and events, but once per week during the school holidays, there is an open day where you can explore the site. This castle is well worth a visit, learn more here - uwcatlanticexperience.com
Walk to Nash Point Lighthouse
Nash Point Lighthouse is in Marcross, but the walk from Llantwit Major to the lighthouse is definitely worth the effort if you have a few hours to spare. Starting at Llantwit Major beach car park, you'll walk around 3 miles to Nash Point car park where you'll be able to visit the lighthouse. The final destination is definitely a highlight, but the real enjoyment of this walk is strolling along the cliffs and taking in the amazing views across the Bristol Channel. Make sure to keep an eye out for seabirds too as you'll have the chance to see plenty during this walk. Learn more here - walescoastpath.gov.uk
St Illtud's Church
This charming church is considered to be one of the most important in the province. The exterior is lovely and the churchyard is enjoyable to explore, but the interior of the church is where the pleasant surprises lie - a small museum which features a number of relics including ancient standing stones (the church dates back to 500AD). This might not be top of your list of the things to see during your time in the town but definitely set aside an hour or 2 for a visit! Learn more here - llanilltud.org.uk
Monmouth
Monmouth is a town which sits right where the River Monnow joins the River Wye. Despite being less than 2 miles from the Wales–England border, it is often overlooked as a place to visit. This is despite all of the great things there are to see and do here. We wanted to highlight some of our favourites, let's get into the guide:
Monmouth Castle
Close to the centre of Monmouth (at the crossing of the River Wye and River Monnow) you'll find Monmouth Castle, a ruinous castle which despite the state it is in, remains imposing. The castle was built in the 11th century by William fitz Osbern and is best known as the place where King Henry V was born. Although not much of the castle remains, the parts which do are still fascinating to visit - The Great Tower (built in the 12th century) and the hall (built in the 13th century) can be explored. This is a great place to visit and there are some very useful information boards there, plus it's totally free. Learn more here - cadw.gov.wales
Monnow Bridge and Gate
As the only remaining medieval fortified river bridge in Britain with its gate tower still standing in place, Monnow Bridge attracts visitors from across the country and beyond who come to look at the fascinating construction. Erected in the late 13th century, the bridge has remained in remarkably good condition and can still be safely walked over. The gate section of the bridge wasn't added until the early 1300s, but fits in with the Red Sandstone colouring of the bridge it stands on. The bridge crosses the River Monnow and is a great place to stand for a view across the water. If you're heading to Monmouth it is definitely a good idea to walk along the bridge.
Enjoy the views from The Kymin
If you're up for a little walk, then you'll be rewarded with some excellent views - The Kymin is a hill which overlooks Monmouth but which also provides views of the Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons. The best trail to follow is the Kymin walk route, which is now managed by The National Trust. Starting in the car park, this 1-mile route takes you past 2 interesting Georgian buildings (the Naval Temple and the Round House), and through a woodland known as Beaulieu Grove. We definitely recommend a visit to The Kymin, learn more here - nationaltrust.org.uk
Monmouth Regimental Museum
Within the precincts of Monmouth Castle you'll find the Monmouth Regimental Museum, a fascinating museum dedicated to the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. It might sound odd to visit a museum with such a specific focus, but the story of this regiment is truly very interesting - they are the only present-day regiment to have survived from the Militia, and is the Senior Regiment of the Reserve Army. Artefacts at the museum include weapons, uniforms, and medals, but you'll also find some big machinery there such as tanks. This is a great place to visit, plus it is totally free and run by volunteers. Learn more here - monmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk
Harold's Stones
In an unassuming farm field between Monmouth and Chepstow you'll find a row of 3 standing stones, known as Harold's Stones. Visiting 3 stones might not sound like a worthwhile excursion, but trust us when we say that these stones have a slightly mythical feel to them. Like many standing stone sites across the country, little is known about why the stones were placed here. The name 'Harold's Stones' come from the theory that the stones commemorate a victory over the Britons by King Harold, but experts think the stones are much earlier than that and actually date back to the early Bronze Age. Whatever the story, they are certainly interesting and many people claim you can even feel a warm energy coming from them!
St Mary's Priory Church
The spire of St Mary's Priory stands above everything else in the town - it is by far the tallest building in Monmouth, and the golden weather vane on top is hard to miss. Despite there being a church on this site for almost 1000 years, this church actually dates from the 19th century. The exterior of the building is impressive but the interior is really what brings people here - the stained windows are beautiful, particularly the window dubbed "Four Rivers of Paradise". Like most churches it can be visited for free, and is worth a trip during your time in Monmouth.
