Ruthin Castle, Luxury Hotel in North Wales

Ruthin Castle (from the Welsh meaning ‘red fort’) is one of the most romantic and historic castles in Wales and has been described by guests as “truly magical”.

Ruthin Castle is steeped in history. It was originally built by King Edward I in 1277 to replace an earlier fort shortly before he built his famous great castles at Conwy and Caernarfon. After eventually falling in 1647, the modern castle was constructed in 1826 and extended around, amongst and over the ancient ruins. It has frequently hosted members of the Royal family including Edward VII and HRH Prince Charles

Today Ruthin Castle remains an important landmark, much of which is listed as an Ancient Monument including the walls, tunnels and underground dungeons but it is as an hotel that it has become famous. Guests arrive through the castle gateway and along the sweeping drive through the colourful peacocks and acres of landscaped gardens, parkland and woodlands.

As one might expect of a castle, many of the 62 hotel bedrooms are exceptionally large, have four-poster beds and all have en-suite bathrooms. Antique furniture abounds in the public rooms, hallways and bedrooms and the entrance halls and library bar feature Welsh oak panelling. A discreet but extensive program of refurbishment is underway to raise the overall standard from 3 star to 4 star including the creation of a small number of romantic ‘Royal Salons’ that will feature open fires, draped oversize beds, mood lighting and ‘baths to share’. The Prince of Wales dining room has won awards from both the AA and RAC for its high quality food and guests can relax and enjoy beauty treatments, massages, a fitness suite and even a game of billiards or snooker on the table presented to the castle by Edward Prince of Wales in 1875. A conference suite was created in part of the refurbished hotel in early 2004 and offers a variety of room sizes and styles.

More than 40 years ago the castle was the first in Britain to offer themed medieval banquets in its ancient banquet hall (seating up to 120) and it still continues that tradition. The evening can start with a pre-arranged tour of the Castle walls, dungeon, whipping pit and drowning pool (subject to availability) and an introduction in the Presence Chamber where all guests assemble. Fully costumed Ladies of the Court lead guests into the candlelit Banquet Hall with its heavily laden tables where they and the Court Steward entertain, sing, jest and lead the evenings feasting with only dagger and fingers……… accompanied by mead from clay cups and wine quaffed from pewter goblets. Guests can wear costume if they choose (including hiring by advance arrangement).