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Prettiest town in Wales with stunning landscapes and pubs overlooking river
Prettiest town in Wales with stunning landscapes and pubs overlooking river
The picturesque town is famous for its International Eisteddfod, but there's so much more to discover in and around Llangollen - from a 'stream in the sky' to white water rapids
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in the Vale of Llangollen
(Image: AlasdairJames via Getty Images )
Nestled on the River Dee in Denbighshire, the delightful town of Llangollen seamlessly blends industrial heritage and Welsh folklore with a cosmopolitan vibe and strong community spirit, all set against a scenic riverside backdrop.
Here lies the narrowest part of the Dee Valley, which cuts through a landscape recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This beautiful geographical location is deemed an 'Outstanding Universal Value' by UNESCO and encompasses an eleven-mile stretch of canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls, passing over the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
The broader valley area is peppered with historical and religious relics, including a substantial Gothic bridge, Cistercian abbeys, and the medieval ruins of Castell Dinas Bran.
Llangollen, situated at the heart of the valley by the river, is renowned as Wales's festival capital. The charming town annually hosts the international Music Eisteddfod, embracing the quirks of festival culture and its devotees.
It's not uncommon to encounter quilted bridges, loud town criers, and ladies adorned with feather boas parading on stilts.
Things to do
Canals and aqueducts
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is 'the stream in the sky'
(Image: Getty )
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In 2009, UNESCO designated the eleven-mile canal from Chirk Bank to the magnificent Horseshoe Falls as a World Heritage site, recognising its engineering features and historical significance.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a must-see destination for civil engineering enthusiasts and stands as one of the most remarkable feats of the Industrial Revolution.
At 38 metres above the Dee Valley, the 'stream in the sky' is not only the highest navigable aqueduct globally but also the oldest in Britain. This architectural wonder, designed and constructed by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop, remains operational over 200 years since its inception.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is 'the stream in the sky'
(Image: North Wales Daily Post )
It's a canal spectacle that seems almost inconceivable. Eighteen arched stone pillars uphold deep cast-iron troughs filled with water, creating a river in the sky accessible by foot or boat.
Numerous local firms offer canal boat trips or hire out canal boats for stylish journeys along the canal and across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Local outfit Bearded Men Adventures provides guided kayaking excursions across the Aqueduct, offering breathtaking views as you paddle across.
Horse-drawn boats
Step back in time and savour a leisurely, traditional horse-drawn boat journey from Llangollen's canal wharf towards the Horseshoe Falls. Constructed around 1808 by Thomas Telford, these falls supply water to the Llangollen Canal.
Enjoy the serene, tree-lined waters as your boat glides silently, towed by one of the sturdy horses.
White water rafting
Kayakers paddling River Dee rapids
(Image: Nick Daly via Getty Images )
With its rugged mountain peaks, rocky coastlines, and some of the UK's best rafting rivers, it's no surprise that North Wales is hailed as the adventure capital of the UK.
Embark on a guided rafting adventure with Bearded Men Adventures down the extensive River Dee in Llangollen. Experience the thrill of battling against the surging rapids, which range from grades 2 to 4.
Locally, these swift sections are referred to as Serpent's Tail, Tombstones, and the iconic Town Falls. It's recommended that they be navigated with the assistance of qualified guides as part of a planned adventure activity.
Relish in the picturesque valley views as you navigate through rapid waves, glide over shallow waters, and dive into deep pools on a river that oscillates between turbulent and serene.
Llangollen Railway
Llangollen Railway is the only standard-gauge heritage railway in North Wales. It takes visitors on a vintage voyage through captivating Welsh scenery.
(Image: Ceidiog Communications )
The Llangollen Railway is North Wales' sole standard-gauge heritage railway, offering visitors a nostalgic journey through enchanting landscapes.
Hop aboard a 1950s carriage pulled by a traditional steam engine and indulge in a bit of nostalgia as the train traces the river and ascends the curves of a verdant landscape.
