Ruthin Castle

Ruthin Castle has been at the centre of everything that has happened in this town for 750 years. Built as an instrument of English conquest in 1277–1282, it was the target of Owain Glyndŵr's first strike for Welsh independence in 1400, a Royalist stronghold in the Civil War, and then, uniquely among the great medieval castles of North Wales, it became a Victorian mansion and is now a luxury hotel and spa set in 30 acres of grounds. You can stay here. You can walk the grounds. The history is extraordinary.

Origins

Reginald de Grey began constructing the castle at Ruthin around 1277, on the red sandstone outcrop above the River Clwyd that gives the town its name (Rhuddyn — the red fortress). The castle was part of Edward I's systematic programme of conquest and colonisation following his first Welsh campaign. Unlike the great coastal fortresses at Conwy, Harlech and Caernarfon, which were built to Master James of St George's designs, Ruthin Castle was built by de Grey himself as a private lordly castle, though to similar concentric principles.

The castle consisted of two wards with five round towers originally guarding the inner ward. It commanded the Vale of Clwyd and controlled the principal route south from the North Wales coast into the heart of Wales.

The Grey Family and Owain Glyndŵr

The lordship of Dyffryn Clwyd remained with the Grey family for generations. It was Reginald de Grey the younger who made an enemy of Owain Glyndŵr by blocking his legitimate land claims and refusing to deliver parliamentary summons. When Glyndŵr raised his standard in September 1400, Ruthin was the first target. The castle held out against his attack, but the town was burned. Two years later Glyndŵr captured Grey himself, holding him for a ransom of 10,000 marks that reputedly crippled the family's finances.

Civil War and Destruction

During the Civil War the castle garrisoned for the King. Parliamentary forces besieged it in 1644, withdrew when no quick result was achievable, and returned in 1646. The Royalist garrison surrendered to Major-General Mytton, and Parliament ordered the castle slighted — deliberately made indefensible. Three towers and the ruined double-towered gatehouse survived the demolition, incorporated into the grounds as romantic ruins in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The Castle Hotel

In the Victorian era the castle ruins were incorporated into a substantial country house, which was subsequently developed into the Ruthin Castle Hotel. Today it operates as a four-star hotel with a spa, offering 60 bedrooms in the main castle building and in lodges within the grounds. The 30-acre grounds include the medieval ruins, walled gardens, a peacock walk, and views across the Vale of Clwyd.

The hotel is also known for its medieval banquets — theatrical evenings in the great hall featuring period food, costumed performers, and a degree of anachronistic fun. They run most weekends through the tourist season and are a popular group activity.

Non-guests can walk the castle grounds and view the medieval ruins by arrangement. Check directly with the hotel for current access arrangements.