Sitting comfortably on the banks of the River Dee, this small, picturesque town in Denbighshire, north-east Wales is a popular spot year round. There are plenty of things to do in Llangollen, whether you love walking, shopping, museums, canals or local history.
14 TOP THINGS TO DO IN LLANGOLLEN
Surrounded by rolling hills and green verdant countryside, the town is packed to the rafters with charm and beauty. Take a scenic walk around picturesque Llangollen, (pronounced khlan-goth-len) and discover why visitors return, year after year.
Is Llangollen Worth Visiting?
Yes, it is a great little town to visit for the day, or for a few days. You can also base yourself here, and explore the surrounding area.
The town is steeped in rich history, has an industrial legacy and is home to an International Music Festival, Independent Arts Festival, tree-lined canal and a wealth of independent shops.
Add in culture, fun packed outdoor pursuits, a medieval castle and preserved standard gauge steam railway and you can understand why this quaint town is so popular.
What Is Llangollen Famous For?
While there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Llangollen, it is perhaps, best known for its annual festival. The International Music Eisteddfod takes place every year during the second week of July. Singers and dancers from all over the world perform.
Over the years, Pavarotti, Michael Ball, Elaine Page, Placido Domingo, Dame Shirley Bassey and Bryn Terfel have taken part in the evening Gala concerts.
Visiting picturesque Llangollen, will reveal a wealth of fascinating and memorable sights which can easily be fitted within a days itinerary.
Armed with a good schedule you will learn about the town’s history, visit its popular attractions, enjoy some sublime scenery and polish the day off with a fantastic dinner.
Walk Around Llangollen In A Day
STARTING POINT / Mill Street Long Stay Car Park (£3.50 all day parking)
Take the path from the car park that follows the river, and walk through Riverside Gardens.
If you walk down to the waters edge, you should get your first glimpse of the bridge peeping through the trees.
Walk up the steps leading to Mill Street and turn left towards the town centre. Take time to view the bridge arches before crossing the bridge into Castle Street.
Do not worry about missing the view from the right hand side of the bridge as you will be seeing this later in the walk.
LLANGOLLEN BRIDGE
This iconic bridge crossing the River Dee is both grade I listed and a scheduled ancient monument.
Originally built in the reign of King Henry I, the bridge has undergone many changes to its structure. These include widening and lengthening, allowing easier passage of vehicles.
An extra arch was added in the 1860’s at the north end to carry the road over the new railway.
A defining feature is the large v-shaped stonework, diverting the river around the bridge piers and providing extensions of the pavement from which the arches can be viewed.
Until the 1950’s it was common to witness salmon fishing in the river. But this sight has been replaced with kayakers, canoeists and rafters.
This is due to the waters being a favourite spot for outdoor and water pursuits. The bridge provides a magnificent vantage point for the River Dee and its rushing waters.
After crossing the bridge turn immediately left into Bridge Street, stopping to view the war memorials.
Bridge Street has a couple of antique shops to browse through as you continue up to Church Street. Take a slight detour at the oldest established institution in Llangollen, St.Collen’s Church. Enter the churchyard through the iron gates.
ST.COLLEN’S CHURCH
The church was founded in the sixth century by Saint Collen, a monk who arrived in the area by coracle. Named after Collen, the church has undergone drastic Victorian alterations over the years.
The main body of the present church is 13th century and as you enter through the porch, it soon becomes apparent that there are many features to admire.
When I visited, I was extremely lucky to sit and listen to a group of singers practicing for their performance at the forthcoming International Musical Eisteddfod and the sound was alluring.
Be sure to look at the stained glass windows and the intricately carved oak ceiling. Installed in 1450 under close scrutiny of the Abbot of Valle Crucis Abbey, it is exquisite.
Sit and just relax in the peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Return through the iron gates and turn right to continue your walk along Church Street. Keep a look out for its many pretty houses and an alternative view of St.Collen’s Church.
At the end of Church Street, cross the A5 and slightly to the left is an alleyway, Butler’s Hill. Follow this path as it gently winds its way up to your next stop, Plas Newydd.
Take a backward view on your way up for views over the beautiful countryside. The entrance driveway to Plas Newydd is on your left.
PLAS NEWYDD HISTORIC HOUSE
From 1780 to 1829 this simple cottage became the home to Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby who were known locally as ‘The Ladies of Llangollen’.
Running away from their regimented lives back in Ireland, they started a new life here in Wales.
Changes were made to the property over the years transforming it into a Gothic fantasy with oak carvings and stained glass.
Capturing the attention at the time of Regency Society ensured a steady stream of visitors. These included the likes of Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott and The Duke of Wellington.
A visit inside the house rewards you with an audio tour depicting their intriguing story. Meanwhile, exhibits help bring their home to life.
