
Why Llangollen is among the UK's best towns and villages
More than 9,000 Which? members rated the inland towns and villages they've visited, based on several factors:
Introducing the list, Which? said: "They may be geographically smaller than many of the destinations in our surveys for the best and worst cities or seaside towns, but they pack a lot into a small space.
"With their historic buildings, rural charm and quirky, independent spirit, the highest-rated towns are worth a visit any time of the year."
The top 15 best towns and villages in the UK, according to Which?, are:
Llangollen ranked seventh amongst the best towns and villages in the UK, according to Which?, boasting an overall destination score of 79%.
The North Wales town scored a perfect five stars for scenery and attractiveness, while it received four stars for food and drink and tourist attractions.
For shopping and peace and quiet, Llangollen scored only three stars.
It was commended for its "freewheeling, independent spirit" and world-renowned tourist attractions.
Which? explained: "Despite its rural location on the banks of the River Dee, Llangollen has long been known for its freewheeling, independent spirit.
"Famously, the Ladies of Llangollen eloped here from Ireland to live in Plas Newydd (a substantial Gothic mansion, now a museum) in the 18th century – attracting visitors such as Byron, Shelley and Wordsworth.
"It still has an impressive calendar of arts events.
"There's also the option of a narrowboat trip over Pontcysyllte, the highest canal aqueduct in the world at 38m, or a trip on the steam railway – which trundles through the valley whistling cheerfully as it goes."
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an UNESCO World Heritage site and also comes highly recommended by visitors, boasting a 4.7 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 1,795 reviews.
RECOMMENDED READING:
'Beautiful' seaside village in North Wales with 'gem' beaches and UK's oldest café
Discover the 'chocolate box' village in North Wales named among the UK's best
The 'time-warp' seaside village in North Wales with its very own secret beach
Discover the seaside town in North Wales that's one of Europe's best 'hidden gems'
Plas Newydd House Museum and Tearoom is also among the top three attractions in Llangollen, according to the review website.
While Catell Dinas Bran - a historic castle ruins atop a scenic hill, with panoramic views - is also among the 'must-visit' locations in Llangollen.
Other North Wales spots also featured on Which?'s list, including Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis, and Blaenau Ffestiniog.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time Out
an hour ago
- Time Out
These lush gardens in Melbourne are the fourth best attraction in Australia for 2025, according to Tripadvisor
With our world-class bars and restaurants, beautiful bathhouses, and incredible museums and galleries, you'll never run out of things to do indoors in Melbourne. But as it turns out, our (occasionally rainy) city's most beloved attractions for 2025 are actually out in the open air. Every year, Tripadvisor's annual Travellers' Choice Awards reveal the most beloved attractions according to travellers, and the Royal Botanic Gardens of Victoria (encompassing the lush pocket of green in the heart of the city and Cranbourne Gardens) ranked as the fourth most popular in the whole of Top Attractions for 2025 list celebrates tourism operators that have achieved the highest volume of above-and-beyond reviews over the past 12 months. With more than 8 million listings across their site, landing a spot in the top ten is a pretty epic achievement – and coming in fourth place is even more impressive. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria scored a super impressive rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to Tripadvisor travellers, with more than 1.7 million people visiting the two gardens over the past year. The beloved gardens were the only Victorian attraction to make the list, with a surprising former prison in Hobart taking the top spot, and three attractions around Sydney's famous harbour also making the list. The ten best attractions in Australia for 2025, according to Tripadvisor: Hobart Penitentiary, TAS Kings Park and Botanic Garden, WA Sydney Opera House, NSW Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, VIC Fremantle Prison, WA Sydney Harbour Bridge, NSW Australian War Memorial, ACT Uluru, NT Sydney Harbour, NSW Qantas Founders Museum, QLD This ranking from Tripadvisor isn't the only time the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria have been recognised for their tourism appeal. Back in 2021, the gardens scored the top spot in the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards; in 2022, they were inducted into the Victorian Tourism Industry Council's Hall of Fame (after winning the Major Tourist Attraction award for the third year in a row); in 2024, the Melbourne site was named crowned the fourth best garden to visit in the whole wide world; and (phew!) just this year, Cranbourne Gardens was named the sixth top must-see garden in the world by the New York best news? The gardens are only getting better – with plans underway to build new learning hubs, pathways and viewing platforms, and implement more than 30 hectares of habitat restoration. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter

Leader Live
9 hours ago
- Leader Live
Why Llangollen is among the UK's best towns and villages
