We visited the vibrant village of Ruthin briefly when we stayed at Ruthin Castle, in northern Wales. This ancient market town is home to 5,500 people, and has a classic village feel, with lots of interesting old buildings along narrow winding streets.

There is evidence of early Celtic settlement here, followed by Roman settlement, but not much is documented until the original castle was built in 1277. The castle and village have an interesting history of battles, sieges and ruin over the centuries that followed. Many of the village’s houses were constructed of stone salvaged from the castle when it was dismantled in 1648. The current day castle was built in 1826 - read more here.

Ruthin is linked to the folklore of King Arthur, who is believed to have beheaded his rival Huail here.