About

Holywell takes its name from the town’s major feature, the world famous 7th century St Winefride’s Holy Well; one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

The Well has been known since at least the Roman period. It has been a site of Christian pilgrimage since about 660, dedicated to Saint Winefride who, according to legend, was beheaded there.

Located in north-east Wales and set amid unspoiled countryside overlooking the estuary of the River Dee, the centre of this traditional Welsh market town has changed little over the last few hundred years as its rich variety of fine late Georgian and Victorian period buildings will testify.

At one time, Holywell was the place that supplied the water and the labour to power the factories and mills which sprang up in the nearby Greenfield valley during the 18th century, the remains of which now form part of Greenfield Valley Heritage Park. By today though, the town, with its pleasant pedestrianised shopping centre, is a much more tranquil place serving the shopping and leisure needs of visitors and locals alike.