Llangollen is the prettiest little city in Denbighshire in North Wales, UK. I dwell about 20 minutes from Llangollen (usually shortened to ‘Llan’ by locals) and it’s considered one of my favorite locations to go to on a sunny day.
The city is located on the River Dee so most of the issues to do in Llangollen revolve across the water. Llangollen is stuffed with fairly, historic buildings, quaint cafes, cosy pubs, attention-grabbing outlets and many out of doors actions. The city is surrounded by the Berwyn Mountains so it’s additionally identified for its picturesque surroundings. It’s a kind of locations that basically involves life when the solar shines as guests flock to the world for riverside walks, countryside walks and cosy pub lunches!
Listed here are 30 of my favorite issues to do in Llangollen. If you happen to’re feeling a little bit overwhelmed by the record, I like to recommend placing your favourites right into a Google Map so you possibly can see which actions are shut collectively!
Issues to do in Llangollen
1. Have a wander and an ice cream
OK, I do know this isn’t a floor breaking factor to do in Llangollen however the primary factor (or no less than what I all the time do after I go to with my household!) is just to have a wander across the city, get an ice cream or a espresso from the kiosk close to the bridge and stroll alongside the river or canal. You can not go to Llangollen with out doing this! Come rain or shine, that is all the time a winner.
I often get a espresso of ice cream from Sweet Cottage candy store which is situated subsequent to Llangollen Bridge within the centre of Llangollen. One other good choice is the espresso store at Llangollen Wharf subsequent to the Horse Drawn Boat Centre on the canal.
2. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
You possibly can’t go to Llangollen with out visiting Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Website and one of the vital standard issues to see in Llangollen. The aqueduct was designed by Thomas Telford and accomplished in 1805 and is taken into account a masterpiece of engineering.
The aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee, and is 307 metres lengthy and 38 metres excessive. It’s product of forged iron and stone, and options 18 piers and 19 arches.
Guests can stroll throughout Pontcysyllte Aqueduct for gorgeous views of the encircling countryside. You may also take a canal boat journey throughout or you possibly can even kayak or paddleboard throughout too (it’s advisable you kneel on a paddle board as you cross!)
The canal boat rides throughout are enjoyable however, should you’re capable of stroll, I’d suggest taking only a one-way journey and strolling again. The canal boats are very gradual and, in all honesty, it’s a bit boring.
It’s additionally value visiting the Trevor Basin Customer Centre, which presents details about the canal and its historical past, and the Horseshoe Falls, a picturesque waterfall on the River Dee.
Easy methods to get there: There are a few pay and show automotive parks close by. Use the postcode LL14 3SG and look out for parking indicators. There’s a parking lot on the customer centre and one on Queen Avenue.
3. Ty Mawr Nation Park
Ty Mawr Nation Park is a fantastic park to go to in an Space of Excellent Magnificence. That is additionally among the best locations to go to get a view of the aqueduct from a distance. There are picnic benches main down from the automotive park the place you possibly can sit and revel in probably the most magnificent view of the Clwydian Mountain Vary and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
I usually take my youngsters to Ty Mawr because it’s an awesome place for a run round. There are additionally some sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, chickens and geese which my youngsters like to see.
4. Llangollen Worldwide Musical Eisteddfod
Llangollen is legendary for internet hosting the Worldwide Musical Eisteddfod so that is one factor to do in Llangollen should you’re on the town in early July!
The eisteddfod has been held yearly since 1947 and it’s a celebration of Welsh tradition and music. The competition attracts well-known performers and guests from world wide and there’s such an awesome ambiance in Llangollen when the eisteddfod is on.
5. Have lunch or a drink at The Corn Mill
The Corn Mill is probably the most well-known place to eat in Llangollen. This lovely and cosy gastro pub has a big out of doors decking space over the river so it’s a preferred spot when the solar is shining!
6. Hike as much as Castell Dinas Brân
If you happen to’re feeling lively, considered one of my favorite issues to do in Llangollen is to hike as much as the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân, a mediaeval citadel. The thirteenth century ruins themselves are superb to see however the stroll and the panoramic views from the citadel are simply as superb. You possibly can see down over Llangollen and the encircling space and it’s simply lovely.
Castell Dinas Brân was constructed by Gruffudd ap Madoc, ruler of northern Powys, as a defensive stronghold towards English invaders. The citadel ruins embrace the stays of a big stone tower, partitions, and a gatehouse.
The stroll as much as Castell Dinas Brân is brief however difficult because it’s largely uphill. It’s about 1.5 miles from Llangollen city centre however the views from the highest are nicely well worth the effort.
