Don’t let its historic past fool you. Mold has all the attractions of a thoroughly modern town too

Mold has a reputation for punching above its weight with its delightful restaurants, shopping and cultural attractions.

Its foodie reputation has grown apace and shopping here offers the chance to fill the larder with delicious treats, whether from a specialist shop or one of its lively markets.

These include a main market dating back to 1808, which is on Wednesdays and Saturdays as well as a farmers’ market - and for the sheer spectacle, there’s a weekly livestock market too, held adjacent to the town centre on Mondays and Fridays.

Stroll around the town centre and you’ll find a colourful retail mix of individual boutiques and high street shops within the peaceful haven of the Town Park, an idyllic place for a picnic during the summer.

And when in need of some refreshment, dining out here can be as adventurous as you’d like it to be. The town centre offers the world on a plate with traditional, Italian, Malaysian, Indian and Chinese restaurants. A little further from the centre of town and visitors can bask in the welcoming glow of an atmospheric old inn, redolent of days gone by.

Visitors can soak up even more of the town’s eventful history by discovering the architectural gems, including lasting examples of Tudor and Stuart ornamentation and evidence of how the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries contributed to the town’s growth. There is now a conservation area with modern shops and cafés nestled in and around the older style buildings that give the town its unusual blend of traditional and contemporary.

There’s also a wide programme at the famous Clwyd Theatre and the town usually holds its Bailey Hill festival in the summer, transforming the top of the High Street into the venue for an afternoon of great live music and family activities.

On September 19th-20th, Mold consolidates its foodie credentials with its food festival. Now in its 10th year it offers famous chefs, children’s entertainment, music, exhibitors and more. For details visit www.moldfoodfestival.co.uk

Where is Mold?

Mold is situated on the River Alyn. It is the administrative seat of Flintshire County Council, and was the county town of Clwyd from 1974 to 1996.

About Mold

There is some debate about the origin of the name. Mold either originates from the Norman-French ‘mont-hault’ (high hill)or from Robert de Montalt and is recorded as Mohald in a document of 1254. The Welsh language placename of Yr Wyddgrug is recorded as Gythe Gruc in a document of 1280-1, and comes from the words ‘Yr’ (the), ‘gwydd’ (tomb, sepulchre) and ‘crug’ (mound).