Jubilee Tower on Moel Famau: Historic Ruins and Panoramic Views
Historic Egyptian-style Jubilee Tower ruins atop Moel Famau offer breathtaking views and a deep connection to Welsh heritage.
The Jubilee Tower, perched atop Moel Famau in North Wales, is a striking early 19th-century monument built to commemorate King George III’s Golden Jubilee. Though never completed and now a romantic ruin, its Egyptian-style architecture and dramatic setting within the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty make it a landmark rich with history and spectacular vistas across Flintshire and beyond.
A brief summary to Jubilee Tower
- Ffordd Y Llan, Mold, Cilcain, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain around Moel Famau and the tower can be uneven and steep.
- Visit on a clear day for panoramic views stretching to Snowdonia, the Irish Sea, and Liverpool.
- Explore the exposed bastion and climb the original stairway for a closer look at the tower’s architecture.
- Check weather conditions before your visit, as the exposed summit can be windy and chilly.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the bus from Mold to Cilcain, a journey of approximately 25–35 minutes. From Cilcain village, a 2.5 km moderate walk uphill on well-marked trails leads to the Jubilee Tower. Bus services run several times daily but check schedules in advance; no direct bus to the summit is available.
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Car
Drive from Mold to the Moel Famau Country Park car park near Cilcain, about 15 minutes. Parking is limited and can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. From the car park, a 1.5 km hike on a steep but maintained path reaches the tower. No parking is available at the summit.
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Walking
For experienced hikers, a longer 5–7 km circular trail starts from Loggerheads Country Park, taking 2–3 hours. The route is well signposted but includes steep sections and uneven ground. Suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are essential.
Jubilee Tower location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Jubilee Tower
Origins and Architectural Vision
The Jubilee Tower was conceived in 1810 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of King George III’s reign. Designed by architect Thomas Harrison in a distinctive Egyptian style, the tower featured a rectangular base with four bastions and sloping doorways, crowned by an obelisk. The foundation stone was laid with great ceremony on October 25, 1810, attended by thousands. However, financial difficulties and construction challenges meant the tower was never completed to its original grand design, finishing instead in a more modest form by 1817.Decline and Ruin
The tower’s fortunes waned rapidly; by the mid-19th century, structural deterioration was evident. One corner collapsed by 1846, and despite fundraising efforts, the tower suffered further damage. In 1862, a fierce gale caused the obelisk to collapse with a tremendous crash audible miles away. The upper parts were later demolished for safety, leaving only the base and bastions visible today. Attempts to rebuild or restore the tower over the decades were hampered by lack of funds and support.Conservation and Cultural Significance
In 1969, local landowners undertook efforts to stabilize and tidy the ruins as part of European Conservation Year. The area gained further protection when Moel Famau was designated a Country Park in 1974, and the Clwydian Range became an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1985. The Jubilee Tower itself was granted legal protection as a Grade II listed building by Cadw in 1995, recognizing its architectural and cultural importance.Modern Restoration and Visitor Experience
Recent conservation work uncovered one of the original bastions and revealed a cylindrical stairway, allowing visitors to explore parts of the tower for the first time since the early 19th century. The tower remains a popular focal point for cultural celebrations, including royal jubilees and local festivals. Its elevated position on Moel Famau offers sweeping views over North East Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside, and on clear days, even Snowdonia and the Irish Sea.Setting Within the Clwydian Range
Moel Famau, the highest hill in the Clwydian Range and Flintshire, is renowned for its natural beauty and historic sites, including nearby Iron Age hill forts. The Jubilee Tower’s ruins dramatically alter the hill’s skyline, serving as a beacon visible for miles. The surrounding landscape provides excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and scenic photography, making the site a treasured destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.Legacy and Community Connection
The Jubilee Tower stands as a symbol of local heritage and community pride. It has inspired artistic installations and events that celebrate the region’s history and culture, such as the bicentenary fireworks in 2010 and the “Moelfamaulambanana” sculpture commemorating Liverpool’s European Capital of Culture year. The tower’s enduring presence continues to shape the identity of the surrounding communities and offers visitors a tangible link to the past amid stunning natural surroundings.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Llangollen Bridge
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Capel Y Groes (Chapel Cross)
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Plas Newydd Historic House & Gardens Llangollen
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Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
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The Water Tower
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Unmissable attractions to see
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St Mary's Church
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Clwydian Range
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Explore North Wales’ breathtaking uplands where ancient hillforts meet heather moorlands and scenic trails invite discovery.
Loggerheads Country Park
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Clwyd Gate Manor
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Lavinia Stamps
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Ruthin Craft Centre
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Resource scrapstore
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Nantclwyd y Dre Historic House and Gardens
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Ruthin Gaol Museum - Amgueddfa Carchar Rhuthun
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Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa
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The Sun Inn
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Mold Castle
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Essential places to dine
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The White Horse Restaurant
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Small Plates Ruthin
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The Farmers Arms
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Nant Y Felin Restaurant
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Primo Amore Italian Restaurant Mold
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Just Steak
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The Cherry Pie Inn
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Belvedere
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The Fat Boar Mold
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Three Pigeons Inn
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Edenshine Restaurant
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The Celtic Arms
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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CeFfi
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Gayla House
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Siop Nain
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Cottagecore
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Castle Bell
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Ffansi Ffrogs
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Hideaway
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Ty Ceffyl Bach
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Doors Of Hope
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Wine Vaults
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Crown Inn Lixwm
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Nature Reserve
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
