Visiting Llangollen

White water thrills, international music and stunning views are just some of the things to enjoy when visiting Llangollen.

Llangollen is under 30 mins drive from Oak View at Llanrhaeader and lies on the River Dee in the heart of Denbighshire in North Wales. The town is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that runs along eleven miles of canal from Gledrid to the Horshoe Falls via the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aquaduct.

The name “Llangollen” comes from the Welsh words “llan” which means “religious settlement” or church and the monk St Collen, who is famed for being the traditional founder of the town in the 6^th Century. St Collen is said to have arrived in the town by coracle – a traditional small, lightweight boat, and coracle fishing was common on the River Dee until the 1950s.

Llangollen Canal and the River Dee

The river plays a big part in the town’s life, not least the Llangollen Canal that runs through the centre. The canal is a lovely place to take a walk and soak up the atmosphere and see the narrowboats that are a popular site throughout the year. If you fancy a horse-drawn trip in a canal boat, head to the Llangollen Wharf where you can take a 45-minute ride along the canal towards the Horseshoe Falls and experience the peaceful surroundings for yourself.

Horseshoe Falls is a popular place to visit. The 140m wide weir highlights the skills of Thomas Telford who engineered the it to divert water from the River Dee into the start of the Llangollen Canal.

If you prefer to take a motorised canal barge, you can ride across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans the River Dee and carries the Llangollen Canal over the valley. The aqueduct is pretty spectacular being the highest and longest aqueduct in Britain.

If you have a head for heights you can even walk across the aqueduct next on a path that runs right alongside the canal.

Castle Dinas Bran

Situated on the hill overlooking the town is the ruins of Castell Dinas Bran, a medieval castle that dates to the 13th century. The castle was destroyed by King Henry IV in the 15th century, so there is little that remains today. However, the steep walk up to the castle from the canal will reward you with spectacular views across the town.

Llangollen Railway

The Llangollen Railway is a heritage railway that runs steam trains between Llangollen and Corwen. The 10-mile long line follows the River Dee and offers spectacular views of the Dee Valley. Stations on the line are Llangollen, Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen – all of traditional Victorian design.

Llangollen Heritage Railway was started in 1975 by a group of enthusiasts who saw the potential for a scenic heritage line through the Dee Valley. Their original vision grew into what you can see today. The old main line from Ruabon to Barmouth had closed to passengers in 1965, and to freight in 1968.

Plas Newydd

Plas Newydd is a historic house famously occupied by the ‘ladies of Llangollen’ and visited by Wordsworth, Shelley, Byron the poets of the day! Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, lived in the house between 1780 and 1829. The pair had eloped from Ireland to set up house together and they became celebrated throughout the country as the story of their close friendship spread through Regency Society.

There are other historic sites well worth a visit, just outside of the town. The atmospheric Valle Crucis Abbey is the remains of a medieval Abbey dating back to the 12-century famous for its lavish banquets

Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod

Llangollen is home to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, an annual festival of music, dance and culture that attracts performers and visitors from around the world.

During the month-long festival you will find a real buzz in the town as singers and dancers descend on the town from all over the world and it is decorated with bunting and flags from all the countries involved.

Outdoor activities in Llangollen

The town is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The River Dee narrows and steepens as it flows towards Llangollen, creating some challenging rapids.

The Horseshoe Pass, a scenic road that runs through the hills above Llangollen, is a popular destination for motorcyclists and cyclists. The Pass is well known for the Ponderosa Cafe at its highest point and the scenic views along the road.

Places to eat in Llangollen

As you can see, the town has a rich history and is a popular destination for visitors to North Wales. If you are visiting Llangollen and want a bite to eat – we can thoroughly recommend The Corn Mill, Fouzi’s, Gales and the Deeside Café Bistro.

The Corn Mill

Waterside pub/restaurant with water wheel and a deck looking onto the white waters of the River Dee.

Dee Lane,
Llangollen LL20 8PN

(Dog-friendly inside)

Fouzi’s Café Bar & Pizzeria

Dine-in or takeaway – serves lovely fresh Italian pizza and pasta
7, Bridge Street
Llangollen LL20 8PG
https://www.fouzis.com/

Gales Wine Bar

Great wine bar in the heart of Llangollen, that has an informal dining style and lots of delicious meals on the menu.

18 Bridge Street
Llangollen LL20 8PF

https://gales.wine/

Deeside Café Bistro

Dee Lane
Llangollen LL20 8PN

Lovely Bistro and coffee shop set in the heart of Llangollen. Coffees, Tea, frappe, Wine and Beer and an awesome decking that looks out over the River Dee.

https://www.deesidebistro.co.uk/