Walk The Monmouth Heritage Trail
Many of the interesting locations we've mentioned in this guide can be found along the Monmouth Heritage Trail - this route takes you past 24 historic and interesting buildings in the town, including Monnow Bridge and St Mary's Priory. You'll know a site is on the trail if it has a blue plaque on it. If you're not sure where to start during your time in Monmouth, following the heritage trail is a good idea. Learn more here - glen-trothy.co.uk
Cowbridge
This pretty town in the Vale of Glamorgan is a lovely place to visit for a bite to eat and some great independent shops, and it always pops up in lists of the best places to live in Wales. But even if you're just visiting for a few days, there is plenty to see and do including some very interesting historical locations to explore. Here are the top things to see and do during your time Cowbridge:
Cowbridge Physic Garden
This lovely garden is often the attraction which sticks with people long after they have left Cowbridge - it is so peaceful and enjoyable to stroll around that the relaxing experience can really transport you. It's also a proper hidden gem - this garden is tucked away behind a high stone wall in the centre of town. It is immaculately well-kept and has an amazing variety of plants on display, most of which include signage explaining what they are and also what they can be used for.
If you head here on a Thursday then there is usually a plant sale, giving you the chance to take some of this magic home with you. Learn more here - cowbridgephysicgarden.org
Beaupre Castle
This building just outside of Cowbridge is well worth a look - it's a sort of castle/manor house hybrid, which gives a very unique medieval look. The oldest parts of the building were built in the early 14th century, but the rest of it was added in the 1500s. Beaupre Castle is technically a manor house, so many of the design elements are probably a little more homely than you might be expecting. This includes a well-preserved gatehouse and a very interesting porch which has been decorated with columns. This porch also includes the Bassett family crest, as they are the family who lived here and added the additional features in the 1500s. It's a very interesting example of Tudor design and well worth a look, learn more here - cadw.gov.wales
St Quentin's Castle, Llanblethian
This 14th-century castle is located in the village of Llanblethian, which is in Cowbridge. It's small and ruinous but is rather beautiful to look at, and is a Grade II listed building. The castle is free to enter and the interior is interesting to explore, with some impressive details such as the twin-towered gatehouse and the curtain wall on the north of the site. But many visitors to St Quentin's are most taken by the views from the surrounding grounds which are very picturesque, plus there are plenty of benches to sit on. Learn more here - cadw.gov.wales
Warren Mill Farm Park
If your idea of fun is to get up close and personal with a variety of animals, then a trip to Warren Mill Farm Park is highly recommended. Donkeys, alpacas, and Miniature Ponies can all be found here, as well as more traditional farm animals like goats and pigs. You can buy bags of feed for the animals which is loads of fun, especially when the baby goats get a little too excited! Impressively, Warren Mill Farm Park is open every day of the year and there is no need to book a spot, so you can turn up when the sun is out without any worry. The café has been refurbished recently and is a great place to grab a bite, and we should also give a mention to the Fishery on site where keen anglers can have a shot at catching fish including Carp, Tench, and Bream. Learn more here - warrenmillfarm.co.uk
Taskforce Paintball
Paintball is not for everyone, but if you like high-octane fun (and the chance to shoot paintballs at a mate), then it is absolutely something you should try. Taskforce Paintball in Cowbridge is an excellent paintball centre which is popular with locals and visitors to Cowbridge alike. A half day of paintballing with 250 paintballs will cost you just £25, plus you'll get all the protective equipment and of course the gun. If you're fancying something a little different you can try airsoft, or if you don't fancy being hit with anything then laser tag is also available (and the laser guns used here are actually good, none of those flimsy Laser Quest!). Learn more here - taskforcepaintball.co.uk
Dyffryn Gardens
This National Trust location is approximately a 15 minute drive from Cowbridge, so we're being a little bit cheeky including it in this guide, but we think it is worth it. Dyffryn Gardens is a 55 acre Edwardian garden which is very special. The arboretum includes trees from all over the world and areas of the garden such as the Reflecting Pool and Mediterranean garden are amazing to explore.
