Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
tended several times, it retains a palpable sense of antiquity. The rooms have been re-
stored and furnished to reflect the era of each addition, offering a window into the world
of the various families that lived in them.
A 'batcam' invades the privacy of the colony of lesser horseshoe bats that reside in the
attic - they're the smallest (with bodies about the size of a plum) and rarest bat species in
Britain.
Ruthin Gaol
(
www.ruthingaol.co.uk
;
46 Clwyd St; adult/child £3.90/2.50; 10am-5pm Wed-Mon Apr-Oct)
This sombre
building is the only Pentonville-style Victorian prison that is open to visitors. A 90-minute
audio-guide tour will fill you in on all the fascinating and grisly details.
HISTORIC BUILDING
ARTS CENTRE
Ruthin Craft Centre
(
www.ruthincraftcentre.org.uk
; Park Rd; 10am-5.30pm; )
The town's flash arts hub has an
interesting gallery, artist studios and shops, and a decent cafe.
WORTH A TRIP
CLWYD THEATR CYMRU
The unfortunately named town of Mold, 10 miles east of Ruthin, is the unlikely home of Wales' leading theatre
company.
Clwyd Theatr Cymru
( 0845 330 3565;
www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk
) stages a year-round pro-
gram of new works, mainly in English, including theatre for children and young people. It also hosts opera, live
music, dance, comedy, poetry and films.
Sleeping
Manorhaus
( 01824-704830;
www.manorhaus.com
; 10 Well St; s/d from £83/115; )
This boutique restaurant-
with-rooms contains eight gorgeously styled bedrooms, each showcasing the works of dif-
ferent local and national artists. As well as being Ruthin's best accommodation, it's also
one of its best eateries, offering a high-quality selection of contemporary dishes every
night (two/three courses £26/33).
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
££
Ruthin Castle Hotel
HOTEL
££
