Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa

Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa makes it easy to stay active while living the high life. Whether you’re training for an event or just want to work off the calories from your cream tea, this historic retreat is a workout wonderland.

Start in the fully equipped gym, where cardio machines, resistance equipment and free weights await. Access is complimentary for hotel guests, and with two gym suites to choose from, there’s plenty of space to work up a sweat. Fancy something more adventurous? Try a spot of HIIT in the castle grounds – expect tractor tyres, sandbags and hill sprints with a medieval twist.

Prefer your workouts in the fresh Welsh air? The castle’s parkland and woodland trails are perfect for a morning jog or a leisurely stroll. You can even pick up a scavenger trail map at reception that will see you spotting wishing wells, tunnels and peacocks as you go. But if you’re itching to get your steps up further afield, you’re in luck. The charming town of Ruthin is just a short walk away, while Snowdonia National Park, Gwydyr Forest and the beaches of Llandudno are all within easy reach. 

If you love exploring on two wheels, the hotel is cycle-friendly, offering secure bike storage, cleaning facilities and drying areas for guests. Didn’t pack your own? No problem! Many nearby hire companies will deliver shiny bikes direct to your door, so in minutes you can be taking on the Clwydian hills!

Dining at Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa is a relaxed affair – with just a few surprises thrown in. Whether you’re sipping fizz in the Dragon Tavern or tucking into afternoon tea on a terrace, this historic hideaway has plenty of ways to help you feast, revel and relax after your spa day.

At the heart of it all is Tafarn Y Ddraig (aka the Dragon Tavern). Expect hearty Welsh breakfasts (laverbread, anyone?) and comforting classics, all served in a space that once hosted medieval banquets. If you’re lucky, you might spot a peacock strutting past the window – they’re regulars.

Afternoon tea is a castle favourite, complete with dainty sandwiches, warm scones and indulgent pastries. Served in the Tavern or al fresco on the terrace, it’s so good that the Sunday Times named it as one of the best afternoon teas in the UK!

In warmer months, the tavern’s terrace is the perfect place for a quiet drink. Looking for something a little more lively? Try to catch an open mic night. These laid-back celebrations are filled with music, poetry and creativity. You’ll be entertained!

Sorry, there isn’t. But while Ruthin Castle Hotel might not have the kind of moat you can paddle in, you will still be getting your feet (and the rest of you) wet!

Soak in style at the woodland hot tubs, nestled beneath the trees in the castle’s historic grounds. Bubble away beneath the branches, steam swirling around you like something out of an enchanted forest. There's also a steam room and sauna on offer indoors, so best to pack your swimsuit – you’ll be needing it.

There is, and many of our Ruthin Castle spa deals include a one or two nights’ stay as part of your treat. You’ll sleep in one of the castle’s 60 individually styled rooms. From cosy singles to deluxe doubles and turreted suites, each one comes with luxurious bedding, flat-screen TVs and en suite bathrooms. Some even have roll-top baths or four-poster beds!

Check-in at Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa begins at 3pm, with check-out by 11am the following day. You’re welcome to arrive earlier and enjoy the castle grounds while your room is being prepared.

If you're visiting the Bazaar Spa without staying overnight, spa days generally start at 9am. Spa afternoons start at 12.30pm and twilight experiences start at 4pm. But this can be subject to change, so check your booking confirmation to be on the safe side!

Accessible rooms are available, but you’ll need to request them in advance. Because the castle is a listed historic building, access to some areas can be tricky. Where possible, ramps have been added to help you navigate and there are decking paths at the rear entrance.

You’ll find it tucked away in the heart of the Clwydian Range area of outstanding natural beauty in North Wales. Set within acres of parkland and woodland, this romantic retreat sits just off Castle Street in the medieval market town of Ruthin, Denbighshire. It’s about 22 miles west of Chester and within easy reach of Liverpool, Manchester and the Snowdonia National Park.

Want to explore after your spa day? Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa has a treasure trove of attractions just beyond its turreted walls. In fact there’s so much to do nearby, you’re in for a royally good time! 

Ruthin Gaol is just a stroll away. This restored Victorian prison has interactive exhibits and eerie soundscapes that bring its haunting history to life. Just around the corner is Nantclwyd y Dre, Wales’s oldest timber-framed townhouse, where you can wander through centuries of domestic life and even dress up in period costume.

For a breath of fresh air, Loggerheads Country Park is a short drive away, offering woodland walks, riverside trails and dramatic views of Moel Famau, the highest peak in the Clwydian Range. Further afield, you’re within easy reach of Snowdonia National Park, the beaches of Llandudno, and historical heavyweights like Conwy Castle and Chirk Castle

Yes, it is. The hotel offers spacious family rooms that sleep up to five guests, with a double bed, up to three singles and space for a cot. Each room comes with en suite facilities, comfy beds, tea and coffee stations and all the essentials for a cosy castle stay. 

Kids will love the famously wonky corridors, the famously nosy peacocks and the acres of grounds! But if you’re planning a spa visit, Bazaar Spa access is restricted to guests aged 16 plus, and treatments are only for those aged 18 and over.

Family dining is easy and laid-back, thanks to a dedicated children’s menu at the Dragon Tavern. Expect kid-friendly favourites like cheesy garlic bread, bangers and mash, spaghetti Bolognese, and ice cream for dessert.

Ruthin town is packed with pint-sized adventures. Visit Ruthin Gaol, a Victorian prison with interactive exhibits and spooky soundscapes. And, if your little ones love animals, Moel Famau Donkeys and Manorafon Farm Park are just a short drive away. Prefer to stay close to the hotel? Pick up a scavenger trail map from reception to get them spotting rabbits, suits of armour and w

It’s more than friendly – it’s a tail-wagging triumph! For £20 per night for up to two pampered pooches, there’ll be a welcome pack of treats waiting for you in your designated pet-friendly room. These have easy access to the castle’s sprawling grounds – perfect for impromptu squirrel patrols. And while your pup can’t join you in the spa, they’re allowed in the bar and outdoor areas. Just keep them on a lead, off the furniture, and supervised at all times.

Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa doesn’t have its own golf course, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be missing out on a round. Just a 10-minute drive from the castle is the Ruthin-Pwllglas Golf Club, a scenic nine-hole course nestled above the village of Pwllglas. It’s a pay-and-play club that welcomes visitors with open arms and panoramic views of the Vale of Clwyd and the Clwydian Range.