Dyffryn House (pictured) is a Victorian mansion which is very impressive to look at but which is closed to the public. Learn more here - nationaltrust.org.uk
Explore the high street
We mentioned in our intro that Cowbridge is an excellent place for independent shops and lovely places to grab a bite to eat, and a quick walk down the high street is all you need to so how true this is. You'll find shops like Arthur John & Co. which is a hardware shop that has been there for more than 100 years. You'll also find restaurants such as The Penny Farthing which is a bit of an institution and is very popular with locals, and Arboreal which serves up proper pizzas that are to die for. If you're looking to do some serious clothes shopping you're spoilt for choice too, with an interesting mix of smaller local shops and larger chain stores such as FATFACE. Overall, we suspect you'll be surprised at the amount to see along Cowbridge high street.
Treorchy
Treorchy was recently voted as having the best high street in the UK, and although that's impressive, there is a lot more to this town than shopping. Here are some of the highlights for anyone planning to visit in 2023:
Penpych Waterfalls
If you're up for a relatively steep walk, then a trip to the Penpych Waterfalls is well worth your time and effort. The main waterfall here is very large and impressive, but there are also a number of smaller waterfalls in the surrounding area which are worth a look too. Even if you're not particularly interested in the waterfall itself, the views from the top of the surrounding area are amazing. There is a well-marked route that you can follow up here called The Pen Pych Waterfall Walk which is a 6 mile circular walk and not too difficult, although it does get steep at parts so proper footwear is recommended. Learn more about the route here - getoutside.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
Bwlch Mountain
If you want to enjoy stunning views but you don't fancy a long walk, then a trip up Bwlch Mountain is a great option. There is a layby at the top of the mountain where you can park while you admire the Welsh scenery around you. Because it's easier to get up Bwlch Mountain, it can be a little busier up here than other mountains in the area, but that's also quite nice. Plus, there is often an ice cream van up here which is a nice treat.
Parc and Dare Theatre
This Grade II listed building is impressive to look at from the outside, but it's inside where you'll find the real magic. Shows are held regularly here, with everything from modern movies to live music. The theatre is still mostly original and is a joy to sit in. Found on the corner of Station Road and Dyfodwg Street, the building was originally used as a Workmen's institute. Learn more and book tickets for a show here - rct-theatres.co.uk
Visit the high street
We've already mentioned that the town was recognised as having the best high street in the UK back in 2019, so you absolutely must visit the high street during your time in Treorchy. And you'll find plenty to see and do for all tastes and preferences - independent shops like Flowers By Kirsty, Sparkilicious, and Elouise Boutique are a joy to visit, as are places such as Seren Fach Designs and the Rhondda Cycle Centre. If you want to get something to eat in town you've got some great options, including Hot Gossip and Cafe Cafe.
Rhondda Heritage Park
About 20 minutes by car from the town you'll find Rhondda Heritage Park, which really feels like a step into the past. This is a Welsh coalmine which has been transformed into a visitor centre. But what's impressive is that so much of the original coal mine has been retained, with everything from original Davy Lamps which would have been used in the mines to Anderson Shelters. And amazingly, the guide who takes you around the site will actually be a former miner who would have worked in the coal mines of the Rhondda Valleys, so you're really getting an expert insight into what the work would have been like. It's also less than £10 for a ticket which is great value, learn more and plan your visit here - rctcbc.gov.uk
Lluest-wen Reservoir
At the top of the Rhondda Fach Valley about 20 minutes from Treorchy you'll find the Lluest-wen Reservoir, a stunning body of water which is a joy to visit. Here you can enjoy a walk around the reservoir which is always so clear and pretty to look at. Treorchy isn't a busy place, but if you're looking for somewhere really peaceful nearby then a trip to this reservoir is highly recommended. Learn more about the 7km walking route around the reservoir here - alltrails.com
Hiraethog
Hiraethog, also known as Mynydd Hiraethog or the Denbigh Moors, is an upland area in North Wales. While it is a predominantly rural and natural landscape, there are several activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy in the Hiraethog area. Here are some of the best things to do in the Hiraethog area:
Follow the Hiraethog Trail