Outside, you can stroll around the beautifully manicured gardens and take in the stunning background view of the castle on a nearby mountain.
Open / From April to 3rd Nov – 10.30am-5pm / Tearoom Open 10am-4.30pm / Cost / £6 adult with concessions
If you fancy taking time for elevenses, visit the tea rooms for coffee and homemade cake.
When ready, walk back down the driveway and walk back to the town centre, along Hill Street.
Cross the A5, and proceed down Castle Street, the main thoroughfare of the town and home to craft shops, cafes and independent shops, so have a browse.
Y CAPEL
This beautiful Romanesque styled building, with its three arches on pilasters beneath the pediment dates back to the 1860’s.
When it was built, it was originally designed as a chapel.
Intended to hold a congregation of 400 welsh baptists, it had served its purpose by 1982, due to dwindling numbers of worshipers.
Today, it stands proudly restored as a striking force in Castle Street. It serves residents and visitors as a library upstairs, and a tourist information office on the ground floor.
Contemporary arts and crafts, many of which are by emerging Welsh Artists are housed in a separate gallery and worth checking out.
Walk along Parade Street before turning right down Dee Lane. There is a lovely delicatessen on the left hand side called Porters which sells yummy welsh cheese, honey and preserves.
Follow Dee Lane before turning left and joining the footpath along Victoria Promenade for a scenic riverside detour to Riverside Park.
RIVERSIDE PARK
Commemorating Queen Victoria’s visit to Llangollen in 1889, Victoria Promenade was renamed Victoria Path.
Today the park is a garden for everyone to enjoy. With it’s bandstand, playground, picnic area and skating park, it provides a tranquil space, with the added bonus of fantastic riverside views.
Loop back along the footpath to Dee Lane where you will find a pub with a view, the Corn Mill.
CORN MILL
For fantastic views while you are enjoying great food you can’t beat the location of this former mill.
The mill was originally built by the Cistercians of nearby Valle Crucis Abbey back in the 13th century.
This was a working mill until 1974, but was then left to deteriorate before being leased to a pub company. A full restoration of the building included the water wheel, which can be viewed behind the bar.
Inside there are numerous nooks and crannies to find your perfect seat to enjoy the food being served.
Continue to walk up Dee Lane then turn left onto Parade Street were you will locate the museum on the left hand side.
LLANGOLLEN MUSEUM
Discover the story of Llangollen from the Stone Age through to present day in this rather unflattering looking mid-20th century, polygonal building.
Packed with a wealth of information including photographs, artifacts, documents and exhibitions, learn about all aspects of Llangollen history including myths and legends.
A centerpiece inside the building is a full-size replica of Eliseg’s Pillar with legible inscription unlike the original near Valle Crucis Abbey.
Check Museum opening times here.
At the end of Parade Street turn left into Castle Street and walk over the bridge admiring the scenic views.
From this side of the bridge you have a birds eye view of the railway station.
LLANGOLLEN HERITAGE RAILWAY
Walk down the slip road to have a closer look at this iconic site.
Llangollen Railway is the only standard gauge railway in North Wales and runs alongside the scenic River Dee for its entire length.
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it’s worthwhile keeping your camera handy as you’ll be truly blown away by this spectacular trip!
In its heyday, the train transported holiday makers to the seaside from Ruabon to Barmouth.
The relaxing 10 mile journey in a 1950’s steam engine, passes through magnificent natural vistas on its journey to Corwen and is an ideal way to sample the days of yesteryear.
- A Standard day Return Ticket is £16/adult with concessions
- Check for future events which include Thomas The Tank Trains, Murder Mystery, Real Ale and Gin Trains among others!
Visit the quaint Carriage Tearooms, housed in an old traditional train carriage along the railway platform. Enjoy teas, sandwiches, homemade cakes and specials in a truly quaint setting.
Turn left onto Abbey Road and follow the pavement to the car park further along, on the opposite side of the road.
INTERNATIONAL PAVILION
Built in 1992, the International Pavilion is home to the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. The Festival welcomes around 4,000 performers and up to 50,000 visitors every July, when the town welcomes the world, and gets caught up in the colour and excitement.
The concert on Sunday evening, marks the official closing of the festival. Considered the main event by many, it usually attracts big names such as Status Quo! Check out the main website for ticket prices and booking.
A year-round programme of events and concerts are hosted including the Llangollen Food Festival.
At the western end of the carpark, join the canal towpath beside the bridge and turn right.
LLANGOLLEN CANAL
The Llangollen Canal was designed in the 18th century, by civil engineering masters, Thomas Telford and William Jessop. the Llangollen Canal crosses the border between England and Wales is a vastly popular walking route with holidaymakers today.
