Ceremonies mark the start of the 2026 season at Denbighshire’s heritage attractions

Historic sites across Denbighshire celebrated the start of the new visitor season with a series of special opening ceremonies over the weekend.

Plas Newydd, Ruthin Gaol and Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens each marked the beginning of the 2026 season with their own unique ceremony, reflecting the character and history of the individual sites.

In Ruthin, that was the ‘Unlocking of the Gaol’ (Ruthin Gaol) and ‘Adorning of the Door’ (at Nantclwyd y Dre), and a new ‘Hanging of the Hats’ ceremony at Plas Newydd, signifying the opening of the former home of the celebrated Ladies of Llangollen.

Invited guests, partners and visitors gathered to celebrate the reopening of the attractions and to welcome the first visitors of the year.

Amongst the attendees at the ‘Unlocking of the Gaol’ were students from Ysgol Pen Barras’ choir, who performed a number of songs for the guests at the ceremony.

Emlyn Jones, Denbighshire County Council's Head of Planning, Public Protection and Countryside Services, said:

“The support shown by our guests and visitors during our opening ceremonies and over our first weekend means a great deal to the team and is testament to how widely valued our heritage sites are.

“It was wonderful to celebrate the start of the season with passionate people who support and champion the work we do and we’re grateful to everyone who came along and helped make the occasion such as positive start to the year. I’d also like to thank Ysgol Pen Barras’ choir for their wonderful performance at the ceremony.”

To encourage visitors to explore more of the county’s historic attractions, a special cross-site discount is available throughout the season. Until the end of September, visitors to either Ruthin Gaol, Nantclwyd y Dre historic house and gardens, and Plas Newydd in Llangollen receive 20% off admission to the other attractions, offering families and history seekers alike the opportunity to explore even more history for less.

For further information, please contact the heritage service via heritage@denbighshire.gov.uk or visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/heritage to plan a visit.