Are you in search of the best things to do in Llangollen? In this guide I’ll show you the top attractions in Llangollen as well as the best places to visit in the surrounding Dee Valley.
Llangollen is a stunning town, nestled in North Wales and surrounded by breathtaking countryside and is regarded as one of best places to visit in Wales and an outdoor lover’s paradise.
As someone who grew up in Wales, I’ve had the good fortune of visiting Llangollen over 20 times, both personally and as part of my work with Visit Wales, the national tourism body and it remains one of my favourite towns in Wales.
The small town of Llangollen is situated in the heart of the scenic Dee Valley, an area of outstanding natural beauty. Surrounded by dramatic Welsh mountains and the obligatory Welsh castle it is a delightful town with plenty of independent shops, cozy cafes, and delightful accommodations.
So read on as I take you on a journey through this amazing town, revealing the hidden gems, must-visit attractions, and unforgettable experiences that make Llangollen truly special.
Llangollen History
Llangollen’s history goes back to at least the 6th century AD, when St Collen, a Celtic monk, founded a church there. The church in the town still bears his name.
In medieval times it was part of the Welsh kingdom of Powys, and its princes built a castle, Dinas Bran, in the 13th century.
The town is probably best known worldwide as the home of the Llangollen Eisteddfod. It started in 1947 and has been held in the second week of July ever since.
Best Things To Do In Llangollen
1. Visit Plas Newydd, a wonderful historic house in Llangollen
Plas Newydd (Welsh for ‘new mansion’ or ‘new hall’) is a wonderful historic house just outside Llangollen town centre.
It’s best known as the home of two Irish women, Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, the ‘Ladies of Llangollen’. They eloped together, eventually settling in North Wales.
They both wanted to avoid unwanted marriage, and their relationship has aroused great debate. Were they lovers? Or was this a ‘romantic friendship’? Their diaries possibly suggest the latter.
Their lifestyle choice was disapproved of by many in convention-bound 18th century society. However, in time they became more widely accepted, and received visits from the likes of lord Byron, Shelley, William Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott and the Duke of Wellington.
They took over a cottage and gradually enlarged and modified it: the intricate wood-carved interior was their doing. The black and white exterior was the responsibility of a subsequent owner.
Plas Newydd is now a local museum with a focus on the Ladies and their life. It’s set in lovely gardens; go back far enough and you’ll see the romantic ruin of Dinas Bran Castle on the hill behind.
2. Explore Castell Dinas Bran – medieval castle ruins
This ruined Llangollen castle is now a romantic hilltop ruin, and it’s hard to imagine it in its brief heyday.
Castell Dinas Brân sits on the top of a steep conical hill 30-40 minutes’ walk above the town. Alternatively, you can drive up the single-track road from the town and walk the last few minutes to the summit.
In spite of its ruined and plundered state, it’s a very prominent landmark which dominates views of the picturesque Dee Valley – one of the loveliest landscapes in Wales – from the east.
The climb to the top of the hill is one of the best Llangollen things to do, and the views from the remains of the castle are sublime.
The castle dates back to the 13th century, partly occupying the site of an Iron Age hillfort. This would have predated the castle by 1,500 years or more.
It was probably built in the 1260s by Gruffydd II ap Madog,a prince of the kingdom of Powys Fadog. It’s believed that it was abandoned around 1277 in the face of the threat of capture by English forces.
It was partly burned by the Welsh occupiers, and it may never have been used for military purposes again. It has therefore been a romantic ruin for most of its existence.
3. Visit the Romantic Ruin Valle Crucis Abbey
Llangollen is home to more historic North Wales points of interest, with another romantic ruin just below Dinas Bran.
Valle Crucis Abbey is a ruined church and abbey complex just to the north of Llangollen town. It was founded in 1201, and was the last Cistercian monastery in Wales.
Its name – the Vale of the Cross – comes from nearby 9th century Eliseg’s Pillar, which once supported a stone cross.
It fell into disrepair after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1537.
If you’re driving, it’s off the A542 Horseshoe Pass road to Ruthin, on the right, a mile or so out of Llangollen.
4. Do the Velvet Hill Walk
One of the best walks around Llangollen starts from Valle Crucis car park.
Velvet Hill, or Coed Hyrddyn, is the steep hill across the A542 from the Abbey. It’s a steep straight climb up the hill, which leads to a wonderful ridge walk with outstanding panoramic views, especially across to Llantysilio Mountain and the Dee Valley.
The Dee is one of the most beautiful rivers in Wales, with a gorgeous scenic stretch to the English border.
5. Llangollen Bridge
The fine 14th century stone arched Llangollen Bridge is one of the traditional Seven Wonders of Wales.
It’s a venerable, sturdy old bridge, crossing the Dee at one of its most turbulent locations. The river rapids are a hugely impressive sight, especially if the river is in full spate after rainfall.
