Explore
Llangollen is the perfect base for exploring further afield
The gateway to North Wales, Llangollen offers a wealth of attractions. The river and the glorious Dee Valley are a centre for kayaking, white water rafting, gorge walking and abseiling as well as an ideal spot for walking and relaxation. The Llangollen Heritage Steam Railway and the canal Wharf are great places for a trip back in time. From the Wharf you can take either the gentle horse drawn canal boat to the Chain Bridge and Horseshoe Falls or the trip across the remarkable Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a World Heritage site built by Thomas Telford in 1805.
The Dee Bridge was built in 1345 by John Trevor of Trevor Hall, who became the Bishop of St. Asaph. There are numerous historic treasures around the town, such as Plas Newydd, home of the ‘Ladies of Llangollen’ and Dinas Bran Castle, alleged resting place of the Holy Grail. Valle Crucis Abbey and Eliseg’s Pillar are just on the edge of town as is Llangollen Motor Museum.The Royal Pavilion in Abbey Road attracts visitors from across the world for the International Musical Eisteddfod and hosts the annual Hamper Llangollen Food Festival. The railway holds Thomas the Tank weekends, Beer Train events and Santa Specials.
North Wales
Attractions
Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd is an historic house only a short walk from the wine bar and a must see. With bowling greens, dovecots, sunken garden walks and a main house with beautiful carved beams. Ask Richard over breakfast to give you the low down.
Valle Crucis Abbey
Valle Crucis was dissolved by royal decree in 1537 but its ruins still show what a beautiful building in the perfect setting it must have been. A must visit.
Dinas Bran Castle
With spectacular views, it is worth the short but very steep walk to the top. Locals cheat by driving up to the panorama road and start half way up but the walk is easily managed from the centre of town.
St Collen's Church
Our local church and how the town got town got its name. Llangollen literally means church of Saint Collen. A beautiful church at the end of the street on which Gales is situated. Pay particular attention to the beautifully carved wooden ceiling.
Eliseg's Pillar
A striking monument that sits upon a mound in the middle of the valley just by the Abbey.
Erddig
A National Trust house which contains an amazingly well kept stately home and gardens. A whole day should be allotted to explore everything they have to offer. Great for all the family.
Chirk Castle
A huge National Trust castle set in stunning grounds. Exploring the dungeons, moat and extensive gardens is a real adventure.
Llangollen Canal
Llangollen Canal received the prestigious World Heritage status for this calm meandering canal created by Thomas Telford. It is a feat of engineering that melts into the local scenery as if it has always been there.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The famous Thomas Telford construction is, even after 100 years, still a technical marvel. There are boat trips but just walking across gives you an idea of the scale and beauty of the structure. If you see one thing in the area it should be this.
Horseshoe Falls
Also created by Mr Telford, this man-made waterfall is an incredible example of using natural resources in a way that is sympathetic to its surroundings.
Steam Railway
The Llangollen Heritage Steam Railway is one of the town’s biggest draws, whether visiting one of the Thomas the Tank weekends, enthusiast festivals, booze trains or just going on a short journey to some of our neighbouring towns and back. The trains and friendly volunteers make an amazing journey back in time.
Llangollen Museum
A great place to get further information on Llangollen’s rich history from friendly, local, knowledgeable volunteers.
Things To Do
Horse Drawn Boats
A casual ride along the canal, powered the way the boats used to be. The Wharf is situated in town and is the ideal place to start your discovery of the Llangollen Canal.
Bearded Men Adventures
The BMA team provide outdoor activities in North Wales. White water rafting, aqueduct canoeing, canyoning, river tubing, archery & axe throwing and more.
Llandegla Mountain Biking
Mountain bike trials for all skill levels with green runs right up to blacks. (We don’t have a bike lock up at Gales but if you wish to have your bike safely stored we can arrange something).
One Giant Leap downhill
Top downhill track, not for the faint hearted. Plays host to some of the country’s top competitions. Some easier tracks are available along with guides from the excellent Cambell Coaching
Fauxdegla Clay Pigeon Shooting
A top shooting facility only a small drive from Llangollen. It features seven shooting areas, each with a different discipline.
Fishing
The river is fed by the headland lakes of Alwen, Brenig, Celyn and Bala and is one of the purest rivers in Europe, renowned for it’s brown trout and grayling. Llangollen Maelor Angling can supply day tickets for ten miles of the River Dee.
Golf
The Vale of Llangollen Golf Club is one to the best and most beautiful golf courses in the area. With stunning views on every hole it’s a must visit for any golfer. Other courses within a short distance are Hentley, Oswestry, Llanymynech and Carden Park all well worth a visit.
Motor Museum
An amazing hidden gem a short walk along the canal. Full of cars, parts and memorabilia.
Events
International Eisteddfodd
Set up in the same act of parlament as the Edinburgh Festival to bring the world together after the war, this festival brings colour and fun to the town.
Llangollen Fringe Festival
This eclectic festival is a strong favourite for locals and visitors alike. Expect comedy, punk, pop, poetry and more.
Hamper Llangollen Food Show
This long standing and extremely popular food festival takes place over a weekend in October. You can enjoy local produce and cooking demonstrations – you might even find a friendly local wine bar showing some wines and spirits.