Consumer watchdog Which? has come up with a list of the best towns and villages in the UK, based on feedback from its members. More than 9,000 Which? members rated the inland towns and villages they've visited, based on several factors: Introducing the list, Which? said: "They may be geographically smaller than many of the destinations in our surveys for the best and worst cities or seaside towns, but they pack a lot into a small space. "With their historic buildings, rural charm and quirky, independent spirit, the highest-rated towns are worth a visit any time of the year." The top 15 best towns and villages in the UK, according to Which?, are: Llangollen ranked seventh amongst the best towns and villages in the UK, according to Which?, boasting an overall destination score of 79%. The North Wales town scored a perfect five stars for scenery and attractiveness, while it received four stars for food and drink and tourist attractions. For shopping and peace and quiet, Llangollen scored only three stars. It was commended for its "freewheeling, independent spirit" and world-renowned tourist attractions. Which? explained: "Despite its rural location on the banks of the River Dee, Llangollen has long been known for its freewheeling, independent spirit. "Famously, the Ladies of Llangollen eloped here from Ireland to live in Plas Newydd (a substantial Gothic mansion, now a museum) in the 18th century – attracting visitors such as Byron, Shelley and Wordsworth. "It still has an impressive calendar of arts events. "There's also the option of a narrowboat trip over Pontcysyllte, the highest canal aqueduct in the world at 38m, or a trip on the steam railway – which trundles through the valley whistling cheerfully as it goes." Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is an UNESCO World Heritage site and also comes highly recommended by visitors, boasting a 4.7 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 1,795 reviews. RECOMMENDED READING: 'Beautiful' seaside village in North Wales with 'gem' beaches and UK's oldest café Discover the 'chocolate box' village in North Wales named among the UK's best The 'time-warp' seaside village in North Wales with its very own secret beach Discover the seaside town in North Wales that's one of Europe's best 'hidden gems' Plas Newydd House Museum and Tearoom is also among the top three attractions in Llangollen, according to the review website. While Catell Dinas Bran - a historic castle ruins atop a scenic hill, with panoramic views - is also among the 'must-visit' locations in Llangollen. Other North Wales spots also featured on Which?'s list, including Betws-y-Coed, Llanberis, and Blaenau Ffestiniog.


Wales Online
12 hours ago
- Wales Online
'Breathtaking' UK beach is 'so pretty' fans say 'you don't need to go abroad'
'Breathtaking' UK beach is 'so pretty' fans say 'you don't need to go abroad' Impressed visitors love going back to the 'hidden gem' beach that's perfect for families The 'hidden gem' is perfect for a sunny day out (Image: Getty) With more sunshine coming up, beach lovers might be looking for a beautiful spot to relax by the water. For anyone who finds themselves near Cornwall, a social media user has found a 'hidden gem' spot. Like many seaside destinations, Cornwall has no shortage of breathtaking beaches, most of which will be familiar to locals. However, for those visiting the area, Treyarnon Bay Beach could be considered a lesser-known spot, albeit one that's well worth a visit. The North Cornwall beach is approximately 11 miles from Newquay, and it is dog-friendly. The Cornwall Beach Guide says: "Treyarnon Bay Beach is an excellent family beach with lots of sand and rock pools and can be used for surfing." The beautiful bay was praised in a recent TikTok video by @hannahrebecca__. She said: "You need to visit this hidden gem in the UK." Her post showed families jumping off rocks into the clear water. One amazed viewer said: "Soooo blue." Hannah replied: "Just so pretty." Treyarnon Bay Beach is ranked well on TripAdvisor, where it is marked as one of the best things to do in St Merryn, reports the Mirror. One reviewer wrote: "What a stunning place. If food and drinks are your thing, visit Treyarnon beach. If diving into blue lagoons and rock pools is your thing, visit Treyarnon beach. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below "If lounging around on beautiful sandy beaches watching the sea wash up onto the sand is your thing, visit Treyarnon beach. Rock pooling, building sand castles, swimming, relaxing, what ever you like to do - you don't need to go on a plane to anywhere else in the world with places like this in England. Breathtakingly stunning. A must visit if you're in Cornwall!!" A second fan wrote: "Incredible bay with beautiful beach and surfers worth watching! Dog friendly enabling our Staffy to have a great time chasing his football up and down the beach. With the tide out there are some amazing 'secret' rock pools with some large and deep enough to swim in!" A recent visitor added: "What a fabulous bay. Great for wave watching/jumping/boards although strong currents so make sure you stay between the lifeguard flags. The tide goes out a long way revealing rock pools as well as a tidal pool. The beach has glowing reviews on Tripadvisor (Image: Getty) "All day parking was £5 (June 2025) and there is a little shop, burger van (great burgers!) and ice cream van. Toilets were available at the YHA. Coastal path takes you round to Constantine bay which is also lovely." Another thought: "Superb beach. Probably my fave beach along with Mawgan Porth, with Constantine a short yet beautiful coastal walk away. Great facilities, lots of rock pools to discover. A definite must to visit if you love sandy beaches and crystal blue sea and waves to surf/bodyboard in." Article continues below Someone else said: "This is a beautiful beach with lots of sand. There is the option of walking along the coast path for however long you want and then returning for a coffee and time on the beach. Car park is cheap and easily accessible." The postcode for Treyarnon Bay Beach is PL28 8JR.