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Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa

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Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa

Castles |

High Medieval to Renaissance

5-Star |

Castle Street, Ruthin, Ruthin, United Kingdom, LL15 2NU

$109.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

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$109.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

Highlights

Designated as a Grade II listed building

Popular Amenities

Spa
Bar
Restaurants
English
Bicycles
Wheelchair accessible
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Internet
Internet services
Wi-Fi in public areas
Body scrub
Body wrap
Fitness center
Garden
Gym/fitness
Hiking
Hot tub
Massage
On-site entertainment
Outdoor recreational features
Sauna
Spa
Spa/sauna
Steamroom
Anti-viral cleaning products
Cashless payment service
Doctor/nurse on call
First aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Hot water linen and laundry washing
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
Protective screens in common areas
Room sanitization opt-out available
Rooms sanitized between stays
Safe dining setup
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
Staff trained in safety protocol
Alternative meal arrangement
Bar
Breakfast [buffet]
Breakfast [continental]
Restaurants
Room service
Air conditioning in public area
Contactless check-in/out
Doorman
Elevator
Facilities for disabled guests
Fireplace
Food delivery
Heating in public area
Invoice provided
Luggage storage
Meeting/banquet facilities
Safety deposit boxes
Salon
Shared lounge/TV area
Smoke-free property
Smoking area
Terrace
Family/child friendly
Family room
Kids meal
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Check-in/out [express]
Check-in [24-hour]
Dog-friendly
Fire extinguisher
Non-smoking rooms
Pet-friendly [charges apply]
Pets allowed
Safety/security feature
Smoke alarms
Car park [free of charge]
Accessible by stairs
Air conditioning
Baby cot (upon request)
Carpeting
Closet
Clothes rack
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
Desk
Electric kettle
Fan
Free bottled water
Hair dryer
Heating
In-room safe box
Ironing facilities
Laptop safe box
Linens
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Safety/security feature
Satellite/cable channels
Seating area
Shower
Sleep comfort items
Smoke detector
Socket near the bed
Telephone
Toiletries
Towels
Trash cans
Walk-in shower
Wi-Fi [free]
Window
Window that opens

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Overview

Ruthin Castle’s story starts in 1277, when Dafydd ap Gruffydd built it for King Edward I. After centuries as a stronghold and later a private residence, it reopened as a hotel in the 1960s and has welcomed guests ever since, including HM King Charles III. Today, the castle feels more like a retreat. The Bazaar Spa draws many visitors, with woodland hot tubs, thermal rooms, and calm spaces made for switching off. Dining is part of the appeal, too. Tafarn y Ddraig serves comforting Welsh dishes, while afternoon tea and a traditional Sunday lunch add to the experience. Step outside, and you’ll find peaceful grounds, nearby walking trails, and cycling routes across the Clwydian Range.

Very good 8.4

2030 reviews

Castle Street, Ruthin, Ruthin, United Kingdom, LL15 2NU

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Local Info

Horseshoe Falls

(23.6 km)

Denbigh Castle

(13.0 km)

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

(31.3 km)

Nearest Airport

(30.7 km)

Nearest Railway Station

(38.6 km)

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History

Ruthin Castle was originally known as Castell Coch yn yr Gwernfor, or the Red Castle in the Great Marsh, playing a key role in the medieval story of North Wales. After the loss of Welsh independence, the castle passed to the de Grey family, who held it for more than two centuries and developed strong ties to the English crown. The fortress survived Owain Glyndwr’s 1400 attack, when the town of Ruthin was burned while the castle itself remained standing. It later endured an 11-week siege during the English Civil War before parts of the structure were dismantled.

In the 19th century, the Myddleton family transformed the ruins into a grand country residence, restoring the medieval remains and shaping the gardens and grounds. By the early 20th century, the castle entered a quieter chapter as a private medical clinic, known for its setting and progressive approach to care. Ruthin Castle reopened as a luxury hotel in the 1960s and continues to welcome guests today. In 1969, HM King Charles III stayed here on the night before his investiture as Prince of Wales, adding a modern royal chapter to a history that spans more than seven centuries.