One of the most rewarding ways to explore Hiraethog and its settlements is on foot, and the Hiraethog Trail is a great route to follow in the area. This route links the villages of Pentrefoelas, Cerrigydrudion, Llanfihangel Glyn Myfr, and Llanrhaeadr, and is a great way to see each of them. The full route typically starts in Pentrefoelas and heads all the way to Bodfari, which is more than 40 miles in length, but you can follow the shorter route from Pentrefoelas to Llanrhaeadr which is still very pleasant. Learn more about the route here - conwy.gov.uk
Clocaenog Forest
If you're a fan of cycling or you're a keen wildlife watcher, then a trip to Clocaenog Forest is highly recommended. This 100 km2 forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife and some rare species, including the largest population of red squirrels in Wales, rare black grouse, and wild Przewalski horses,. For cycling enthusiasts, there are a number of routes available to follow, including the challenging downhill Foel Gasnach track. There are also more moderate routes, including Bod Petryal, a route of just 3.5km, and Up to the Lake, a longer route of 42km connecting the Forest with Llyn Brenig. Learn more about the forest here - naturalresources.wales
Hike to the summit of Moel Famau
Hike to the summit of Moel Famau, the highest peak in the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Your reward for reaching the top will be to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the Jubilee Tower, a 19th century building which was built for King George III. Learn more here - clwydianrangeanddeevalleyaonb.org.uk
Alwen Reservoir
Discover Alwen Reservoir, another picturesque body of water in the Hiraethog area. This 5 km long reservoir was constructed in the early 20th century and is located just a short distance from the Llyn Brenig Visitor Centre. The reservoir supplies water to homes across north east Wales and produces about 5 million gallons of water a day, but more importantly for visitors. It's great to visit for a walk, but you can also cycle around the reservoir which is enjoyable.
Llyn Brenig
Llyn Brenig is a beautiful reservoir to visit and walk around, but there are also opportunities for fishing, boating, and cycling here. The reservoir also has a visitor center with interactive exhibits and a café. Engage in various watersports on Llyn Brenig, such as sailing, canoeing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and windsurfing. Learn more here - llynbrenig.com
Llyn Aled
Perched high on the Hiraethog Moors at 1250 feet above sea level, Llyn Aled is a great area to fish for perch, roach, and pike. The water has a lovely amber colour due to the surrounding peaty moorland, and its mostly treeless landscape makes for a stunning spot. If fishing is your thing then a trip here is must, learn more here - visitconwy.org.uk
Rhosneigr
This small village in the south-west of Anglesey is well placed to explore the stunning seaside surroundings, but if you're not wanting to travel far then there is quite a bit to see and do in Rhosneigr itself. Here are some of the highlights:
Traeth Crigyll
There are 2 main beaches at Rhosneigr which are both amazing to visit, and Traeth Crigyll is probably the best-known of the lot. Popular with watersports enthusiasts, it's not uncommon to see windsurfers and sailboats out on the water on just about any day that you visit this beach. It's a lovely sandy beach which is just a stone's throw from the shops and other amenities of the village, making it the ideal place to head to after you've bought ice cream. Traeth Crigyll is a regular Green Coast Award winner and is very well-kept. Learn more here - thebeachguide.co.uk
Maelog Lake
Just to the East of the village you'll find Maelog Lake, a lovely area to visit if you want stunning views and plenty to see. It's designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to the vast array of wildlife you'll find here, including birds such as coot, pochard, and golden plover. In the summer months, you'll often spot reed warblers here, which is a very special sight. Learn more here - visitanglesey.co.uk
Broad Beach (Traeth Llydan)
As the name suggests, Broad Beach is very wide, and is excellent for long walks. You'll find rock pools at either end of the beach, and you'll often spot surfers on the waves. There is some debate about which beach is best in the village, but we think they're both excellent and well worth a visit. Learn more here - thebeachguide.co.uk
Visit the restaurants
Despite being a small place, Rhosneigr has a number of excellent restaurants which are well worth a visit during your time in the village. The Oyster Catcher was built on the site of the old Maelog Lake Hotel, and has become a favourite with locals and visitors alike. Mojo's on Marine Terrace has a lovely setting and is especially great for breakfast. Sandy Mount House is on the high street and is excellent for a hearty evening meal made with high quality Welsh produce. Even if you're in Rhosneigr for a few days, you'll have more than enough to try in terms of food.
