30 issues to do in Llangollen, North Wales

Llangollen is the prettiest little city in Denbighshire in North Wales, UK. The city is located on the River Dee so most of the issues to do in Llangollen revolve across the water. Llangollen is full of fairly, historic buildings, quaint cafes, cosy pubs, fascinating outlets and many outside actions. The city is surrounded by the Berwyn Mountains so it’s additionally recognized for its picturesque surroundings. Llangollen is simply beautiful and it’s certainly one of my favorite locations to go to on a sunny day.

Listed below are 30 of my favorite issues to do in Llangollen. In the event you’re feeling somewhat 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 not less than what I all the time do once I go to with my household!) is solely 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 normally 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 possibility is the espresso store at Llangollen Wharf subsequent to the Horse Drawn Boat Centre on the canal.

2. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

You may’t go to Llangollen with out visiting Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Website and one of the vital common 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 encompassing countryside. You too can take a canal boat trip throughout or you possibly can even kayak or paddleboard throughout too (it’s really useful you kneel on a paddle board as you cross!)

The canal boat rides throughout are enjoyable however, in the event you’re in a position to stroll, I’d advocate taking only a one-way trip and strolling again. The canal boats are very sluggish 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.

The right way to get there: There are a few pay and show automobile parks close by. Use the postcode LL14 3SG and look out for parking indicators. There’s a carpark on the customer centre and one on Queen Road.

3. Ty Mawr Nation Park

Ty Mawr Nation Park is a good looking park to go to in an Space of Excellent Magnificence. That is additionally probably the greatest locations to go to get a view of the aqueduct from a distance. There are picnic benches main down from the automobile park the place you possibly can sit and luxuriate in essentially the most magnificent view of the Clwydian Mountain Vary and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

I frequently take my children to Ty Mawr because it’s an ideal place for a run round. There are additionally some sheep, goats, llamas, pigs, chickens and geese which my children like to see.

4. Llangollen Worldwide Musical Eisteddfod

Llangollen is known for internet hosting the Worldwide Musical Eisteddfod so that is one factor to do in Llangollen in the event 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 ideal ambiance in Llangollen when the eisteddfod is on.

5. Have lunch or a drink at The Corn Mill

The Corn Mill is essentially the most well-known place to eat in Llangollen. This stunning and cosy gastro pub has a big outside decking space over the river so it’s a well-liked spot when the solar is shining!

6. Hike as much as Castell Dinas Brân

In the event you’re feeling energetic, certainly one of my favorite issues to do in Llangollen is to hike as much as the ruins of Castell Dinas Brân, a mediaeval fortress. The thirteenth century ruins themselves are wonderful to see however the stroll and the panoramic views from the fortress are simply as wonderful. You may see down over Llangollen and the encompassing space and it’s simply stunning.

Castell Dinas Brân was constructed by Gruffudd ap Madoc, ruler of northern Powys, as a defensive stronghold towards English invaders. The fortress ruins embrace the stays of a giant stone tower, partitions, and a gatehouse.

The stroll as much as Castell Dinas Brân is brief however difficult because it’s principally uphill. It’s about 1.5 miles from Llangollen city centre however the views from the highest are effectively definitely worth the effort.

7. Panorama Stroll

In the event you’ve conquered Castell Dinas Brân and wish to carry on strolling then you must do the Panorama Stroll. This round stroll is  10km and normally takes somewhat over 3 hours to finish. It’s a round stroll and it’s a kind of that’s pretty straightforward to finish offered you are taking your time. You may observe a route on one thing like AllTrails.

The stroll begins on the Castell Dinas Brân automobile park and follows a steep uphill path to the fortress ruins. From there, the trail continues alongside the hillside, providing panoramic views of Llangollen, the River Dee, and the encompassing hills.

As the trail descends, it passes by way of a wooded space earlier than rising onto a area with views of the Vale of Llangollen. The trail then crosses a small stream earlier than returning to the start line on the automobile park.

8. Valle Crucis Abbey

Valle Crucis Abbey is a well-preserved Cistercian abbey relationship again to the thirteenth century. That is certainly one of my favorite locations for a picnic on a sunny day! We are likely to take our personal however there’s a reward 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 may discover the ruins of the abbey, together with the stays of the church, cloister, and different buildings. Look out for the superbly preserved West Door, the intricate carvings on the chapter home, and the ornate tombs of the abbey’s former occupants.