Aerial view of Ruthin Castle Agoda

Design and Architecture

Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa grew from old castle ruins into a building rich in Gothic revival and Tudor Gothic design. Victorian-era expansions added red sandstone walls, octagonal towers, battlement-style parapets, and decorative mullioned and transomed windows, giving the building a castle-like silhouette with a stately mansion feel. The varied rooflines and Tudor-Gothic touches make the exterior visually striking and historically rich.

Inside, you’ll notice carved wood panelling, ribbed and panelled ceilings, ornate fireplaces, Gothic archways, and other period-inspired details that carry the character of the medieval past through the reception, lounges, and dining rooms. The hotel is surrounded by landscaped gardens, formal pathways, and historic stone walls that tie the castle ruins to the main building. The property is wheelchair accessible and offers support for guests with mobility needs.

Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa with its red sandstone exterior Agoda

Amenities

Popular Amenities

Spa
Bar
Restaurants
English
Bicycles
Wheelchair accessible
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
Internet
Internet services
Wi-Fi in public areas
Body scrub
Body wrap
Fitness center
Garden
Gym/fitness
Hiking
Hot tub
Massage
On-site entertainment
Outdoor recreational features
Sauna
Spa
Spa/sauna
Steamroom
Anti-viral cleaning products
Cashless payment service
Doctor/nurse on call
First aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Hot water linen and laundry washing
Physical distancing of at least 1 meter
Protective screens in common areas
Room sanitization opt-out available
Rooms sanitized between stays
Safe dining setup
Sanitized kitchen and tableware items
Staff trained in safety protocol
Alternative meal arrangement
Bar
Breakfast [buffet]
Breakfast [continental]
Restaurants
Room service
Air conditioning in public area
Contactless check-in/out
Doorman
Elevator
Facilities for disabled guests
Fireplace
Food delivery
Heating in public area
Invoice provided
Luggage storage
Meeting/banquet facilities
Safety deposit boxes
Salon
Shared lounge/TV area
Smoke-free property
Smoking area
Terrace
Family/child friendly
Family room
Kids meal
CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Check-in/out [express]
Check-in [24-hour]
Dog-friendly
Fire extinguisher
Non-smoking rooms
Pet-friendly [charges apply]
Pets allowed
Safety/security feature
Smoke alarms
Car park [free of charge]
Accessible by stairs
Air conditioning
Baby cot (upon request)
Carpeting
Closet
Clothes rack
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
Desk
Electric kettle
Fan
Free bottled water
Hair dryer
Heating
In-room safe box
Ironing facilities
Laptop safe box
Linens
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Safety/security feature
Satellite/cable channels
Seating area
Shower
Sleep comfort items
Smoke detector
Socket near the bed
Telephone
Toiletries
Towels
Trash cans
Walk-in shower
Wi-Fi [free]
Window
Window that opens

Available in all rooms

Accessible by stairs
Baby cot (upon request)
Carpeting
Closet
Clothes rack
Coffee/tea maker
Daily housekeeping
Desk
Electric kettle
Fan
Free bottled water
Hair dryer
Heating
In-room safe box
Ironing facilities
Laptop safe box
Linens
Non-smoking
Private bathroom
Refrigerator
Safety/security feature
Satellite/cable channels
Seating area
Shower
Sleep comfort items
Smoke detector
Socket near the bed
Telephone
Toiletries
Towels
Trash cans
Walk-in shower
Wi-Fi [free]
Window
Window that opens

Services and conveniences

Contactless check-in/out
Doorman
Elevator
Facilities for disabled guests
Fireplace
Food delivery
Heating in public area
Invoice provided
Luggage storage
Meeting/banquet facilities
Safety deposit boxes
Salon
Shared lounge/TV area
Smoke-free property
Smoking area

