The National Shrine of St Winefride

## Overview The National Shrine of St Winefride, located in the town of Holywell (Treffynnon) in Flintshire, North Wales, is one of the most remarkable holy wells in the British Isles. Often called "the Lourdes of Wales," this sacred spring has been a site of pilgrimage for well over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest continuously visited pilgrimage destinations in Britain. According to legend, the spring burst forth in the 7th century at the spot where St Winefride (Gwenfrewi in Welsh) was martyred. The story tells that a local chieftain named Caradog struck off Winefride's head after she rejected his advances. Where her head touched the ground, a spring of water miraculously appeared. Her uncle, St Beuno, is said to have restored her to life, and she went on to become an abbess. The well has been associated with miraculous healings ever since. The site features a stunning late-medieval well chapel built around 1500, widely attributed to the patronage of Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII. The chapel's intricate fan-vaulted ceiling, which shelters the well pool below, is considered one of the finest examples of Perpendicular Gothic architecture in Wales. The spring feeds into a large outer bathing pool where pilgrims have immersed themselves for centuries. The well produces a copious and constant flow of water — historically estimated at around 21 tons per hour — emerging at a relatively cool and consistent temperature year-round. The water has historically been used as a drinking water source by pilgrims, and many visitors over the centuries have reported it to be clean and refreshing, though water quality can vary and should not be assumed safe without testing. The shrine is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It remains an active Catholic pilgrimage site, managed by the Diocese of Wrexham, and welcomes visitors of all faiths throughout the year. ## Directions 1. The National Shrine of St Winefride is located in the town of **Holywell (Treffynnon)** in Flintshire, North Wales, at approximate GPS coordinates **53.2773, -3.2236**. 2. From the **A55 expressway** (the main route along the North Wales coast), take the exit for **Holywell** (Junction 31 or 32, depending on your direction of travel). 3. Follow signs toward **Holywell town centre**. 4. Once in town, follow the brown heritage signs for **"St Winefride's Well"** — the shrine is located on **Well Hill** in the lower part of the town, down a steep road from the High Street. 5. There is a small car park near the shrine. Be aware that the approach road is steep and narrow. 6. The shrine's postcode for sat-nav purposes is approximately **CH8 7PN**. ## What to Expect Visitors arrive at a peaceful, well-maintained historic site nestled in the lower part of Holywell. The centerpiece is the magnificent well chapel, where you can look down into the star-shaped well pool fed by the spring. The water is strikingly clear, and the ornate vaulted ceiling above creates a truly atmospheric space. Outside the chapel, a large rectangular bathing pool is available for pilgrims who wish to immerse themselves in the spring water — a tradition that has continued here for centuries. The water is cold, so be prepared if you plan to bathe. The site includes a small museum and exhibition area that tells the story of St Winefride and the history of the shrine. There is also a gift shop and a custodian's office where you can learn more about the site. The shrine is typically open daily, though hours may vary seasonally. There is a modest admission fee. Special pilgrimage services and events are held throughout the year, particularly around St Winefride's feast day on November 3rd and during the summer pilgrimage season. The surrounding area is pleasant for walking, and the town of Holywell itself has amenities including cafés and shops. The Greenfield Valley Heritage Park, a scenic wooded valley with industrial heritage ruins, extends downhill from the well toward the coast and makes for an excellent companion visit.