Walking along the towpath is quiet and peaceful and you will see canal boats moored up and ducks swimming along in the steady water or sitting on the bank sunning themselves.
It is particularly atmospheric when the sun shines, as the light produces shadows in the water of the trees from the opposite bank which is particularly alluring.
If you have extra time, especially during summer, you can turn left along the canal, and follow the towpath for 2 miles. Here you can visit some lovely falls.
HORSESHOE FALLS
A successful collaboration between Thomas Telford and William Jessop, saw the design of the weir. It’s purpose is to draw water from the River Dee, into the canal.
Today, around 12 million gallons of water are drawn into the canal from the River Dee. So the design was a complete success!
LLANGOLLEN WHARF
In 2009, 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal, including the Horseshoe Falls and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, were made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you haven’t already stopped along Castle Street for some lunch there is a tea room serving food here at the Wharf.
If you have more than one day to spend in Llangollen, then you may like to take a boat trip. Both trips, show you the wonderful sights of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site.
- A 45 min horse drawn boat trip along the main canal to give you a taster of the slow pace of canal life.
- Motorised aqueduct boat trip, which cruises across the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
- Check here for prices and times of canal trips.
PONTCYSYLLTE AQUEDUCT
This is considered to be one of the first major feats of civil engineering undertaken by Thomas Telford. Opened in 1805 after 10 years in the making, it has UNESCO World Heritage status.
The 18-arched stone and cast iron structure, is 307m long, 3.7 m wide, 38m high and has a water depth of 1.6m. In fact, it is the highest canal aqueduct ever built and certainly deserves its status.
You can walk across the aqueduct from Trevor Basin, if you don’t mind heights!
From Llangollen Wharf, bear right after the tea room, and join Wharf Hill at the bridge.
Turn left and follow the signs to Castell Dinas Bran. Climb steadily uphill for about 0.9 miles, until you reach a stile and the start of the climb to the castle.
CASTELL DINAS BRAN
Translated as Castle of the City of Crows, the weather beaten ruins were once a medieval fortress back in the 13th century, built for the Prince of Powys Fadog.
In its heyday there was a gatehouse, hall, keep, D-shaped tower and large central courtyard however after only a couple of decades it had been destroyed and abandoned.
A steep path zig zags up the slope of the conical shaped hill to the summit plateau. Once you reach the castle ruins, your efforts will be justly rewarded. Be prepared to be rendered speechless, as the 360 degree panorama across the Shropshire Plains, LLangollen and Snowdonia is stunning and exquisite.
Take a well earned breather, wander around and sit and take time to admire the fantastic views before making your way back down to the town centre.
Finish off your day in picturesque Llangollen by enjoying dinner at The Three Eagles in Bridge Street, before heading back to Mill Street Car Park.
LLANGOLLEN ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Despite only being a small town, Llangollen has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, whatever your budget.
If you decide to spend the night, here are some great choices, ranging from luxury to hostel!
CORNERSTONES BED AND BREAKFAST
Cornerstones is a five star luxury bed and breakfast, with a great location in the centre of town. The three en-suite guestrooms, retain original oak beams, wooden floors and fireplaces.
All guestrooms include everything you need for a luxury stay, such as beautiful claw-foot bathtubs, hairdryer, hair straighteners and fluffy dressing gowns.
After a perfect night’s rest, tuck into a locally sourced Welsh breakfast (with vegetarian options available).
RIVERBANC
Riverbanc Bed & Breakfast is in the heart of the town, next to Llangollen War Memorial. Offering 6 soundproof rooms overlooking with river views, this is a great mid-range accommodation option.
Individual rooms include a flat-screen TV, bespoke, handmade beds, flat screen smart TVs and cafetièrs. Bathrooms come with a hairdryer, free toiletries and shower. .Enjoy a great à la carte or Full English/Irish breakfast in their downstairs cafe.
With a fantastic coffee shop downstairs, and an outdoor centre offering rafting on the River Dee, what’s not to like?
LLANGOLLEN HOSTEL
Providing a great budget option in the town centre, the hostel is comfortable, clean and friendly. With a range of options including dorm beds, twin/double rooms and en-suite family rooms, this offers a great price for those on a tighter budget.
The property offers twin and double rooms, en-suite family rooms, private four-bed and six-bed dorms, and a shared six-bed dorm. As well as free breakfast, the price of your bed in Llangollen Hostel includes free wifi, a modern kitchen, a book exchange, laundry facilities and games for everyone to enjoy.
Llangollen is a picturesque town that makes the most of its riverside setting. Offering visitors a wealth of attractions, walks, eateries, history, relaxation, scenery and history, makes it a great place to visit in Wales.
Have you visited this picturesque Welsh Town yet?
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