Stay in the Home of a Former British Prime Minister to Discover the Welsh Region of Flintshire
Visit Flintshire, a serene county in North Wales, to experience the tranquility of William Gladstone's former country estate. Nestled between Liverpool and the mountains of Eyri (Snowdonia), Flintshire offers a picturesque landscape of rolling farmland, charming villages, and scenic vistas. The Clwydian Range's heather-clad hills and the broad, windswept beaches to the north add dramatic flair to this quiet region, perfect for those who enjoy leisurely country strolls and cozy pub meals.
The Hawarden Estate, located close to the English border, was the home of William Gladstone, who served as prime minister four times between 1868 and 1894. His great-great-grandson, Charlie Gladstone, has transformed the estate into a haven celebrating slow food, nature, and traditional skills. With various accommodations available, a walled garden school, and a farm shop, the estate provides a perfect base for exploring Flintshire, though many find it hard to leave its inviting grounds.
Where to Stay in North Wales
The Hawarden Estate spans 3,500 acres and offers diverse accommodation options. From May to September, a campsite with well-spaced pitches and pre-erected bell tents opens in a meadow. For groups, two historic self-catering properties are ideal: an 18th-century castle wing that sleeps up to 10, or an elegant four-bedroom Georgian house, once home to the estate’s head gardeners. Couples might prefer the Beekeeper’s Hut, a charming shepherd's hut in a Victorian walled garden, featuring a private sauna, hot tub, and outdoor kitchen. The real luxury here is the expansive space, where you can enjoy the serene grounds by day and the peaceful hoots of tawny owls by night.
Dining in Flintshire
The Hawarden Estate focuses on quality local produce. Its deli and farm shop offer artisanal products from local suppliers and homegrown items such as pear cider, sourdough bread, strawberries, and asparagus, depending on the season. The on-site café, open from 9 am to 5 pm, serves meals from breakfast to afternoon tea, including rhubarb pastries and Welsh rump steak sandwiches. For dining outside the estate, the Glynne Arms, a 200-year-old coaching inn in Hawarden village, offers inventive seasonal dishes like pine- and juniper-cured pork chop or Korean fried celeriac burger, enjoyed by the fire or in the courtyard.
Activities and Attractions
Begin your Flintshire adventure at Moel Famau, an 1,818-foot peak with panoramic views accessible via a five-mile walking trail. The peak is crowned by the Jubilee Tower, completed in 1817 to celebrate King George III's golden jubilee. On clear days, you can see Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to the west. For a less rural experience, Chester is just 10 miles away, featuring medieval half-timbered buildings and unique galleried 'rows' housing shops and cafes. On the Hawarden Estate, enjoy a day of rambling on numerous trails or participate in activities like foraging walks, fermenting workshops, guided wild swims, and seasonal events such as midsummer feasts.
