Holywell is a lively market town with a proud industrial heritage. Walk around the historic centre filled with handsome Victorian architecture and visit a family-friendly park dotted with historic mills and factories. The town is a gateway to Flintshire, where the picturesque landscapes and unique history of North Wales are on full display.
Things to do in Holywell
Travel back in time at St. Winefride's Well, an ancient pilgrimage site more than 1,300 years old. Legend has it the well has healing powers and miraculously appeared on the site where the beloved Welsh saint was beheaded. A beautiful 16th-century chapel houses a star-shaped stone pool filled with crystalline well water.
Stroll around the Holywell Victorian Precinct, a maze of cobbled streets framed by historic buildings. Quaint shops and cafes line the streets and add to the charm. Browse local art galleries and shop for souvenirs at independent boutiques and craft stores.
Learn about the country’s industrial past at Greenfield Valley Heritage Park. The park protects almost 30 hectares of woodland, as well as historic mills and factories built in the Industrial Revolution. It’s a great place to enjoy a scenic walk or sun-drenched picnic. Other highlights include the centuries-old ruins of Basingwerk Abbey.
Spend the day in the coastal village of Talacre. Fringed by a gold-sand beach and rolling dunes, the former mining town is a popular seaside destination. Visit the historic Point of Ayr Lighthouse and spot animals like sand lizards and natterjack toads in Talacre Warren, a protected coastal sanctuary. Wind up your beach day with a fresh-battered serving of fish and chips.
Getting around Holywell
Holywell is compact and easy to explore on foot. The town is a 30-minute drive from Chester and 45 minutes from Liverpool. Flint Train Station is a 15-minute drive away and offers connections to Liverpool in just over one hour. Rent a car for the freedom to visit Holywell and explore the region at your own pace.