Find out more about Denbigh’s secrets in a weekend of activity

The Denbigh area is significant nationally, as one of the areas within Wales with the largest number of listed buildings, more than 220!

St Saeran Church.

It is testimony to the rich culture, heritage and notable historical importance of the town nationally.

An early event this year at Theatr Twm o'r Nant, Dinbych on Thursday (September 14) at 6.30pmwhen Richard Sugget shares his experience of decorated buildings within Welsh Churches from 1200 to 1800, including painted murals and carved rood screens.

Richard will focus on local examples, including a large medieval wall painting of St Christopher and a hexagonal stone depicting a bishop holding a crozier which can be seen in St Saeran's Church, Llanynys.

On Friday (2pm - 4pm), there will be a movie matinee showcasing Denbigh in all its glory.

Nearly 30 buildings and locations will open their doors and gates to the public during the weekend, with bookings now being taken to ensure your place at limited access events.

Contact Denbigh Library, the central information point, for all Denbigh Open Doors information, giving you the opportunity to pre-book tours and activities before the weekend itself.

New locations to the event this year will be a visit to Bowers Yard, a must see for Vale of Clwyd farmers.

The small stone and slate farm building and two red brick sheds lies behind Bowers Villas, across the lane from the former Crosville Bus Station.

Denbigh Museum will show photos of the area and how it developed from farmland to its present day use. There will also be photographs of the town’s former agricultural market, now Morrisons supermarket.

Additionally, a collection of videos will be shown in the stone building with paintings by local artists at both sheds.

The long awaited re-opening of The Forum, on Denbigh high street, will also be a new attraction to the weekend.

The Hummingbird.

The Grade 2 listed building, now re-named The Hummingbird was re-orientated in its heyday with the main entrance now situated on the high street.

Originally the entrance faced Siop Clwyd, across a narrow road linking the high street to Back Row. The lane has long gone, with Oldham’s Bakery part of the colonnaded row now situated in the original passage.

Following renovation work, the Forum now houses a holiday let, a business space and plans for re-opening a cafe at ground level.

Youngsters will be keen to attend Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych’s Lego workshops at Denbigh Library during the weekend.

This will be an opportunity for children over seven keen to develop their architectural skills with friends enjoy a practical 1.5 hour session building the medieval walled town of Denbigh.

Welsh and bilingual sessions will be available, with booking essential (e-mail: gwion@misirddinbych.cymru or call 01745 812822).

Chris Evans, chair of the voluntary-led Denbigh Open Door committee said: “We are delighted to share Denbigh and the surrounding areas historical delights with the public, once again, this year. It is certainly a well-established event now, with locals and visitors always keen to learn more about our wonderful buildings and locations. A huge thank you goes to the local volunteers organising the event and all the property owners for their continued support to Denbigh and the Vale of Clwyd.

“One notable lecture this year on Sunday afternoon will see the warmest of welcomes to our good friend, expert Nathan Blanchard. Nathan was instrumental in managing Denbigh’s Townscape Heritage Initiative that worked on bringing back some of the original features of the beautiful buildings you see, here in Denbigh today, back in the early 2000s. He was also a keen advocate for establishing Denbigh Open Doors, so we’re delighted to welcome Nathan back to the fold. Make sure you book your place.

“There is a warm welcome to everyone, far and wide, let’s make this year another successful event!”

For all the information visit: www.visitdenbigh.co.uk/discover-denbigh/things-to-do, Facebook: @opendoorsdenbighshire or Twitter: @OpenDoors_D and call Denbigh Library on 01745 816313 to book your tours.

Properties open for the weekend:

• 12-14 Hall Square
• Castell Dinbych / Denbigh Castle
• Eglwys St Thomas’s Church
• Carriageworks
• Greenyard Ceramics
• Eglwys Santes Fair / St Mary’s Church
• Siambrau’r Cyngor Dref / Town Hall Chambers
• Amgueddfa Gwefr Heb Wifrau / Wireless in Wales Museum
• Gerddi Goffa Dr Evan Pierce Memorial Gardens
• Tŵr Sant Ilar / St Hilary’s Church Tower
• Muriau’r Dref / Town Walls
• The Hummingbird (formerly the Forum) – pre-booked tours only
• Amgueddfa Dinbych / Denbigh Museum (Grove Rd.)
• Llyfrgell Dinbych / Denbigh Library
• Tafarn y Guildhall Tavern
• Leicester’s Church
• Bowers Yard
• Denbigh Friary
• Burgess Gate

Locations open in the surrounding villages:

Eglwys St Saeran Church (Llanynys)

• Eglwys St Tyrnog Church (Llandyrnog)
• St Marcella’s (Ffordd Eglwyswen/ Whitchurch Road)
• Gwaenynog Gardens (Ffordd Pentrefoelas Rd)
• Bodfari Woodland Skills Centre
• Eglwys St Dyfnog Church (Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch)
• Ffynnon St Dyfnog’s Well (Llanrhaeadr yng Nghinmeirch)
• Eglwys St Hychan Church Saturday only (Llanychan)
• Eglwys St Cynhafal Church Saturday only (Llangynhafal)