Things to do, ways to relax

Body scrub
Body wrap
Fitness center
Gym/fitness
Hiking
Hot tub
Massage
On-site entertainment
Outdoor recreational features
Spa
Spa/sauna
Steamroom

Access

CCTV in common areas
CCTV outside property
Check-in/out [express]
Check-in [24-hour]
Dog-friendly
Fire extinguisher
Non-smoking rooms
Pet-friendly [charges apply]
Pets allowed
Safety/security feature
Smoke alarms

Cleanliness and safety

Anti-viral cleaning products
Cashless payment service
Doctor/nurse on call
First aid kit
Hand sanitizer
Room sanitization opt-out available
Rooms sanitized between stays
Safe dining setup

Dining, drinking, and snacking

Alternative meal arrangement
Breakfast [buffet]
Breakfast [continental]
Restaurants

Internet access

Internet
Internet services
Wi-Fi in public areas

For the kids

Family/child friendly
Family room
Kids meal

Take a look at these facilities:

Spa
Restaurants

Languages spoken

English

Outdoor

Bicycles

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible

Dining

Tafarn y Ddraig (The Dragon Tavern)

Tafarn y Ddraig, or The Dragon Tavern, is located in the castle’s historic banqueting hall and offers both indoor and outdoor seating. The Tavern serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, Sunday lunch, and evening dinner. The menu includes meat, fish, vegetarian, and vegan options, with dishes such as beef brisket, fish and chips, lamb rump, aubergine parmesan, and a variety of desserts including tirami-chou, cheesecake, and sticky toffee pudding. There is also a children’s menu with items like mini cheeseburgers, chicken goujons, fish and chips, and ice cream. Guests can combine a meal with a walk around the castle grounds when weather permits. Tafarn y Ddraig accommodates dietary requirements; visitors are advised to inform staff of any allergies or intolerances in advance.

Opening hours: From 12 pm onwards

Tafarn y Ddraig restaurant on site Agoda

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon tea at Ruthin Castle is served in the Tafarn or outside in the grounds when the weather’s nice. You’ll find a mix of pastries, sweet treats, and classic sandwiches, along with freshly brewed tea or coffee, all with views over the North Wales countryside. Monday to Friday it costs GBP 19.50 (USD 26.26) per person, and on weekends GBP 21.50 (USD 28.95). You can also add a glass of prosecco for £3.50 (USD 4.7). It’s a popular treat, so it’s a good idea to book in advance.

Opening hours: Daily 1 pm to 4 pm

Classic afternoon tea serves at the castle Agoda

Sunday Lunch

Sunday lunch at Ruthin Castle is a popular choice with hotel guests and local diners looking for an easy, relaxed meal. It’s served in the Tafarn and focuses on classic, well-cooked local food, with friendly service. Alongside the standard menu, traditional roasts are available, including roast beef and roast pork loin, both served with seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy. Prices vary depending on the dish chosen. There is also sometimes a seasonal offer, such as two roast main courses with a bottle of house wine to share for GBP 29 (USD 38.91) per couple.

Opening hours: 12 pm onwards (Sunday)

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Celebrity Guests

HM King Charles III - stayed at the hotel the night before he became Prince of Wales in 1969.

Destination Wedding

Ruthin Castle hosts weddings of different sizes, using a mix of indoor spaces, terraces, and garden areas. Food and drink are handled on site, including canapés, drinks receptions, full meals, and wedding cakes. The castle offers a range of wedding packages, covering the use of different spaces, catering options, and other event details. Decor can be adjusted to suit the space and the overall look of the day, whether that’s something simple or more styled.

