This overlooked town is perfect for bargain hunters looking for an ideal way to spend an afternoon
Nestled in the shadow of a mountain lies a quaint town that many might overlook. Buckley (or Bwcle in Welsh), located in Flintshire, North Wales, is situated on the A549 road just three miles from Mold, with the stunning Snowdonian mountain range within sight.
It is just over an hour from Manchester and is a town I’d never considered exploring before, or to be frank, I wasn’t even aware of its existence until my son signed up for ballroom dance lessons at the studio on the main high street. Since then, nearly every Saturday, I’ve had the delight of wandering the small streets, passing the time whilst my son twirls around the dance floor.
It made me realise people are missing out on this charming afternoon filled with charity shops, market stalls and a scrumptious bakery.
Buckley boasts several charity shops, and whilst some view this as a downside, I absolutely adore it.
I’m certainly one of those individuals who relishes finding a bargain, and these secondhand shops are well maintained and well stocked, making them ideal for discovering that perfect picture frame, a lemon squeezer that’s so elusive in high-street stores, or an almost new jumper ready for our wintery weather up north, reports the Express.
During one of my many last visits last year, my thrifty shopping spree resulted in a novelty toothpick holder, a fantastic old world map in a frame, a beautiful black Wedgewood pot with a lid and a meat thermometer, all for less than £15.
But if charity shop browsing isn’t for you, the Buckley Precinct occasionally hosts a market with stalls from friendly, creative individuals who have handcrafted a range of beautiful items, from key fobs to blankets.
In the Precinct, you will find the butchers, Bistre Farm Shop, who sell a variety of traditional cuts of meat as well as ready-to-eat portions.
I also tend to pop into this shopping centre for a pot of tea and a cake at Gerrard’s Bakery. The staff are lovely and welcoming, selling delicious sausage rolls, pies, and our favourite ice buns as big as your head.
According to research, people have lived in Buckley since before the Bronze Age, and given the views of the mountains, I am not surprised.
Over the years, it has been an industrial hub for pottery, bricks and coal, and you could spend an afternoon wandering the town with the heritage guide, discovering snippets of history at every turn.
From the war memorial, St Matthew’s church, the old library, and the swimming baths, Buckley may be small, but it has a big story to tell.
And if you want a bit of entertainment with your history, the Tivoli is the town’s live music venue which first opened in the 1920s as a cinema and theatre.
It has since undergone several updates, and many famous and well-respected musicians have graced its stage over the years, including Oasis in 1994.
