Holywell is a historic town, where visitors can stroll or sit in comfort and admire the architecture of more than 60 listed buildings or browse at the wares offered by nearly a hundred small and predominantly family-owned shops. Visit its museum, including the history of coal mining at point of Ayr, as well as various events & festivals throughout the year. Visit Holywell here
The town takes its name from St Winefride’s Well (or holy well), one of the seven wonders of Wales. The spring became renowned for its healing powers and throughout the centuries and even until today, pilgrims travel here in their thousands from all over the world to bathe in its waters and worship at its shrine that has become known as the Lourdes of Wales.
From the town centre, meander through the Greenfield Valley Heritage & Country Park, a 1½ mile-long linear park following the course of the Holywell Stream between the town and the estuary of the River Dee, where lie the remains of a number of historic mill buildings, many of which are by now scheduled ancient monuments. More recently, cottages, farmhouses, and even a Victorian school have been moved here stone by stone from other locations and carefully reconstructed and furnished as they might have been in centuries gone by. The park also boasts a farm museum. Visitors can also enjoy a number of meandering woodland walks and visit the imposing ruins of Basingwerk Abbey.
For the crafty, just a short drive from Holywell is Abakhan, an Aladdin’s Cave for Crafters. Famous for metres of fabric, remnants, crafts, wools, sewing, quilting & needlework. Classes can be arranged.