The higgledy-piggledy timber-framed townhouse which offers visitors over 500 years of history under one roof and beautiful hidden gardens, is bursting with new and updated exhibitions, activities and trails, designed to tell this historic attraction’s fascinating history, in new and interactive ways.

A major highlight for 2025 is the introduction of historical scents. From smoky tallow candles in the medieval room, to fresh bread in the kitchen and delicate roses in the Georgian bedroom, evocative fragrances add to the immersive experience, complementing the period costumes, soundscapes, and hands-on activities that help bring Nantclwyd y Dre’s history to life.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said: “I look forward to the opening once again of Nantclwyd y Dre. It’s a vital piece of Ruthin and indeed Denbighshire’s history. The townhouse, the tranquillity of the gardens are just some of the reasons to pay it a visit and I would encourage you all to do so.”

Kate Thomson, Site Manager at Nantclwyd y Dre, said;

“We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back for another season. Our enthusiastic staff and volunteers are putting the final touches to the new ways we have for visitors to explore the house and gardens - we can’t wait to see to see visitors enjoying them!”

Designed to make history ‘hands-on’, Nantclwyd y Dre’s unique visitor experience offers plenty of ways for visitors of all ages to learn about the house and experience what daily life was like for the characters who lived and worked here. Holding Hidden Gem status, Kids in Museums accreditation and rated 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, Nantclwyd y Dre offers a highly enjoyable outing for history enthusiasts and families alike.

Nantclwyd y Dre will be open from 10.30am to 4.30pm (last entry 3.30pm), Thursday – Saturday until 30th September 2025. For full details on opening times and ticket prices, please visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/heritage

This fascinating historic house, home to the famous Ladies of Llangollen in the late 18th century, opened its doors again from the beginning of April.

Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby captured the imagination of Regency society. They received a stream of visitors to the unpretentious little cottage which, over the years, they transformed into a Gothic fantasy of projecting stained glass and elaborately carved oak. You can discover their extraordinary story and purchase tickets to visit the house between 11am and 4pm seven days a week.

You can take tea, as Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott and the Duke of Wellington have all done before you and enjoy delicious food in the Old Stable tearooms from 10am - 4pm daily from April 1^st.

The gardens at Plas Newydd are renowned for their romantic setting and rich history. The Ladies adored nature and gardening, and transformed the grounds into a romantic landscape filled with exotic plants, winding paths, waterfalls and decorative features that still enchant visitors today. You can explore the gardens free of charge daily, all year round, between 8am and dusk.

Keep an eye out for forthcoming events, promoted locally and on the Plas Newydd Llangollen Facebook page: www.facebook.com/plasnewyddllangollen An exciting array is on offer for the 2025 season, including craft workshops, garden walks and talks, historical events, plays, performances and family activities, including the popular seasonal children’s garden trails with fantastic new prizes. This year Plas Newydd will also be hosting the first Ladies of Llangollen Legacy week in June with a jam packed week of activities relating to the Ladies, their unique story and the legacy they have left behind.

“The team at Plas Newydd have an exciting programme of events and new features to share with our visitors in the 2025 season and we are looking forward to welcoming people from near and far,” said Sallyanne Hall, National Landscape Community Engagement Officer.

Councillor Alan James, Lead Member for Local Development and Planning added: “Plas Newydd is a historic gem that we are lucky enough to have on our doorstep here in Denbighshire. The historic property offers a unique exploration of a wealth of history and is a brilliant place to visit during 2025.”