Walk to Aberffraw along the Wales Coast Path
There is a section of the Wales Coast Path which passes right through Rhosneigr to Aberffraw, and if you have the time (and the energy) then we highly recommend you follow it. It's only 8 miles in length but is a lovely walk which isn't too challenging. Typically the route is started in Aberffraw, but if you walk it in the opposite direction then it's still very enjoyable. Plus, Aberffraw Bay is a lovely beach to end your walk at, and there are some great places in Aberffraw to grab a well-earned bite to eat. Learn more here - walescoastpath.gov.uk
Bodnant Garden, Conwy
Many people don't realise that tucked away in the town of Conwy is such an incredible garden - one of the best in the UK. Founded in the late 19th century and meticulously looked after ever since, Bodnant Gardens is definitely a must-visit location during your time in Wales. If you plan to visit Bodnant Garden there here is an overview and a few tips to be aware of before arriving:
Explore the gardens
The first thing to note about the gardens is that they're more than 150 years old and they're Grade I listed, and we love that the gardens have been modernized but retain their Georgian charm. The gardens are split into 5 terraces, each with their own notable feature. The terrace with the lily pond is very popular, as is the section with the beautiful herbaceous borders.
Because the gardens are divided in this way, a visit to Bodnant Gardens can sort of be whatever you want it to be - an adventure around the lily pond which is a hive of activity, or a relaxing stroll through peaceful woodland. There really is something for everyone.
The gardens themselves are stunning of course, but you can also enjoy the scenery beyond the garden as you look across the Snowdonia National Park in the distance.
Admire Bodnant Hall
The impressive house at Bodnant Gardens isn't open to the public, but it is very lovely to admire from a distance. Originally built in the 18th century, the house is built in what is described as the 'Old English' style, with Jacobethan influence. As we say, you can't visit the house but it is well worth a look during your time at Bodnant Gardens.
Tips for visiting Bodnant Gardens (2022)
Probably the best time to visit the gardens is between the months of April and October, when the gardens are colourful and vibrant. Although we do have to admit, during the later stages of the year the gardens can look very dramatic.
You might not have set aside an entire day for your visit, but we really recommend that you do! There is plenty to see here and there is also a riverside kiosk serving refreshments and a lovely tearoom.
Last entry is at 4pm, and between October and March you can bring your dog with you! Learn more at the following links:
And learn more about Conwy here:
Bodnant Welsh Food Centre
Just a stone's throw from the gardens you'll find the Bodnant Welsh Food Centre, a farm shop which is a great place to pick up some locally sourced food to take home with you. This establishment was sadly almost closed during the lockdown period, but has come back bouncing since things have opened up. If you're visiting the gardens you must pop in here as well during your visit. Highlights from their range include artisan breads, homemade pies and cheese made from local dairy. Learn more here - bodnant-welshfood.co.uk
Corwen
The picturesque market town of Corwen sits at the foot of the Berwyn Mountains at the western end of the Dee Valley. Only an hour or so from the Midlands and the cities of England’s North-West, Corwen is an excellent base for tourism; as Snowdonia and the rest of North Wales are within touching distance. A few of the highlights in Corwen include:
Walking
The Dee Valley Way is a hiking trail which links Corwen with Llangollen. It's an amazing 15-mile walk which will take you past some of the Dee’s most spectacular river scenery. Centred on Corwen itself there are three beautiful short walks, each of which offers something different.
The Caer Drewyn walk is a great walk which follows a waymarked path to Caer Drewyn (more on that in a minute), an Iron Age hillfort.
The second walk, the Pen-y-Pigyn loop, starts from the centre of town and climbs past Corwen church through oak woodlands all the way up to the viewpoint at Pen-y-Pigyn. This will take you past streams, waterfalls and a Druidic stone circle. When you reach the top of Pen-y-Pigyn you’ll find Glyndwr’s Seat, where legend has it Owain Glyndwr cast down his dagger with such force it left its mark in a stone of the church’s south wall.
Lastly, The River Dee Stroll takes the wanderer along an old disused railway line, and follows the river Dee to Pont Corwen, before taking you back onto the old railway.
Caer Drewyn
Caer Drewyn, the hill fort above the northern banks of the River Dee opposite Pen-y-Pigyn, was built during the Iron-Age but it was inhabited both in times of peace and during wars for many years after. Most notably, it was used by the Welsh in the 12th century against the invasion of Henry II. The Caer Drewyn walk will take you right to this hill fort and it is well worth a look if you have the time during your visit to Corwen.
