Ruthin, Denbighshire
Where Wales Rewrites History
A medieval fortress reimagined as the ultimate romantic retreat, where ancient stone meets modern indulgence.
Rising from the ancient hills of Denbighshire like a scene from another age, Ruthin Castle Hotel is one of those rare places where history doesn't merely hang on the walls — it breathes through every stone corridor and candlelit corner. Set within acres of immaculate gardens and sweeping woodland in the heart of the Clwydian Range, this four-star medieval retreat is the kind of address that makes a weekend in Wales feel genuinely extraordinary. Peacocks roam the grounds, centuries of royal heritage inform the traditional interiors, and the pretty market town of Ruthin sits just beyond the gates, ready to be explored.
The masterstroke here is BAZAAR Spa, an indulgent sanctuary nestled within the castle's former moat — surely one of the most dramatically situated wellness spaces in Britain. Woodland hot tubs, thermal experiences and soothing treatments conspire to make leaving feel quite impossible, and for couples seeking a genuinely romantic escape, this alone is reason enough to book. When hunger calls, the Tafarn Y Ddraig delivers beautifully crafted dishes built on local and seasonal Welsh produce, rounding out an experience that is as nourishing as it is memorable.
For those who do venture beyond the castle walls, the rewards are spectacular. Snowdonia National Park lies just a short drive away, offering everything from gentle woodland walks to exhilarating mountain hikes, while the sandy shores of Llandudno provide a breezy coastal counterpoint. With spring rates for the Castle Spa Escape starting from £220 per room, Ruthin Castle represents that increasingly rare thing: a luxury staycation that genuinely punches above its price point. Book it before someone else does.
Notable Features
What Sets It Apart
- Medieval castle
- Moat spa
- Snowdonia access
Gallery
Inside & Out




Guest Voices
What They Say
“Grand Castle with great ambience, quite tired and in need of refurbishment. Mixed service in the restaurant in the evening. Meals also varied from below average to excellent. Having said that, it's a quirky place in an incredible location, and most of the staff were working so hard to do their best, and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Well worth a visit, but don't expect 4* accommodation”
“We stayed as part of a 3 night Secret Escapes bed and breakfast deal. A good deal it was too. Our room (308) was on the top floor in a turret. Given its size and the cold weather we were pleasantly surprised how warm the room was. We had good WiFi too - again perhaps a surprise given the age of the building and we were high up in. The whole hotel had a tremendous wow factor - this is the overall impression I was left with. I've seen other reviews and can agree to an extent. At times the service at the buffet breakfast, though friendly, was lacking (no eggs one morning and the nice yoghurts had gone by the third day). We also had an empty soap dispenser on arrival which, despite us leaving a note for a refill the following morning, hadn't been. This was soon remedied when we asked at reception. Although we walked around the huge building we never found the spa - not that we're bothered with such things. Having come up from Kent we're keen to get out and about and then arrive back at the hotel exhausted, too tired to worry about spas. Ruthin itself is charming in the gorgeous Vale of Clwyd.”
“This was our third visit to Ruthin castle. The deals inclusive of dinner and extras are incredible value. The standard rooms have everything you need, the location and grounds are stunning, and the food is excellent - with generous portions. We also appreciate the hotel being dog-friendly. But what has made our stay each time is how friendly and accommodating all of the staff team are. And on this trip, a hot tub session in the snow was a lovely experience. We will be back.”
“We recently stayed in the Lillie Feature Room at Ruthin Castle, and it was nothing short of fantastic. The room itself felt like stepping into a romantic period drama .... a stunning four‑poster bed, a large freestanding bath in the room, a cosy sofa, and a beautiful window seating area that made the whole space feel luxurious and unique. Our dinner in the castle’s dining room was excellent, with great service and beautifully prepared food. Breakfast the next morning was just as impressive..... generous, delicious, and a perfect start to the day. What really makes Ruthin Castle special is the building itself. Staying in such an old, atmospheric castle is an experience in its own right. The history, the character, and the sense of place make it feel like a true escape. A fantastic stay from start to finish ....highly recommended for anyone wanting something memorable, comfortable, and full of charm.”
“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best of the Best – An Exceptional Wedding Location As a wedding photographer, I’ve worked at many venues, but Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa truly stands out as one of the best of the best. The location is absolutely stunning — surrounded by history, natural beauty, and timeless architecture. Every corner of the castle offers breathtaking backdrops, perfect for both romantic couple portraits and natural candid moments. From morning light to golden hour, the scenery works beautifully for photography. What makes this place even more special is the staff. They are kind, welcoming, professional, and incredibly helpful. As a photographer, having a supportive and well-organised team makes a huge difference, and the staff here go above and beyond to ensure everything runs smoothly — not just for vendors, but especially for the couple and guests. The atmosphere is calm, elegant, and magical — exactly what you want for a wedding day. I would highly recommend Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa to any couple looking for a truly memorable wedding venue, and I’d be more than happy to photograph weddings here again.”
Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa
Castle St, Ruthin LL15 2NU, UK
Guest Rating
Based on 2,256 reviews
Category
LuxuryLocation
Ruthin, Denbighshire
Price Range
£200-400/night
Style
Castle Hotel & Spa
Best For
Explore the Region
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