I suppose in every country you’ll find locations that are often a little overlooked when compiling top lists of places to visit. Yet they have so much to offer, and each time you return there’s a new corner, a new street or a new walk to discover. In the end, you realise what a hidden gem they truly are. The place featured in this article fits this description well, and I’ve recently made an effort to visit more often and explore all it has to offer.
Nestled on the banks of the River Dee and framed by the rugged, distinctive shape of the Berwyn Mountains, Llangollen in Denbighshire (North Wales) is, in fact, a popular destination thanks to its unique mix of characterful townscape, outdoor activities and vibrant cultural tapestry. It’s the kind of place that surprises and delights me in equal measure every time I visit.
The crowning feature, which truly sets this captivating town apart, is its navigable canal that links Llangollen to Hurleston in England and passes through historic sites such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Photo Credits
Photos of Valle Crucis Abbey, Castell Dinas Brân, and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct are from the Wales Asset database. © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales. Additional credits can be found on individual photos.
All the other remaining photos are property of Mathieu Gasquet / We Travel Wales.
Things to See and Do in Llangollen
Despite its small size, Llangollen has a surprisingly wide range of things to offer. Starting with heritage, there is the Llangollen Railway, one of only two standard-gauge steam railways in Wales (the other being the Gwili Railway in Carmarthen, South Wales). Open from mid-February to early November, the journey from the town centre to the market town of Corwen takes less than an hour and passes through scenic sections of the Dee Valley.
For history lovers, a visit to Plas Newydd is another highlight. This eccentric Gothic-style house set among poetic gardens was home to the famed “Ladies of Llangollen” in the late 18th century (two upper-class Irish women who moved here to escape the social pressures of conventional marriage). The remarkable oak-carved, panelled interiors always leave an impression upon visitors.
If you want to combine history with outdoor activity, the 6-mile-long Llangollen and Dee Valley Trail will take you along the canal, through beautiful countryside and up to Valle Crucis Abbey, a sumptuous medieval abbey, and the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân, which will rewards walkers with sweeping views over Llangollen and its valley.
The 41-mile canal is one of the main highlights of the area. You can experience it on a horse-drawn boat or a motorised boat that carries you through the valley and across historic aqueducts. Or, if you prefer, you can hire a canoe. The latter makes crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the longest aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest canal aqueduct in the world — an immersive experience like no other in Wales.
And since we’re talking about outdoor activities, the River Dee also offers a range of water sports, including rafting and river bugging (a small inflatable craft). You can embark on an adventure along a 2.5-mile stretch of the river, which features demanding rapids for the more experienced, as well as gentler sections for those who want to enjoy the scenery. The trip finishes right in the centre of Llangollen, where your family and friends can watch you from the bridge.
If you fancy a more tranquil escape for the day, why not stroll through the streets of the town centre, where you’ll find a selection of cosy cafés, restaurants and pubs overlooking the river, as well as a variety of independent shops. You can’t miss crossing the Llangollen Bridge, a focal point of the town since its medieval origins and considered one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. Then take a peaceful and relaxing walk along the canal, which you can follow all the way to the aqueduct if you wish (about half an hour).
quick facts about llangollen
- Llangollen’s name derives from the Welsh llan, meaning “a religious settlement”, and Saint Collen, a 7th-century monk who founded the original church here beside the river. The church can still be visited today.
- The canal was opened in 1805 to carry slate from nearby quarries to the growing cities of England. However, with the rapid expansion of the railways, canal companies soon found themselves in a precarious position, facing bankruptcy. Thankfully, they managed to survive by transforming the canal into a tourist attraction.
Best Time to Visit Llangollen
Llangollen is a good place to visit at any time of the year, but two moments are especially worth highlighting. The first is July, particularly the second week, which coincides with the vibrant Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
Founded in 1947, the festival attracts thousands of performers and spectators from around the world, who take part in more than 20 competitions during the day, celebrating music and dance in spectacular form including some colourful street parades not to be missed! These are followed each evening by concerts on the main stage. Many famous performers have graced the stage in Llangollen, including Luciano Pavarotti. It is one of several large annual Eisteddfodau in Wales. You can read more about the Eisteddfod in our dedicated article.
The second time worth visiting is autumn, when the rich colours of the foliage around the river and hills create a beautiful atmosphere, perfect for photography or relaxed strolls.
Public Transport: Apart from the heritage steam train (which is not part of the mainline network), the only way to reach Llangollen is by bus, with the T3 service running between Barmouth and Wrexham. The nearest train station is Ruabon, from where you can take bus no. 5. Timetables and journey planning are available on Traveline.cymru.
Parking: There are several options, including multiple car parks in the town centre. However, do keep in mind that these are the first to fill up during busy periods, such as the Eisteddfod festival.
EV Charging Stations: Four 22kW charging points are available at Market Street Car Park.
Public Toilets: Facilities are available at Market Street Car Park and next to the Llangollen Wharf Tea Room on Wharf Hill.
Llangollen Railway: Tickets cost £23.50 for adults and £4 for children. More information is available on the official website.
Plas Newydd: Open daily, with tickets priced between £7 and £9. The gardens are free to enter, and there is also a tearoom. Further information is available on the Denbighshire website.
White-Water Activities: These are provided by two companies — Whitewater Active and Bearded Men Adventures.
Canal Boat Trips: Five companies operate boat trips on the canal. Further details can be found on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct website.
Llangollen History Trail: Practical information and a map can be found on Outdoor Active.