There are additionally stunning gardens across the abbey. My children 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 stunning steam trains operating for 10 miles from Llangollen to Carrog in North Wales. The railway follows a scenic route by way of the Dee Valley, providing gorgeous views of the encompassing 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 Sixties, however a gaggle of railway fanatics reopened a piece of the road as a heritage railway within the Seventies.

You may take pleasure in a trip on a historic steam prepare or a diesel locomotive and there are sometimes particular occasions and experiences. Try the Llangollen Railway web site to see the occasions. They’ve significantly good occasions round Christmas time that are nice for households!

Along with the prepare rides, guests may discover the railway’s stations, which have been restored to their former glory, and luxuriate 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 well-liked spot for a stroll and a picnic and the encompassing 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 automobile park or you possibly can stroll there alongside the canal from Llangollen Wharf within the centre of Llangollen. It is a pretty 2-mile stroll and it’s pushchair and wheelchair pleasant too.

11. Stroll or take a ship trip alongside Llangollen Canal

One of the crucial common issues to do in Llangollen is to stroll alongside the 46-mile canal (not all of it in fact!) Many of the canal footpaths are pretty slender however they’re pushchair and wheelchair pleasant so that they’re an ideal place for the entire household. My children 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 by way of the scenic Dee Valley and presents gorgeous views of the encompassing 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 may take a ship journey alongside the canal the place there’s normally a information explaining extra concerning the canal’s historical past and building. Lots of the canal boats are pulled by conventional horses that are simply stunning and it’s pretty to see these light giants plodding up and down the towpath.

The canal can also be house 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 pretty little outlets promoting native crafts, souvenirs, scrumptious meals, clothes and antiques. Listed below are some common choices for purchasing in Llangollen:

1. The Handmade Craft Firm – This store sells quite a lot of handmade crafts, together with pottery, jewelry, and textiles, made by native artisans.
2. The Vintage Emporium – This store presents a spread of antiques and collectibles, together with furnishings, jewelry, and art work.
3. Dee Valley Confectioners – This store sells a spread of handmade sweets and sweets, together with conventional Welsh sweets.
4. Llangollen Market Corridor – This indoor market presents quite a lot of stalls promoting native produce, crafts, and souvenirs.
5. Siop Elfair – This reward store sells a spread of Welsh-themed presents 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 just a few alongside the canal on a sunny day. In the event you fancy becoming a member of them, you possibly can rent paddle boards domestically. Try a website similar to Into the Blue.

14. Stroll alongside the promenade and splash within the river

When the solar is shining, probably the greatest issues to do in Llangollen is to seize an ice cream and stroll alongside the Victorian promenade which ends up in a café, youngsters’s play park, bandstand, loopy golf and skate park. When the climate is good you’ll see numerous folks splashing about on the river. There are many rocks by the river close to the play park so it’s straightforward to have a little bit of a splash about with out going too deep!

15. White water rafting

White water rafting can also be a well-liked factor to do in Llangollen. Go to White Water Lively for extra data.

I first went white water rafting in Llangollen once I was about 10 so it truly is appropriate for the entire household.

16. Plas Newydd Historic Home and Gardens

In the event you’re a Nationwide Belief member then ensure you 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 outside benches to take pleasure in 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 go well with totally different tastes and budgets. Listed below are some common choices:

1. The Corn Mill – This restaurant is located in a historic constructing on the banks of the River Dee, and serves up to date British delicacies utilizing native and seasonal components. They provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices too.
2. The Three Eagles – A gastro-pub situated within the coronary heart of Llangollen, providing a spread of dishes made with domestically sourced produce. They’ve a wide variety of wines, spirits and beers to select from.
3. Wild Pheasant Lodge – This lodge’s restaurant presents a fine-dining expertise with a contemporary twist on traditional Welsh dishes. Their menu is targeted on recent, seasonal produce, and so they supply a tasting menu for an important day.
4. The Cottage Tearooms – This quaint tearoom is situated on the sting of city and presents do-it-yourself truffles, scones, mild lunches, and afternoon tea. In addition they have a choice of vegan and gluten-free choices.
5. 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.
6. Plas Newydd cafe – The cafe at Plas Newydd can also be a beautiful 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 supply many scenic walks for hikers and walkers of all skills. Listed below are some common choices:

