Cilcain Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Cilcain Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Cilcain sits in a fantastic spot for exploring North Wales. The village itself is small but pretty with the medieval St Mary's Church at its centre - worth popping in to see the impressive hammer-beam roof and carved angels.

Loggerheads Country Park (CH7 5LH, open daily dawn to dusk, free entry) is just 3 miles away. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the riverside walks and woodland trails. The Devil's Gorge path follows the River Alyn through a limestone ravine - quite spectacular!

Moel Famau (CH7 5SH) is the highest hill in the Clwydian Range at 554m. The walk from Cilcain to the summit takes about 2 hours return. The Jubilee Tower at the top offers amazing views across to Snowdonia and even Liverpool on clear days. TripAdvisor gives it 5/5.

Mold town is just 5 miles away with its twice-weekly street market (Wednesday and Saturday). The Theatr Clwyd (CH7 1YA) hosts excellent productions if you fancy some culture during your stay.

Pet Friendly

Many Cilcain cottages welcome dogs and you'll find the area perfect for four-legged visitors. The network of footpaths straight from the village means you can enjoy walks without needing to drive anywhere. I always recommend bringing towels specifically for drying muddy paws after walks!

The White Horse Inn in Cilcain (CH7 5NN) welcomes dogs in the bar area. They even keep treats behind the bar - just ask! Their Sunday roasts are excellent after a morning hike.

Loggerheads Country Park is dog-friendly but asks that dogs stay on leads in busy areas. The park's café has water bowls outside and welcomes well-behaved dogs in the outdoor seating area.

Moel Famau walks are great for dogs but be aware of livestock, especially during lambing season. The visitor centre at the Clywd Gate (CH7 5SH) has information on current restrictions.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Cilcain

St Mary's Church (CH7 5NN) stands at the heart of Cilcain village. This 15th-century Grade I listed building survived a major fire in 1532. The rebuilt nave features an impressive timber roof with carved angels. The church is usually open during daylight hours. What makes it special is how it reflects the village's history - don't miss the medieval font and the stunning east window.

Cilcain Show and Mountain Race takes place annually in August (check exact dates on their website). This traditional country show includes sheep competitions, craft stalls and the famous mountain race where competitors run to the summit of Moel Famau and back. Even if you're not running, the atmosphere is fantastic. One visitor told me: "We stumbled across the show during our cottage stay last year - such a friendly event with amazing homemade cakes!"

Bryn Alyn mountain (no postcode - access via footpaths from Cilcain) offers less crowded walks than Moel Famau but equally stunning views. The limestone pavement at the top is fascinating and full of rare plants in spring and summer. A local walker commented: "It's my favourite walk from the village - you often have the whole mountain to yourself and the views across the Vale of Clwyd are incredible. Perfect for watching the sunset before heading back to enjoy the hot tub!"

Is Cilcain suitable for a family holiday?

Yes! Families will enjoy the outdoor activities, especially Loggerheads Country Park which has child-friendly walks and a café. Many cottages offer games and DVDs for rainy days and the hot tubs are always a hit with kids (though always supervise young children).

How far is Cilcain from Chester?

Chester is approximately 18 miles from Cilcain, making it an easy day trip. The drive takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Are there any shops in Cilcain?

Cilcain has a small village shop and post office for essentials. For larger shops, Mold (5 miles away) has supermarkets including Aldi, Lidl and Tesco.

What's the best time of year to visit?

Spring and summer offer the best walking weather and longer days. August brings the Cilcain Show. Autumn offers beautiful colours in the woodlands. Winter can be magical with frosty landscapes and your hot tub feels even better in cold weather!

Can I get around without a car?

It's challenging. There's a limited bus service to Mold, but to explore properly, a car is recommended. Some walking routes start directly from the village.

Is there good mobile reception and WiFi?

Mobile reception can be patchy in the village due to the surrounding hills. Most cottages offer WiFi, but it's worth checking speeds with the owner if you need reliable internet access.

Some helpful links:

1. Clwydian Range AONB Official Website
2. Loggerheads Country Park Information
3. Cilcain Show and Mountain Race
4. Visit Wales - North East Wales