6. Take a trip on the wonderful Llangollen Railway
The Llangollen Steam Railway is a wonderful heritage attraction. It’s a great nostalgia trip for railway enthusiasts, and one of the best things to do in North Wales with kids.
Unusually for North Wales, the trains run on standard gauge tracks – the others all operate on narrow gauge railways.
There’s a great view of the station from the parapet of Llangollen Bridge, with passengers boarding steam trains.
The heritage steam railway uses part of the discontinued Ruabon to Barmouth line, running ten miles (16 km) up the scenic Dee Valley from Llangollen to the town of Corwen, stopping at three stations en route.
Good to know: Carrog station has a lovely station café. Variable timetables operate through the year, with reduced services over the winter months.
One of the most popular services is the Llangollen Santa train, which runs in December.
Insider tip: And if you want to get the best shot of the steam trains, it’s from just outside Berwyn station, the first stop if you’re departing from Llangollen.
7. Cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on Foot or by Boat
The Llangollen Canal was the third site in Wales to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the greatest landmarks in Wales.
The focal point of the site is Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which carries the Canal across the Dee Valley and is the highest canal aqueduct in the world.
Pontcysyllte means ‘bridge of Cysyllte’, an old township in the Llangollen area. It coincidentally translates as ‘connecting bridge’, and that’s it exactly what it does, joining two sections of canal across the valley from each other.
It’s over 300 metres long, and stands 38 metres (126 feet) above the valley.
It was the work of Thomas Telford, and is a remarkable feat of engineering. It’s built from stone and a trough of cast iron, and was completed in 1805.
It’s always open, and an amazing experience. You can enjoy it on Pontcysyllte Aqueduct boat trips departing from the wharf at Trevor, on the northern side.
If you don’t have a head for heights, stay on the towpath side of the boat. There’s a sheer drop on the other side.
There’s always the option of Llangollen Canal boat hire, and you can navigate a boat across the famous Llangollen aqueduct yourself.
If you prefer to keep your feet on terra firma you can do the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct walk instead. The railing is well over a metre high.
The car park, facilities and most of the interpretation boards are on the Trevor side.
The Telford Inn does good pub meals, and the Pontcysyllte Tea Room is across the road from there. However, you can also make your way across from Froncysyllte, on the southern side.
Check out the other two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in North Wales. Our guide to the best Castles In North Wales describes the four Castles in Gwynedd of Edward I, and the Welsh Slate Landscape comprises six slate quarrying and mining areas across North West Wales. Both are within reach by car from Llangollen.
See Also: Wales Bucket List – 40 Places In Wales You Must Visit
8. Explore the beautiful Llangollen Canal on a boat trip
Llangollen Canal trips are another way to enjoy the glorious North Wales countryside.
It was part of the 18th century Ellesmere Canal, and later became part of the Shropshire Union Canal in 1846.
The Canal was used extensively until World War I, but fell into decline afterwards. Closure was considered at one point, but it was kept open because it could still be used as a means of water supply.
This was collected from the pool formed by the weir at Horseshoe Falls, two miles (3km) to the west of Llangollen Wharf.
The Canal was partly built by Thomas Telford, the master civil engineer known as the ‘Colossus of Roads’. He was also responsible for the A5 which passes along the southern side of the Dee Valley and on to Holyhead. We’ll be returning to him in the following section.
Llangollen boat trips start from the Wharf to the north of the town. Cross Llangollen Bridge and then the A539 road and you’re there. Some of the Llangollen canal boats are exquisitely made, with some wonderfully ornate decorations.
One of the best ways to see the Canal is on one of the Llangollen horse drawn boats. You’re pulled along at a sedate 4 miles (6 km) per hour, the maximum speed limit on the water.
Otherwise, the Llangollen Canal Walk is also a delight.
9. Horseshoe falls
The Horseshoe Falls were built by Thomas Telford to collect and divert water from the river Dee for the Llangollen Canal.
The Falls are well worth a brief visit, and on the footpath (and close to) to Valle Crucis Abbey.
10. Walk the Offa’s Dyke Path
Offa’s Dyke is an 8th century earthwork marking the western border of the English kingdom of Mercia.
The Offa’s Dyke National Trail is a long-distance footpath following its route from Chepstow in South Wales to Prestatyn on the North Wales coast.
One of the best sections of the walk – and indeed, one of the best walks in Wales – is the stretch above Llangollen. It climbs above Dinas Bran and along Trevor Rocks, the escarpment with awe-inspiring views west across the beautiful countryside.
It continues past a lookout at World’s End, down to Llandegla before climbing to the Clwydian Range, a wonderful string of mountains and hillforts overlooking the Vale of Clwyd and its main town, Ruthin.
