Less than four miles to the east of Holywell and on the banks of the Dee Estuary lies the town of Flint, with its ruined castle standing guard over the river.

A bustling, open-air town market takes place every Friday. Flint Castle is a vital link in the history of the Welsh struggle for independence and must not be overlooked.

The site for Flint Castle was chosen with great care by Edward 1,
ensuring access by sea - for reinforcements and supplies - as well as by land. The origins of the name "Flint", or Le Flynt as it was once known, is unsure. Perhaps, it was derived from the rocky nature of the area, or, more symbolically, it may have been Edward's way of reiterating that the castle (and its accompanying town) was his first striking point into Wales. Whatever the source of its name, time was of the essence at Flint, and great numbers of laborers were recruited from throughout England to work on the structure, reaching some 2,300 by the end of August. Not only was work carried out on the new castle, but an entirely new town, or bastide, was also erected. Such fortified towns served their king well. They were useful administrative centers from which the king would receive revenue and retain control over the citizenry of the region. The original medieval street plan is still clearly visible at Flint.