St. Mael and St. Sulien church
This church was founded in the 6th century by the missionaries the church is named after (St. Mael and St. Sulien). The building itself dates largely from Norman times and much of the architecture reflects this, but the churchyard includes a Celtic stone cross as well as other curiosities including graves with kneeling stones, and it's a joy to explore both the building and the surroundings.
Corwen Museum
This small but fascinating museum in Corwen explores the local history of the town and beyond. In particular, if you're interested in learning more about Owain Glyndwr then you'll find an excellent overview of his life and impact. In the upstairs part of the museum you'll find a layout of the old Ruabon railway, and downstairs there is a display about the Welsh slate miners. It's free to enter, but you can of course donate and we'd recommend you do. Learn more here - corwenmuseum.org.uk
Rhug Estate
This 12,500 acre area is an excellent place to visit for some of the finest food products you'll find anywhere in Wales. The Rhug Estate has been part of the history of the area for centuries and Rhug Chapel is a rare example of a private 17th Century chapel. There is an excellent takeaway here and a Michelin recognised Bistro called “The Bison Grill”. We'd highly recommend a visit to this location, learn more here - rhug.co.uk
Mold
Mold is a town in Flintshire which is only 10 miles away from the English border. Despite the relatively small size of the town, you'll find a number of excellent things to see and do. Let's look at some of the highlights:
Explore the Clwydian Hills
Mold is based right beneath the Clwydian Hills, so it's the perfect base for exploring this beautiful part of Wales. Many walkers will often follow a route which starts in Mold and takes you all the way to Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range. The early 19th century Jubilee Tower at the top of Moel Famau (pictured) is very interesting to visit if you can reach the top.
Mold Market
Mold is an excellent place to visit if you love markets - street markets are held in Mold every Wednesday and Saturday, with more than 70 stalls in the High Street and through to Daniel Owen Square. In fact, Mold Market is the biggest market in North Wales and the Borderlands. You'll find an amazing mix of produce at the market, from local cheeses and meats to handmade clothes and tableware. Learn more about the market here - flintshire.gov.uk
Bailey Hill/Mold Castle
If you head to the top of the high street you'll find Bailey Hill, the hill which Mold Castle once stood on. Very little remains of the castle and you won't find much apart from the mound on which the motte was built. It's still a very enjoyable outdoor area to explore, and there are many interesting features of Bailey Hill, such as the Gosedd Circle (pictured) which is a group of standing stones that was laid out in 1922. You'll also find a bowling green in the inner bailey and tennis courts in the outer bailey.
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church is really pleasant to visit - this Grade I listed building was built in the 15th century and remains in remarkable condition given its age. The church is designed in the late gothic Perpendicular style and has a number of very beautiful features, including the tower with the crocketed pinnacles, a design choice that also extends to the aisles of the church. Although the church was majorly restored in the 19th century, a number of original features remain, including a brass memorial dating from 1602. It's free to visit the church, although donations are encouraged. Learn more here - churchinwales.org.uk
Mold museum
Mold is famous for being the location where a Bronze Age gold cape was found, an item which is considered to be one of the finest examples of prehistoric sheet-gold working ever discovered. The original gold cape now sits in the British museum, but there is a very good replica in the Mold Museum, and there is an excellent information panel which provides lots of details about the discovery. The museum is also an excellent place to head to if you want to learn more about the local history of Mold, which is told through a number of very interesting exhibits. Learn more and plan your visit here - visitwales.com
Theatr Clwyd
If you're a fan of the arts then a trip to Theatr Clwyd is highly recommended - this venue is considered to be one of the best arts venues in Wales. Here you'll find an excellent variety of performances to enjoy, from great plays and music to cinema and community activities. Booking in advance is a must as shows are often sold out, learn more and book tickets here - theatrclwyd.com
Trefriw
A wonderful village on the foothills of Snowdonia
The Welsh Mountain Zoo
The Welsh Mountain Zoo, set above Colwyn Bay (North Wales), the Zoo aims to conserve animal and plant species and to educate students of all ages
Great Orme Mines
Visitors can walk deep into the hillside along passages and galleries which cross the Bronze Age working areas, including an enormous 3500 year old underground chamber.
If you're looking for more information about amazing Welsh locations, feel free to check out our guides about the Llŷn Peninsula, Bwlch Nant yr Arian, and Coed y Brenin.
Finn H
Finn is the editor of You Well and has been writing about travel, health, and more for over 10 years.