This weekend, if you’re thinking of visiting Clayart Wales at Llanrhaeadr (between Ruthun/Ruthin & Dinbych/Denbigh), there’s also a surprising amount to do in the village just yards away. Yet, the A525 neatly by-passes Llanrhaeadr such that this small, peaceful and amazingly unspoilt village is often overlooked.
Let Rhuthun / Ruthin offer some suggestions as we take you around this settlement untouched by modernity.Somewhere famous
The late medieval double-naved parish church offers the recently refurbished Tree of Jesse window, called ‘the finest Glass window in all Wales, exceeded by few in England’. This remarkable late Perpendicular artwork dates from 1533. Here you can see the genealogy of Christ from the father of King David onwards. King David has a central position but pride of place in the window made in 1533 is the Virgin and Christ-child near the top, in a blaze of sun.Somewhere retail
A village without a village shop is hardly a village. Llanrhaeadr goes one better with a rather eccentric and exclusive international fashion boutique, called The Lodge. It features a coffee shop (definitely *not* a café!). The Lodge Llanrhaeadr is frequented by well healed and often older ladies of Rhuthun and the Vale. The car park always seems to harbour one expensive, luxurious car or another.Somewhere historic
Trace a footpath from the church tower through the churchyard and wood beyond, and follow a stream to reach Ffynnon Dyfnog/St Dyfnog’s Well. Here, among the trees, not only will you be rewarded by a surprising medieval well – but by the peace and serenity of the place, too. Spring water collects in a man-made walled pool, a holy well now long forgotten. Once, the well was celebrated for its healing poperties and was a significant pilgrimage destination. In fact, it’s been a sacred site since the 6th century.Somewhere characterful
Slightly sunken beneath the old main road, the King’s Head dates from the 16th century. It’s a typical cottage style country pub. The beams, passageways and low doorways give its origins away and add considerable charm. The pub is cosy and the food unostentatious.
Somewhere pretty At the north west corner of the churchyard, on the way towards the holy well, is a small range of white almshouses. They’re said to date from 1729. It’s hard to imagine a more peaceful setting in which to live.
Somewhere else
Also try the Rectory with its barn, some distance beyond St Dyfnog’s Well, and well hidden from civilisation; the pottery in the old smithy, though since its proprietors run Clayart, you may not find them open; Llanrhaeadr Hall (not open to the public); and the old coach house, buildings around the Clayart site.