7. Panorama Stroll
If you happen to’ve conquered Castell Dinas Brân and wish to carry on strolling then you must do the Panorama Stroll. This round stroll is 10km and often takes a little bit over 3 hours to finish. It’s a round stroll and it’s a kind of that’s pretty simple to finish offered you’re taking your time. You possibly can comply with a route on one thing like AllTrails.
The stroll begins on the Castell Dinas Brân automotive park and follows a steep uphill path to the citadel ruins. From there, the trail continues alongside the hillside, providing panoramic views of Llangollen, the River Dee, and the encircling hills.
As the trail descends, it passes via a wooded space earlier than rising onto a discipline with views of the Vale of Llangollen. The trail then crosses a small stream earlier than returning to the start line on the automotive park.
8. Valle Crucis Abbey
Valle Crucis Abbey is a well-preserved Cistercian abbey courting again to the thirteenth century. That is considered one of my favorite locations for a picnic on a sunny day! We are inclined to take our personal however there’s a present store, cafe and farm store.
The abbey was based in 1201 and is taken into account one of many best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in Wales. You possibly can discover the ruins of the abbey, together with the stays of the church, cloister, and different buildings. Look out for the fantastically preserved West Door, the intricate carvings on the chapter home, and the ornate tombs of the abbey’s former occupants.
There are additionally lovely gardens across the abbey. My youngsters like to play within the stream, a pond and a wildflower meadow which is filled with birds and butterflies in the summertime.
9. Llangollen Railway
Llangollen Railway is a heritage railway with lovely steam trains operating for 10 miles from Llangollen to Carrog in North Wales. The railway follows a scenic route via the Dee Valley, providing gorgeous views of the encircling hills and countryside.
The railway was initially a part of the Ruabon to Barmouth line, which was opened within the late nineteenth century. The road was closed within the Nineteen Sixties, however a gaggle of railway fanatics reopened a piece of the road as a heritage railway within the Seventies.
You possibly can get pleasure from a journey on a historic steam practice or a diesel locomotive and there are sometimes particular occasions and experiences. Take a look at the Llangollen Railway web site to see the occasions. They’ve notably good occasions round Christmas time that are nice for households!
Along with the practice rides, guests may discover the railway’s stations, which have been restored to their former glory, and revel in a go to to the railway’s museum.
10. Horseshoe Falls
The Horseshoe Falls are a picturesque waterfall simply exterior Llangollen. The waterfall will get its identify from its horseshoe form, which is fashioned by the pure rock formations. It’s a preferred spot for a stroll and a picnic and the encircling fields get busy (in a great way!) throughout sunny summer time days.
The falls may be accessed by way of a brief stroll from the close by automotive park or you possibly can stroll there alongside the canal from Llangollen Wharf within the centre of Llangollen. It is a beautiful 2-mile stroll and it’s pushchair and wheelchair pleasant too.
11. Stroll or take a ship journey alongside Llangollen Canal
Probably the most standard issues to do in Llangollen is to stroll alongside the 46-mile canal (not all of it after all!) Many of the canal footpaths are pretty slim however they’re pushchair and wheelchair pleasant so that they’re an awesome place for the entire household. My youngsters love operating alongside the canal, have a look at the canal boats and see the geese.
The Llangollen Canal runs from Hurleston Junction close to Nantwich in Cheshire to Llangollen. The canal was accomplished in 1808 and passes via the scenic Dee Valley and presents gorgeous views of the encircling hills and countryside.
The canal options the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which carries the canal over the River Dee and is a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
You possibly can take a ship journey alongside the canal the place there’s often a information explaining extra in regards to the canal’s historical past and building. Most of the canal boats are pulled by conventional horses that are simply lovely and it’s beautiful to see these mild giants plodding up and down the towpath.
The canal can be dwelling to quite a lot of wildlife, together with kingfishers, herons, and otters.
My favorite stroll alongside the canal is from Llangollen Wharf to Horseshoe Falls.
Llangollen has so many beautiful little outlets promoting native crafts, souvenirs, scrumptious meals, clothes and antiques. Listed here are some standard choices for buying in Llangollen:
- The Handmade Craft Firm – This store sells quite a lot of handmade crafts, together with pottery, jewelry, and textiles, made by native artisans.
- The Vintage Emporium – This store presents a spread of antiques and collectibles, together with furnishings, jewelry, and paintings.
- Dee Valley Confectioners – This store sells a spread of handmade sweets and sweets, together with conventional Welsh sweets.
