The castle, formerly the site of bloody battles between the Celts and Romans, British and Saxons, Welsh and Normans, overlooks the estuary of the River Dee. It was dismantled by Parliamentarians in 1646, but the ruins are still well worth a visit today.

Pilgrims have reputedly come to St Winefride's Well to take the waters since the 7th century, accounting for its reputation as a Welsh 'wonder' and Holywell's name is derived from this well. The legend of the well begins in 660 AD when a young maiden Winefride refused the attentions of a local chieftain. Enraged, he cut off her head, where it fell a spring of water rose out of the ground. Winefride was restored to life by her uncle Saint Beuno. The spring became renowned for its healing properties. Pilgrims still travel from all over Britain to bathe in the shrine which became known as the Lourdes of Wales.

Holywell also has the ruins of Basingwerk Abbey nearby. The imposing ruins were for 400 years the home and workplace to monks of the Cistercian Order. Founded in 1132 the monks were the first to harness the power of the Holywell mills to grind corn and to treat the wool from their large flocks of sheep. The Iron Age hill forts of Caer Estyn, Moel Arthur, Penycloddiau in the Clwydian Hills are also of great historical significance.

Hawarden's historic heart contains two castles, one of which dates back to the 12th century, while the other was the home of William Gladstone, four times British Prime Minister. Caerwys, too, has a fascinating history, being one of the smallest towns in Britain with a Royal Charter. Other notable attractions are Ewloe Castle, Bailey Hill in Mold, Talacre lighthouse at Point of Ayr and the White Gates at Leeswood Hall.

Ewloe Castle is a Welsh Castle completed by the Welsh Prince Llewelyn ap Gruffydd in 1276. It was supposedly an ambush castle and is now hidden amongst the trees of the south end of Wepre Park. Caergwrle Castle was built by Dafydd Brother of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd who initially sided with King Edward against his brother.The wooded hill provides an interesting walk and viewpoint looking out over the Alyn Valley.

The Heritage Centre based at Buckley Library hosts displays about local history, with particular emphasis on the pottery industry. There is also a temporary exhibition area with a varied programme of exhibitions.