New Denbighshire visitor maps launched to celebrate Wales Tourism Week

A series of new, illustrated visitor maps have been produced as part of Wales Tourism Week which takes place 15-21 May.

The five maps focus on different areas to include an overview map, places to visit, walking, cycling and a map highlighting Denbighshire in relation to the wider region and main transport hubs.

Produced by illustrator, David Goodman, the maps are all hand-drawn and include Denbighshire’s landscapes, rail and bus public transport routes, towns and villages as well as visitor amenities such as libraries, leisure centres, golf courses, theatres, cinemas, museums and tourist information centres.

David said: “It’s taken us almost a year to get all the information distilled into a series of maps that I hope will be a great starting point for anyone wanting to visit or explore Denbighshire further. It’s an area I’ve got to know really well over the years, and I hope the maps bring as much interest and joy as they did to me creating them.”

Wales Tourism Week is held annually during May to raise the profile of the tourism industry in Wales. Tourism has growing economic and social importance and is one of the largest contributors to local jobs, local businesses, and the local economy.

Councillor Win Mullen-James, Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “Tourism plays a vital part in Denbighshire’s economy, with a total economic impact of over £432 million, and over 4 million visits made to the county. The ongoing investment in both coastal and rural Denbighshire to improve the visitor offer is really encouraging to ensure sustained future growth.”

The opening of Corwen Railway Station will be an exciting addition to the tourism offer following the successful completion of the railway platform canopy at Corwen Station as part of the Clwyd South Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Corwen Connectivity – New and Improved Western Gateway to the Dee Valley and World Heritage Site. The new station represents the culmination of many years of hard work by staff and the dedicated team of volunteers at Llangollen Railway. June 3rd and 4th will see a two-day gala event when an intensive public timetable will operate a three-train service of steam, diesel and railcar workings, each train working two return trips to Corwen a day. Liverpool Model Railway Society will be exhibiting a layout entitled ‘Corwen’ in the community centre and there is a 4mm scale model of sections of the Llangollen Railway in the museum.

Coastal works to improve the visitor experience have also started in Rhyl; not only to protect the town from flooding but also to upgrade and expand the promenade for residents and visitors alike. There are closures to certain sections of the promenade, however alternative access points to the beach are available and clearly signposted and all businesses and visitor attractions are open as usual. Cyclists will also be able to follow a clearly signposted route. The latest works form part of a £65 million investment in the town including a new harbour, the SC2 Waterpark, a newly renovated Pavilion Theatre and the 1891 Restaurant as well as national chains who have built new hotels.

If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration of where to visit this summer, take a look at the new Discover Denbighshire brochure, updated town trail leaflets or call into Rhyl or Llangollen Tourist Information Centres. Further information and the new visitor maps can all be found on the North East Wales website – www.northeastwales.wales