The Grand Salon
Venue type and style: A large, classically styled room with high ceilings and tall windows. Located on the ground floor, it opens onto a private terrace and garden area and looks out over the castle battlements and surrounding Welsh countryside. The space is typically used for larger gatherings.
Capacity: Up to 120 guests

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The Peacock Suite and Terrace
Venue type and style: A medium-sized venue with large windows that bring in natural light. The suite has direct access to its own terrace and garden, with views across the castle battlements and countryside. It is situated on the ground floor and is easy to access.
Capacity: Up to 100 guests

Bertie’s
Venue type and style: A historic room with a more character-focused setting, often chosen by those looking for a smaller, distinctive space. Located on the ground floor with step-free access.
Capacity: Up to 80 guests

The Cornwallis
Venue type and style: A smaller, traditionally styled room with period details, suited to more intimate ceremonies and gatherings. Positioned on the ground floor and easily accessible.
Capacity: Up to 60 guests

Book Venue

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Events & Experiences

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Ruthin Castle has a range of on-site amenities for guests who want to relax, explore, or try something different. The BAZAAR Spa has woodland hot tubs, steam rooms, saunas, mud rooms, and treatment rooms for facials, massages, and other therapies. You can also enjoy private hot tub sessions, a gym, and a relaxation lounge. For a more social vibe, Open Mic Night takes place on the last Friday of each month. It’s a chance to enjoy local talent in a lively setting.

The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor adventure, history, and culture. Walking and hiking are popular here. The castle sits at the edge of the Clwydian Range. Trails range from gentle strolls at Loggerheads Country Park to longer hikes up Moel Famau or sections of the historic Offa’s Dyke Path. Golfers can visit nearby Ruthin-Pwllglas Golf Club, a nine-hole course with panoramic views of the Vale of Clwyd and the Clwydian Range, just a short drive from the castle.

Unwind in the hot tubs at Bazaar Spa Agoda

Cyclists have plenty of options, too. Quiet country roads, off-road tracks, and mountain biking routes at Clwyd Forest and Moel Famau Country Park are nearby. There’s also a 14-mile (22.5 km) Sea Front Trail along Rhyl, Prestatyn, and Rhuddlan. The hotel is cycle-friendly, with secure bike storage, cleaning facilities, and drying areas for gear.

History and culture are never far away. Conwy Castle, Ruthin Gaol, and Nantclwyd y Dre are all close. Art and crafts can be explored at the Ruthin Craft Centre. Coastal towns add variety, from Victorian Llandudno to lively Wrexham, known for football, heritage, and local connections. For longer trips, Snowdonia National Park offers mountains, lakes, picturesque villages, and some of the best walking and cycling routes in Wales.

Conwy Castle, a medieval fortress in North Wales Source: Llywelyn2000 Derivative: User:MathKnight

Ruthin Castle brings festive cheer with seasonal events perfect for families and friends. Kids can visit Santa in the castle’s enchanting grotto and receive a special gift, followed by a festive mini tea with a variety of sandwiches, sweet treats, and drinks for both adults and children. For a more grown-up gathering, the castle offers festive lunches, ideal for celebrating with family, friends, or colleagues. These include three courses of hearty, seasonal dishes and drinks, all served in the beautiful castle setting

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Other Celebrations

Ruthin Castle hosts both work and private events in beautiful parkland in North Wales. You can hold meetings in rooms with Wi-Fi, projectors, and screens, or use flexible spaces for private dining, team-building, or larger events under marquees. The Grand Salon, Peacock Suite, and King Charles room work well for meetings, exhibitions, or presentations, while other spaces suit birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, or baby celebrations. Staff provide attentive support to make sure everything runs smoothly. With attentive service and an intimate setting, Ruthin Castle makes both work and special occasions memorable.

Book Venue

Private celebrations at Ruthin Castle Agoda

Local Info

Horseshoe Falls

23.6 km

A striking curved weir on the River Dee, Horseshoe Falls was built to supply the Llangollen Canal and is surrounded by peaceful woodland and walking paths. (25-minute drive)

Denbigh Castle

13.0 km

A historic hilltop fortress, Denbigh Castle features impressive stone walls and towers, with panoramic views over the town and the surrounding North Wales countryside. (17-minute drive)

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

31.3 km

A remarkable Victorian canal bridge, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal high above the River Dee and is a UNESCO World Heritage site popular with walkers and boaters. (30-minute drive)