This railway line is a testament to passion and dedication. For over four decades, rail enthusiasts have painstakingly restored 10 miles of neglected lines and stations between Llangollen and Corwen.
The result is a magnificent community asset that provides a unique family day out on the Welsh rails.
Offa's Dyke Path
The most dramatic stretch of the 177-mile Offa's Dyke path traverses the Vale of Llangollen, with shorter sections also available for eager walkers visiting the region.
Local folklore suggests that this path was constructed by a medieval king as a display of power to deter his foes.
In addition to its legendary status, the path showcases some of Wales' most stunning landscapes and historic castles, loosely tracing the border between Wales and England.
Day trippers can tackle the 13-mile stretch from Llangollen to Llandegla, taking in highlights such as the Llangollen Canal, Castell Dinas Bran and UNESCO landscapes.
Discover Plas Newydd
At the southern edge of Llangollen is the medieval chocolate box house of Plas Newydd,
(Image: Ian Cooper )
Nestled on the southern fringe of Llangollen is the medieval gem, Plas Newydd. This was the home of the famed 'Ladies of Llangollen', Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler, who in 1780 fled their aristocratic Irish families.
They embarked on a bohemian lifestyle together, shunning the drab confines of societal norms in favour of intellectual pursuits. Their choice to don top hats and men's attire and decorate their dwelling in gothic chic caused quite a stir in rural society of the time.
Their cosmopolitan home welcomed illustrious guests such as Robert Southee, William Wordsworth, and statesmen like the Duke of Wellington.
Today, the house and its well-kept gardens serve as an unexpected tourist attraction and a quaint museum for visitors. Their grandeur and non-conformist spirit set the tone for the town's free-spirited and accepting nature.
Where to dine
Llangollen Oggie Shop
(Image: Portia Jones )
This scenic town offers a plethora of dining options for peckish visitors. From cosy country pubs and cafes to sophisticated wine bars, there's something to cater to all budgets.
For dining by the water, The Corn Mill boasts a large outdoor terrace overlooking the river and serves up pub favourites, including fish and chips, steak and pies.
The Wharf Tea Room, situated next to the canal, offers homemade cakes, scones and hearty cooked breakfasts.
For a taste of local cuisine, drop by Llangollen Oggie Shop and Fine Foods for Welsh oggies (the Welsh answer to the Cornish pasty). Don't miss their artisan sausage rolls, scotch eggs, cakes and full dairy Welsh ice cream.
Gales Wine Bar and Hotel is an excellent spot for a drink or two in its grand wood-panelled wine bar. They also serve a variety of seasonal dishes featuring fresh local produce and delicacies.
For homemade country fare and afternoon tea, make your way to Cottage Tearooms and Bistro. Nestled in a natural courtyard less than 100m from the iconic Llangollen Bridge, these quaint, whitewashed tearooms are a favourite spot for cream tea in a historic setting.
Where to stay
The town of Llangollen
(Image: stockinasia via Getty Images )
Charming Llangollen boasts modern and historic hotels, B&Bs and even a 16th-century drovers' inn for a peaceful night's sleep.
For a boutique bed and breakfast experience near the River Dee, consider booking the beautifully refurbished Riversdale House.
Winners of the North Wales Tourism Awards in 2023, this chic Victorian townhouse B&B features spacious, stylish rooms with views and a continental breakfast delivered to your door each morning.
Further afield, there are a host of luxury properties within easy reach of the Llangollen valley.
The nearby five-star Chester Grosvenor Hotel provides a luxurious stay with individually decorated rooms, spa facilities, a Michelin-starred restaurant and hatted doormen.
Dating from 1865, the Chester Grosvenor is a historic and sumptuously furnished hotel, adorned in understated hues of ivory, champagne, and gold, and boasting a grand columned façade.
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Another lavish accommodation option near Llangollen is the unique Pale Hall, an 18-bedroom historic country house. Under new management, it has been skilfully converted into a luxury destination hotel complete with fine dining.
