It is said to have sprung from the ground at the place where St Winefride was murdered by a local chieftain after she spurned his advances. She was restored to life by her uncle, St Beuno, and dedicated the rest of her life to holy works.

The well which bears her name has been a destination for pilgrims since the medieval period and continues to attract visitors to this day, giving Holywell the unofficial title of the Lourdes of Wales.

St Winefride's Chapel was built around 1500 and encloses three sides of the well. Its construction was paid for by Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII.

As well as being home to such an ancient site, Holywell is also a modern town with a leisure centre and swimming pool, fitness centre and other sports facilities. Fron Park is near the town centre and provides bowling and tennis facilities.

Near Holywell is the Greenfield Valley Heritage and Country Park which contains a number of historical buildings which have been reconstructed to give the visitor a glimpse of life in another age.

A number of old mill buildings are important reminders of the area's industrial past and its place in the industrial revolution in North Wales. There is also a farming museum and plenty of wildlife to be seen there.

Within the park lie the remains of Basingwerk Abbey, a Cistercian abbey which was founded around 1132 and fell into disrepair following the Dissolution. After this period, part of the abbey was used as farm buildings and the remains of an old barn can still be seen at the site.

Other local landmarks include Talacre lighthouse and the Duke of Lancaster 'Fun Ship'. Find out more...

Written by North East Wales Web Team