Familiarisation tour to Flintshire
In November the Denbighshire Tourism Team led a group of local tourism businesses from North East Wales on a familiarisation tour to Flintshire on the theme of Arts and Culture.
First on the list was Bailey Hill, the site of a Norman Castle since 1100. Following the Battle of Hastings, the Normans initiated a settlement in 1086 on a glacial mound which became Bailey Hill because of its commanding view of the area which them grew to become the town of Mold.
The group were then given a behind the scenes tour of Theatre Clwyd. The theatre was in the throes of building the sets, planning the lights and sounds and rehearsing the Christmas Panto Beauty and the Beast. It was a real eye opener to see exactly how much preparation went into such a large production, and there was an element of excitement about the refurbishment planned to modernise and improve on the space that is nearly 50 years old.
It was back on the bus then to visit a much more tranquil site of St Winefride’s Well in Holywell. This is a truly magical place for anyone who has never been. It is steeped in Royal Pilgrim history and the waters are renowned for their magical healing powers. Most poignant was a pile of antique crutches in the museum left by those who over the years had bathed in the waters and were miraculously cured and no longer needed them. You can still bathe for an hour and a half each day if you are brave enough in the winter months in the Outer pool.
Our last port of call was the equally magical Flint Castle. The castle really is special and we were lucky enough to visit late afternoon when the skies had a pink glow. Flint was the first castle of what would later become known as Edward I's "Iron Ring".
We think you will agree we are so lucky to live and work in North East Wales, with its multi layered rich history laying way to hidden gems in every corner just waiting to be explored.
The project was funded through Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham Councils (North East Wales) and the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
There are four more planned trips planned and if you would like more information please contact tourism@denbighshire.gov.uk.