- Llangollen Market Corridor – This indoor market presents quite a lot of stalls promoting native produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
- Siop Elfair – This present store sells a spread of Welsh-themed items and souvenirs, together with clothes, equipment, and homeware.
13. Paddleboarding and kayaking
Llangollen is a well-liked spot with paddle boarders and kayakers and also you’ll seemingly see a couple of alongside the canal on a sunny day. If you happen to fancy becoming a member of them, you possibly can rent paddle boards regionally. Take a look at a website equivalent to Into the Blue.
14. Stroll alongside the promenade and splash within the river
When the solar is shining, among the best issues to do in Llangollen is to seize an ice cream and stroll alongside the Victorian promenade which results in a café, youngsters’s play park, bandstand, loopy golf and skate park. When the climate is sweet you’ll see numerous individuals splashing about on the river. There are many rocks by the river close to the play park so it’s simple to have a little bit of a splash about with out going too deep!
15. White water rafting
White water rafting can be a preferred factor to do in Llangollen. Go to White Water Energetic for extra info.
I first went white water rafting in Llangollen after I was about 10 so it truly is appropriate for the entire household.
16. Plas Newydd Historic Home and Gardens
If you happen to’re a Nationwide Belief member then be sure to pop into Plas Newydd Historic Home and Gardens. The property features a Georgian historic home that dates again to the 18th century, in addition to gardens and parkland.
The gardens at Plas Newydd are a spotlight of the property with formal and casual gardens, together with a walled backyard, a rose backyard and a woodland backyard. There’s additionally a stunning tea room with loads of out of doors benches to get pleasure from your snacks within the backyard.
17. Eating places in Llangollen
There are a number of eating places in Llangollen providing quite a lot of cuisines to swimsuit completely different tastes and budgets. Listed here are some standard choices:
- The Corn Mill – This restaurant is located in a historic constructing on the banks of the River Dee, and serves modern British delicacies utilizing native and seasonal substances. They provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices too.
- The Three Eagles – A gastro-pub situated within the coronary heart of Llangollen, providing a spread of dishes made with regionally sourced produce. They’ve a wide variety of wines, spirits and beers to select from.
- Wild Pheasant Resort – This lodge’s restaurant presents a fine-dining expertise with a contemporary twist on traditional Welsh dishes. Their menu is concentrated on recent, seasonal produce, and so they provide a tasting menu for a special day.
- The Cottage Tearooms – This quaint tearoom is situated on the sting of city and presents do-it-yourself truffles, scones, gentle lunches, and afternoon tea. In addition they have a choice of vegan and gluten-free choices.
- The Dee Valley Bistro – This bistro is situated within the coronary heart of Llangollen and presents a choice of do-it-yourself dishes, together with vegetarian and vegan choices. In addition they have a spread of truffles and desserts.
- Plas Newydd cafe – The cafe at Plas Newydd can be a stunning place to eat, particularly on a sunny day as a result of you possibly can take your meals out into the gardens.
18. Walks round Llangollen
Llangollen and its surrounding space provide many scenic walks for hikers and walkers of all skills. Listed here are some standard choices:
- The Llangollen Canal Stroll – This stroll follows the Llangollen Canal from Llangollen to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, providing gorgeous views of the Dee Valley and the encircling hills. The stroll is about 5.5 miles lengthy and takes roughly 2 hours.
- The Panorama Stroll – This stroll takes you as much as the highest of Castell Dinas Brân, providing panoramic views of Llangollen and the encircling countryside. The stroll is about 2.5 miles lengthy and takes roughly 1 hour.
- The Berwyn Mountains – For extra skilled hikers, the Berwyn Mountains provide a spread of difficult walks and hikes, with gorgeous views of the encircling hills and valleys.
- Valle Crucis Abbey Stroll – This stroll takes you thru the attractive Valle Crucis Abbey and alongside the River Dee, providing a peaceable and scenic stroll. The stroll is about 2 miles lengthy and takes roughly 1 hour.
- Horseshoe Falls Stroll – This stroll takes you to the Horseshoe Falls, a picturesque waterfall on the River Dee. The stroll is about 1.5 miles lengthy and takes roughly 1 hour.
Finest motels in Llangollen
Llangollen numerous motels to select from. I’ve a weblog put up with among the finest motels in Llangollen however listed here are 5 of the most effective for a fast abstract. Listed here are among the finest motels in Llangollen:
- Wild Pheasant Resort & Spa – This elegant lodge is situated within the coronary heart of Llangollen and presents luxurious rooms, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.
