I went to tiny Welsh town filled with charity shops in the shadow of the mountains
It is a small town that many people wouldn't think to stop at - but it's filled with thift shops, a bustling market and a delicious bakery
View from Hope Mountain of Buckley and across the Dee Estuary
(Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live)
Nestled in the shadow of a mountain lies a small 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 Eryri (Snowdonian) mountain range within sight.
It's a town I'd never considered exploring before, truth be told, I wasn't even aware of its existence until my son started attending ballroom dance lessons at a studio on the main high street. Since then, nearly every Saturday, I've had the joy of wandering its quaint streets, passing time while my son twirls around the dance floor.
It made me realise that people are missing out on this charming afternoon filled with thrift shops, market stalls and a delightful bakery.
Buckley boasts several charity shops, and while some may view this as a downside, I absolutely adore it.
I'm certainly one of those individuals who relishes finding a bargain, and these second-hand shops are well-maintained and well-stocked, making them ideal for discovering that perfect picture frame, a lemon squeezer that's elusive in mainstream shops, or an almost new jumper ready for when the weather gets chillier, reports the Express.
During my last visit, my thrifty shopping spree resulted in a novelty toothpick holder, a splendid old world map in a frame, a gorgeous black Wedgewood pot with a lid, and a meat thermometer, all for less than £15.
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Rebecca's charity shop finds from Buckley
(Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
But if rummaging through charity shops isn't your cup of tea, the Buckley Precinct occasionally hosts a market with stalls from friendly, creative folk who have handcrafted a variety of lovely items, from key fobs to blankets.
In the Precinct, you'll find the butchers, Bistre Farm Shop, offering a range 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 slice of cake at Gerrard's Bakery. The staff are warm and welcoming, selling scrumptious sausage rolls, pies, and our favourite - ice buns as big as your head.
The huge iced buns from Gerrard's in Buckley
(Image: Rebecca Koncienzcy)
According to research, people have resided in Buckely since before the Bronze Age, and given the stunning views of the mountains, it's not hard to see why.
Over the years, it has served as an industrial hub for pottery, bricks and coal, and you could while away an afternoon wandering the town with the heritage guide, discovering snippets of history at every corner.
From the war memorial, St Matthew's church and the old library, to the swimming baths, Buckley may be small, but it has a grand tale to tell.
And if you fancy a bit of entertainment alongside your history, the Tivoli is the town's live music venue, which first opened its doors in the 1920s as a cinema and theatre.
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It has since undergone several refurbishments, and many renowned musicians have graced its stage over the years, including Oasis in 1994.
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