Visitor Information

Hawarden

In a tranquil setting at the gateway to Wales, and overlooking the Cheshire plain, this picturesque village offers an ideal centre from which to explore the magnificent mountains, forest and sandy coastline of North Wales and the ancient city of Chester whose Roman heritage, walls and amphitheatre together with its famous rows, offer a fascinating insight into the past.

Hawarden's own unique heritage, topography
and history have created a varied and interesting
environment for the discerning visitor. Situated
in border country on a natural defensive promontory,
its pre-Roman fortress was of early strategic, military
and political importance. Held alternately by Welsh and
English powers, the part it played in the hands of the
Parliamentarians during the Civil War ultimately
sealed it fate.

Today the imposing castle ruins set among fine
parkland remain a testimomy to less peaceful times.



  However, far more recent historical events
have ensured Hawarden's place on the map.
  In 1852 it became the home of the Prime
Minister W E Gladstone through his
  marriage to Catherine Glynne. Their home,
Broadlane Hall became the 'new'
Hawarden Castle, and today it remains the
private residence of the Gladstone family.



Threads of this important historical link are
woven into the fabric of the village and those
interested in tracing this theme will discover
much evidence of the benevolence of
William and Catherine Gladstone.
The Parish Church of St. Deiniol, of 13th
century origin and restored in 1857 following
a fire, houses several monuments to the
family, among which is the splendid memorial
window, the work of Burne-Jones, of
pre-Raphaelite fame.

Library

        St Deiniol's Residential Library, a splendid
        neo-Gothic structure, adjacent to the Church
        contains Gladstone's personal collection of
        some 30,000 books, a further legacy of his
        generosity to the community.

In addition to its more imposing buildings -
among them half timbered, 16th century
St Deiniol's Ash - are to be found quaint
stone terraces, once occupied by craftsmen,
and tucked away in unexpected places are pretty
cottages with well kept gardens.

A one-time thriving market town where, in the 18th and 19th centuries the production of coal, iron and bricks flourished, and where its famous children Emma Hamilton and John Boydell, Lord Mayor of London spent their early years. Hawarden has retained all the essential character of its past, whilst preserving an air of quietness and reflection.

           Yet in Hawarden there is no lack of things
            to do. For the walker, trails can be explored
            taking in the neighbouring villages of
            Mancot, Aston and Ewloe and leading
            variously along grassy paths, past land once
            resonant with the sound of industry, through
            wooded countryside.

        The ruins of the Hawarden Corn Mill, which ceased
        production in the 1940's can be seen in the
        Bilberry wood, accessed by the public footpath from
        the Tinkersdale Public Car Park.

            The House of Correction - This was built about the
             middle of the eighteenth century to house prisoners
             before their trial or their removal to the county gaol at
             Flint. It was designed by Joseph Turner, the architect
             and it includes a basement area.

Ewloe Castle, built in 1257 by Welsh Prince Llewellyn Ap Grufydd, is situated some two miles from the centre of Hawarden in the neighbouring village of Ewloe. The castle can be accessed via a public right of way leading from the first lay-by on the right hand side when travelling from Ewloe to Northop Hall.

For sporting and theatrical entertaiment facilities are at hand. For the golfing enthusiast, there is a selection of courses and evening entertainment is provided both at the splendid Theatr Clwyd in Mold and Chester's Gateway Theatre, which together with various local cinemas offer a variety of exciting programmes. Similarly, Chester Zoo will provide an enjoyable experience for children and adults alike.

Accommodation

St. Deiniol's Library, Church Lane, Hawarden (Bed & Breakfast) Tel: 01244 532350 Fax: 01244 520643 www.st-deiniols.com

Fox & Grapes Inn, The Highway, Hawarden Tel: 01244 532565

Glynne Arms Hotel, Glynne Way, Hawarden Tel: 01244520323

St David's Park Hotel, Ewloe Tel: 01244 520800 Fax: 01244 520930

Travelodge, A55, Ewloe Tel: Central Reservations - 0870 0850950

Church View House, Off The Highway, Hawarden Tel: 01244 534833

Stuart House, 34 Glynne Way, Hawarden Tel: 01244 530408

Cafe's, Pubs, Restaurants etc.

The Glynne Arms Hotel, Tel: 01244 520323

The Boar's Head, Ewloe, Tel: 01244 531065

Crown & Liver Inn, Ewloe, Tel: 01244 531182

The Plough Inn, Aston, Tel: 01244 812722

The White Bear, Mancot, Tel: 01244 539077

Fox & Grapes Inn, Hawarden, Tel: 01244 532565

St David's Park Hotel, Ewloe, Tel: 01244 520800

The Brasserie, Hawarden, Tel: 01244 536353

Gallery Coffee Shop, Hawarden, Tel: 01244 533446

Hawarden Community Council

Visitor Information

Hawarden

Accommodation

Cafe's, Pubs, Restaurants etc.