- Chainbridge Resort – This historic lodge is located on the banks of the River Dee and presents comfy rooms and a riverside restaurant.
- Bryn Howell Resort – This nation home lodge is situated simply exterior Llangollen and presents scenic views of the Dee Valley, together with comfy rooms and a restaurant.
- The Hand at Llanarmon – This award-winning lodge is situated in a picturesque village close to Llangollen and presents comfy rooms and a restaurant serving regionally sourced produce.
- Penvale Lake Lodges – If you happen to’re visiting Llangollen as a household otherwise you merely need a bit extra space then I extremely suggest Penvale Lake Lodges. The lodges are on a fantastic vacation park situated, every with their very own scorching tub and gorgeous views of the encircling countryside. The luxurious lodges are fashionable and well-appointed, that includes open-plan residing areas, woodburning stoves, absolutely geared up kitchens, and cozy bedrooms. You possibly can learn my full Penvale Lake Lodges overview.
I lately stayed at The Hand in Llanarmon so I’ve a full overview right here.
19. What to see throughout a stroll round Llangollen centre
Llangollen city centre is filled with historic buildings, slim streets, and unbiased outlets and eating places. Listed here are among the highlights should you’re having a stroll round Llangollen city centre:
- Llangollen Bridge – This historic bridge crosses the River Dee and presents gorgeous views of the river and the city.
- St. Collen’s Church – This historic church is situated within the city centre and includes a distinctive tower with a spire.
- Llangollen Railway Station – This Victorian-era station has been restored and now serves as the start line for the Llangollen Railway, a heritage steam practice that runs via the Dee Valley.
- The Royal Pavilion – This iconic constructing is situated within the centre of Llangollen and hosts quite a lot of occasions and performances all year long.
- The Llangollen Canal – The canal runs via the city centre and presents scenic walks and boat journeys.
- Sweet Cottage – It’s important to cease right here for an ice cream!
Locations to go to close to Llangollen
Llangollen is situated in a fantastic a part of North Wales and there are various points of interest and locations to go to close by. Listed here are some standard choices:
20. Chirk Fortress – This mediaeval citadel is situated only a quick drive from Llangollen and presents lovely gardens and a historic home to discover.
21. Erddig Corridor – a stunning Nationwide Belief property with beautiful gardens.
22. Portmeirion – The italian type village is a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Llangollen however it’s nicely value it.
23. Llyn Peninsula – It’s round a 2 hour drive to the Llyn Peninsula however should you fancy a day on the seaside then that is the place to go. Abersoch is a reasonably village to move for and discover the finest seashores in Abersoch from there. I’d additionally suggest going to Llanbedrog Seashore and strolling as much as the Tin Man.
24. Oswestry – The charming city of Oswestry is a 25 minute drive away and it’s a stunning place for a wander.
25. Chester – The Roman metropolis of Chester is a 40 minute drive away and it’s nicely value a go to. I’ve a put up about 100 issues to do in Chester and the most effective locations in Chester for Afternoon Tea!
26. Wrexham – Wrexham has lately shot to fame due to the Netflix present ‘That is Wrexham’ about Ryan Reynolds shopping for Wrexham Soccer Membership. I dwell in Wrexham and, to be trustworthy, I wouldn’t suggest visiting the city (I imply, metropolis. It’s lately been modified to a metropolis and nobody regionally can get used to it as a result of it’ll all the time really feel like a small city!) But when it’s a wet day and also you need some indoor points of interest like swimming, bowling, the cinema or excessive avenue outlets then you definitely’ll discover them in Wrexham centre.
27. Snowdonia Nationwide Park – This gorgeous nationwide park is situated inside an hour’s drive of Llangollen and presents spectacular mountain surroundings, out of doors actions, and quaint villages to discover. You possibly can stroll up Snowdon however there are additionally a great deal of journey actions in Snowdonia to maintain you busy!
28. Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall – Positioned simply exterior Llangollen, this lovely waterfall is likely one of the highest in Wales and presents a scenic spot for a picnic or a stroll.
29. Aber Falls Waterfall – One other attractive waterfall with a brief however lovely hike is Aber Falls. It’s a couple of 90 minute drive to get there and you would additionally go to Aber Falls gin distillery.
30. Conwy Falls – Conwy Falls is simply 45 minutes away and is one other beautiful however quick stroll. It’s additionally subsequent to a pleasant cafe, making it a pleasant and straightforward day trip.
If you happen to’d like extra concepts for issues to do close to Llangollen then I’ve an inventory of 25 issues to do in North Wales right here.