1. 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 encompassing hills. The stroll is about 5.5 miles lengthy and takes roughly 2 hours.
2. The Panorama Stroll – This stroll takes you as much as the highest of Castell Dinas Brân, providing panoramic views of Llangollen and the encompassing countryside. The stroll is about 2.5 miles lengthy and takes roughly 1 hour.
3. The Berwyn Mountains – For extra skilled hikers, the Berwyn Mountains supply a spread of difficult walks and hikes, with gorgeous views of the encompassing hills and valleys.
4. Valle Crucis Abbey Stroll – This stroll takes you thru the gorgeous 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.
5. 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 inns in Llangollen

Llangollen numerous inns to select from. I’ve a weblog submit with a few of the finest inns in Llangollen however listed here are 5 of the very best for a fast abstract. Listed below are a few of the finest inns in Llangollen:

1. Wild Pheasant Lodge & Spa – This elegant lodge is situated within the coronary heart of Llangollen and presents luxurious rooms, a spa, and a fine-dining restaurant.
2. Chainbridge Lodge – This historic lodge is located on the banks of the River Dee and presents comfy rooms and a riverside restaurant.
3. Bryn Howell Lodge – This nation home lodge is situated simply exterior Llangollen and presents scenic views of the Dee Valley, together with comfy rooms and a restaurant.
4. 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 domestically sourced produce.
5. Penvale Lake Lodges – In the event you’re visiting Llangollen as a household otherwise you merely desire a bit extra space then I extremely advocate Penvale Lake Lodges. The lodges are on a good looking vacation park situated, every with their very own sizzling tub and gorgeous views of the encompassing countryside. The luxurious lodges are fashionable and well-appointed, that includes open-plan residing areas, woodburning stoves, absolutely outfitted kitchens, and cozy bedrooms. You may learn my full Penvale Lake Lodges assessment.

I not too long ago stayed at The Hand in Llanarmon so I’ve a full assessment right here.

19. What to see throughout a stroll round Llangollen centre

Llangollen city centre is filled with historic buildings, slender streets, and unbiased outlets and eating places. Listed below are a few of the highlights in the event you’re having a stroll round Llangollen city centre:

1. Llangollen Bridge – This historic bridge crosses the River Dee and presents gorgeous views of the river and the city.
2. St. Collen’s Church – This historic church is situated within the city centre and encompasses a distinctive tower with a spire.
3. Llangollen Railway Station – This Victorian-era station has been restored and now serves as the start line for the Llangollen Railway, a heritage steam prepare that runs by way of the Dee Valley.
4. 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.
5. The Llangollen Canal – The canal runs by way of the city centre and presents scenic walks and boat journeys.
6. Sweet Cottage – It’s a must to cease right here for an ice cream!

Locations to go to close to Llangollen

Llangollen is situated in a good looking a part of North Wales and there are numerous points of interest and locations to go to close by. Listed below are some common choices:

20. Chirk Fortress – This mediaeval fortress is situated only a quick drive from Llangollen and presents stunning gardens and a historic home to discover.

21. Erddig Corridor – a beautiful Nationwide Belief property with pretty gardens.

22. Portmeirion – The italian fashion village is a 1 hour 15 minute drive from Llangollen but it surely’s effectively value it.

23. Llyn Peninsula – It’s round a 2 hour drive to the Llyn Peninsula however in the event you fancy a day on the seashore then that is the place to go. Abersoch is a reasonably village to go for and discover the finest seashores in Abersoch from there. I’d additionally advocate 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 effectively value a go to. I’ve a submit about 100 issues to do in Chester and the very best locations in Chester for Afternoon Tea!

26. Wrexham – Wrexham has not too long ago 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 advocate visiting the city (I imply, metropolis. It’s not too long ago been modified to a metropolis and nobody domestically 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 road 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, outside actions, and quaint villages to discover. You may stroll up Snowdon however there are additionally a great deal of journey actions in Snowdonia to maintain you busy!

28. Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall – Situated simply exterior Llangollen, this stunning 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 beautiful waterfall with a brief however stunning hike is Aber Falls. It’s a few 90 minute drive to get there and you could possibly additionally go to Aber Falls gin distillery.

30. Conwy Falls – Conwy Falls is simply 45 minutes away and is one other pretty however quick stroll. It’s additionally subsequent to a pleasant cafe, making it a pleasant and straightforward time out.

In the event you’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.