Llangollen
Llangollen is a small town in North Wales. What it lacks in size it certainly makes up with character and more importantly – things to do.
Whether its skipping across the flat rocks of the River Dee or shopping in the best and most random assortment of shops around.
This town has a lot of history! The bridge connecting the two sides of the town was originally built in circa 1269. Most likely another bridge prior to that. Llangollen is nestled away in the Dee Valley and its importance years ago is clear to see.
Sitting upon its perch over looking Llangollen and the local area is Castell Dinas Bran. This amazing castle was built around 1260 and uses the original position of an Iron Age Hill Fort. Its a steady uphill slog but perfect for burning off a bit of energy with the views from the top making the effort worth it. You can clearly see the castle from the town too.
If history is what you are looking for you can check out the Llangollen Museum, its not huge but holds a lot of local history information. If there is something you would like to know you could find the answer here. It sits just off the main from across from the police station. The great thing with this special town is its size, not to big or too small. Everything you need or would like is close to hand.
Food
I would recommend grabbing a bite to eat in one of the riverside bistro as the views of the river are amazing. What a perfect place to eat your lunch. Talking of riverside there are some great walks along the river and even in it, well kind of. Bike hire is available in the town centre and just on the outskirts is an outdoor sports centre who provide various adventure activities.
For those looking for a more relaxed time on their visit to Llangollen there are plenty of options. The old Historic house Plas Newydd is a great sheltered house to explore, as well as gardens. Plas Newydd can be found at Hill St, Llangollen LL20 8AW. Well worth a visit and not just the history, the internal wood panelling is amazing.
Moreover you may fancy a train ride on one of the steam engines that leave Llangollen station. What better way to take in the local scenery with some amazing river views. There are several trains a day leaving the station that will take you as far as Corwen around 10 miles away.
Just up the hill from the station are the very popular canal boat rides at Llangollen Wharf. Make sure you book to avoid disappointment as trips from here are very popular. The trips are slow and leisurely and depending on what you are looking for may include food and drinks too. A good highlight of these trips is to cross the World UNESCO site – Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The following address / post code will lead you to the car park in the centre of town, Llangollen, LL20 8PS. There are toilets here can be used for a minimal charge and they are usually manned. As its not a large town the car park is close to most attractions and definitely all of the shops.
If you are looking for things to do in Llangollen there are plenty as mentioned above. There is just something that draws visitor back year after year. It definitely one town in North Wales you must visit.
Just a little further up from the town are the famous Horseshoe falls built by Thomas Telford. This is the birth place of the Llangollen canal, not only where it starts but where it takes water from the River Dee.
Things to do in Llangollen
- Plas Newydd
- Llangollen steam train rides
- Castell Dinas Bran
- Llangollen museum
- Valle Crucis Abbey
- Horse drawn boat rides
- Horseshoe falls
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
- River Dee water sports
- Visit the Chain Bridge
- Walk the canal
There is so much more to see and do, check out the boutique shops and kids seem to like the old Taxidermist studio!
Llangollen Facts
- Llangollen takes its name from the Welsh llan meaning “a religious settlement” and Saint Collen
- Valle Crucis Abbey was established at Llantysilio around1200, under the patronage of Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor of Castell Dinas Bran
- The town’s great sixteenth-century stone bridge across the river is one of the ancient Seven Wonders of Wales
- Llangollen is situated on the river Dee and sits in the Berwyn Mountains
- The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal is a World Heritage site
Visit Llangollen, you will be glad you did.
Main town car park can be found HERE
What 3 words car park location – https://w3w.co/lollipop.reinstate.reminder