St Asaph

The city of St. Asaph, home to the smallest cathedral in Britain, lies between Denbigh and the coastal resort of Rhyl. It is set in the idyllic Denbighshire countryside, on the banks of the River Elwy. Since AD560, St. Asaph has been an important ecclesiastical centre. A community was founded here by the Scottish saint Kentigern, who left his disciple Asaph in charge when he returned to Scotland. Today however, St. Asaph is quite simply, the perfect holiday destination.

Although it has the distinction of being the smallest ancient cathedral in Britain at just 182 ft long and 68ft wide, St. Asaph's contribution to the Welsh nation has been massive. In 1558, Bishop Morgan translated the Bible into Welsh which was of significant importance to the history and continuing strength of the language. The cathedral has had an incredibly violent history. Frequently attacked by both domestic and foreign invaders, destroyed by the soldiers of Henry III in 1245 it was again destroyed by the armies of Edward I in 1282. The cathedral was substantially rebuilt between 1284 and 1381 only to be burned by Owain Glyndwr's Welsh troops in 1402. The existing building is therefore largely 14th century, with many Victorian alterations due to the remodeling by Gilbert Scott in 1867-75.

Whatever your holiday passions, walking should be top of the list when visiting this area. The rewards are exceptional with flora, fauna and wildlife in abundance. The climate too can be mild and the walks all the more pleasant as a result. Even the city itself is a joy to stroll through. For visitors wishing to enjoy the pleasures of walks around the City, the River Elwy forms the focus of a number of interesting routes which offer both the peace and tranquillity of the countryside and a wealth of interest for the botanist, birdwatcher or general nature lover. There is one romantically called The Poacher's Trail; it offers outstanding views that on a clear day take in many points of interest including the beautiful St. Margaret's Church at Bodelwyddan, known as "The Marble Church" and Bodelwyddan Castle. Beyond are the hills which bound the Conwy Valley and in the far distance, the mountains of Snowdonia. On the coast are the resort towns from Rhyl to Colwyn Bay with the Little Orme forming the easterly boundary of the hidden bay on which Llandudno is situated. To the east it is possible to see St. Beuno's College nestling among the trees on the hillside at Tremeirchion. St Beuno's has strong associations with the poet and writer, Gerard Manley Hopkins and regularly provides a retreat for visitors from all over the world.

During the summer months mallard can be seen on the river with their flotilla of young ducklings and heron too. Overhead there are birds of prey to observe, including the sparrow hawk and impressive buzzard which always keep a keen eye on the resident rabbit population and other small mammals. Coots, Moorhen, and Grey Wagtails also make the riverside their home.