Holywell Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Holywell Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Holywell offers plenty to see beyond your cottage's hot tub. St Winefride's Well (CH8 7PN) is the obvious starting point - this medieval holy site is the reason for the town's name and remains one of Britain's oldest pilgrimage destinations. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor and opens 10am-4pm daily.

Greenfield Valley Heritage Park (CH8 7GH) combines natural beauty with industrial history. The 70-acre site features abbey ruins, restored mills and a fascinating museum. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5, with visitors praising the walking trails. Open 10am-5pm April-October.

Flint Castle (CH6 5PH) sits just 4 miles away and offers free entry. Built in 1277, it was the first of Edward I's Welsh fortresses. The views across the Dee Estuary make it worth the trip. TripAdvisor score: 4/5.

For shopping, Holywell High Street retains its traditional Welsh market town character with independent shops. The weekly market (Thursdays) brings extra life to the town centre.

Pet Friendly

Many Holywell cottages welcome dogs and the area is brilliant for pet holidays. The North Wales coastal path offers miles of walking routes where dogs can stretch their legs properly. The section from Holywell to Flint (about 4 miles) is particularly good.

Greenfield Valley Heritage Park allows dogs throughout its grounds as long as they're kept on leads near the farm area. The woodland trails are perfect for morning walks before returning to your cottage hot tub.

The Stamford Gate pub (CH8 7SJ) welcomes dogs in its bar area and garden, serving good food and local ales. They even provide water bowls. For beach runs, Talacre Beach is about 8 miles away and has dog-friendly sections year-round.

I'd recommend bringing towels specifically for your dog - the Welsh weather means muddy paws are almost guaranteed! Most pet-friendly cottages provide outdoor taps for cleaning up before heading back inside.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Holywell

St Winefride's Well (CH8 7PN) isn't just Holywell's namesake - it's Britain's oldest continually visited pilgrimage site. The well chamber dates from the 16th century and contains a star-shaped basin where the spring rises. The site includes a museum explaining the legend of St Winefride. One visitor wrote: "Absolutely fascinating place with so much history. The well itself is beautiful and so peaceful." Open daily 10am-4pm, £3 entry.

The Basingwerk Abbey ruins (CH8 7GH) within Greenfield Valley offer a glimpse into medieval Wales. Founded in 1132, the Cistercian abbey's remains include impressive arches and walls. What makes this special is how uncrowded it feels compared to more famous abbey sites. You can explore freely without the crowds. A recent visitor noted: "We had the whole place to ourselves on a sunny afternoon - magical atmosphere." Free entry, open during daylight hours.

Holywell High Street might seem an odd choice, but this traditional Welsh market street has buildings dating back to the 1500s. The Panton Arms building features some of the finest Tudor timberwork in North Wales. Thursday market days bring the street alive with local produce stalls. One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "A proper Welsh market town high street that hasn't been ruined by chain stores." The Blue Bell Café (CH8 7TD) makes a great stopping point for Welsh cakes.

Is Holywell suitable for a family holiday?

Yes, Holywell works well for families. Greenfield Valley has a small farm area with animals that children love, plus woodland trails for burning off energy. Many cottages with hot tubs are family-sized and the beaches at nearby Talacre and Prestatyn offer traditional seaside fun.

How far is Holywell from Chester?

Chester is just 19 miles from Holywell, making it an easy day trip. The drive takes about 30 minutes, or you can catch the regular bus service which takes around 45 minutes. This means you can combine your countryside cottage break with Chester's Roman walls, cathedral and shops.

Can you swim in St Winefride's Well?

Yes, visitors can still bathe in the healing waters at set times. The tradition dates back centuries. Check with the custodians for the current bathing schedule as it varies seasonally. The water stays at a constant 11°C year-round, so it's always refreshing!

Are there good walks near Holywell?

The North Wales Coast Path runs through Holywell, offering excellent walking in both directions. The Clwydian Range is also nearby with multiple marked trails. Moel Famau, the highest peak, is just 12 miles away and offers spectacular views from its summit.

What's the best time to visit Holywell?

Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of decent weather and fewer tourists. July and August bring warmer temperatures ideal for enjoying your hot tub, but local attractions are busier. Winter visits can be atmospheric, especially around St Winefride's Well.

Is there public transport to Holywell?

Holywell has regular bus connections to Chester, Rhyl and other local towns. The nearest train station is Flint (4 miles away) with services to Chester and the North Wales coast. Having a car is useful but not essential if you're planning to focus on local attractions.

Helpful links for your Holywell holiday:

1. Flintshire Tourism Information
2. Visit Wales - North East Wales Guide
3. Greenfield Valley Heritage Park
4. Flint Castle Information
5. Wales Coast Path Walking Routes