Things to see and do in North East Wales

There's so much to see in North East Wales you might be stuck for where to start. Exploring  motor museums and ancient jails, lighthouses and farms, we've found plenty of fun along the way.

Numerous tales of ghost stories surround it, and the iconic white and red lighthouse at Talacre is an unbeatable place to daydream on a bright day. Stroll across the soft beach, go for a stomp in the surrounding hills and gaze out to the Irish Sea. Uplifting and invigorating.

Opened in 1926, the Stiwt was originally financed with a subscription of two pence a week from the hardworking local mining community. After dodging demolition in 1985, it reopened as a state-of-the-art performing arts centre in 1999, and these days it’s a grand historic setting to enjoy modern theatre.

Follow in the footsteps of the dozens of prisoners holed up at Ruthin during the 19th century, Ruthin Gaol was once used as the prison for the counties of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Merionethshire. Opened as a heritage site in 2002, it’s the place to learn gruesome stories and admire imposing architecture.

The imaginative team at Motor Safari outdoor activity centre have welcomed intrepid adventurers from across the world – not to mention Top Gear – during decades of muddy fun. Head off around the Seren parklands in a 4x4 or even try your hand at quad biking – a range of options aim to thrill.

Head to St Winifride's Well and you’ll be following in the footsteps of pilgrimages dating back to Richard the Lionheart in 1189. A place of folklore across 13 centuries, these days it’s been modernised to include a library and museum among extraordinary gothic architecture dedicated to the 7th century Saint.

From the first records of mining in the mid-13th century to the Tudors and beyond, Minera Lead Mines have an amazing industrial past. Take the dramatic mines as a starting point, then see 300 years of artefacts in the museum, admire the engine and boiler houses and enjoy the 53-acre park.

Poncysyllte Aqueduct is a piece of architectural wonder built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, carrying the Llangollen Canal 125 feet (38 metres) above the River Dee. Not only is it a Grade 1 listed building and a World Heritage Site, it also has lots of odd quirks, such as the use of ox blood in the making of its mortar.

Wales is a country for foodies, and Celyn Farmers' Market is a vibrant fortnightly mini-festival  which lets you meet some of the passionate producers who make it that way. From handmade bread and petit fours to north Wales buffalo and local relishes, this award-winning market is a sweet and savoury delight.

Llangollen Motor Museum is one of the best-loved museums in Britain, thanks to the passion of its curators and the character of its exhibits.  Whether you’re impressed by swish design or old spare parts, these pedal cars, carriages, canal vehicles and classic motorbikes offer an inspirational jaunt down memory lane.

Even by local standards, the Rhug Estate has a pretty amazing range of culinary delectations: there are more than 2,000 delights for your tastebuds courtesy of these multiple award-winners. Relax in the large restaurant and patio area, or head for the grab and go burger bar if you’re on the hop.