11. Drive the Horseshoe Pass
The A542 road heads north from Llangollen, past Valle Crucis Abbey, and ‘over the top’ via the Horseshoe Pass to the moorland above.
It’s a wonderful scenic drive, eventually leading to the A525 which takes you to the bucolic Vale of Clwyd and the beautiful market town of Ruthin.
We highly recommend this town, which has some superb medieval buildings including the half-timbered Nantclwyd y Dre.
12. Visit Wrexham
Wrexham is the newest of the seven cities in Wales, having received its new status as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. It’s also a county, and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is within its boundaries.
There are several things to see in Wrexham, and top of the list is St Giles’ Church, a short walk from the city centre. Its tower is the renowned ‘Wrexham steeple’ mentioned in a well-known verse called ‘The Seven Wonders of Wales’.
St Giles’, built in the Perpendicular style of the 15th and 16th centuries, is one of the finest churches in North Wales, and the churchyard is the burial place of Elihu Yale, founder of Yale University in the US.
13. Chirk Castle
Chirk Castle is one of the foremost castles in North Wales, a border fortress that was later used as a stately home.
It was founded in the 13th century, and helped guard the borderlands of North Wales for almost 300 years. It came into the possession of the Myddelton family in 1595, and they still live there to this day.
Like Powis Castle to the south, Chirk is a fascinating mixture of medieval castle and stately residence, so you pass through gorgeous gardens with yew hedges and eventually reach dingy dungeons from the Middle Ages.
One of my friends from the area always enthuses about the snowdrops at Chirk Castle, the first flowering of spring in the area, which is usually in February.
I’ve never seen them myself but they are stunning. The parkland is open all year, but check the Chirk Castle webpage on the National Trust website for opening times for the Castle and Gardens.
14. Explore the Dee Valley
The River Dee is one of the most beautiful Welsh rivers, and part of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty along with the Clwydian Hills to the north.
It’s an area to savour, especially between Corwen, Llangollen and the border with England. There are plenty of great walks (not just the Offa’s Dyke Path) and the option of seeing it by steam railway as well.
TIP: If you’re hunting for autumn mists, then head for the Offa’s Dyke Path, which runs along the minor road towards Dinas Bran above the valley.
I haven’t had the privilege, but some friends have – the autumn mists often form on the valley floor around sunrise, producing magical results.
15. Llangar Church
There are two wonderful historic churches close to Corwen (ten miles west of Llangollen) which are in the care of Cadw, the Welsh government department responsible for historic sites and monuments.
Llangar Old Parish Church is a wonderful discovery, a remote country church above the river Dee. The simple whitewashed exterior is beautiful, and the interior is a great surprise, with some superb 14th and 15th century wall paintings including a grinning Doom figure with a spear.
It’s open between April and October.
16. Rug Chapel, Corwen
Extraordinary Rug (pronounced ‘reeg’, rhyming with ‘league’) Chapel was the private chapel of Royalist Colonel William Salesbury, who fought against the Parliamentarians during the Civil War in the 1640s.
Like Llangar church, the exterior doesn’t give the slightest hint of what lies within. The interior is extravagantly, richly decorated with painted wooden beams and some amazing 17th century wooden sculptures.
Rug Chapel is also open April to October.
17. Onwards To Snowdonia
Getting to Snowdonia from Llangollen is straightforward. The A5 continues to Betws-y-Coed, the unofficial gateway to Snowdonia. Betws is around an hour’s drive from Llangollen.
Betws-y-Coed is in the heart of the Gwydyr Forest, around half an hour’s drive before the main Snowdonia mountains come into view.
It’s always been one of my favourite parts of Wales, and I suggest following the A4086 through Capel Curig where you reach Llynnau Mymbyr, two of the most beautiful lakes in Wales, where you get a magnificent view of the Snowdon Horseshoe of peaks.
See Also: 22 Best Views In Snowdonia
Take a look at our Snowdonia Road Trip for more ideas on places to go in Snowdonia. A Snowdonia day trip from Llangollen is a great option – you could head for the mountains or even the Snowdonia coast, with Barmouth an hour and a half drive (or direct bus ride!) from Llangollen.
There are also plenty of things to do in Chester, the gorgeous ancient city just across the border in England. Chester Cathedral is one of the finest cathedrals in Northern England, with over a thousand years of history, and is worth the journey across the border on its own.
Llangollen Hotels
There are some excellent hotels in Llangollen and around, and as a frequent visitor to the area I’ve stayed in several.
One of the better places to stay in Llangollen is the Bryn Howel Hotel. It’s out in the countryside 3 miles (5km) from the town. It’s a 3-star hotel with a mixture of luxury and modern standard rooms. The setting is perfect, in extensive grounds overlooking the Canal and valley.
The Wild Pheasant Hotel is another great choice, a 19th century building with a contemporary luxury spa. Its location is very good, on Berwyn Road a short walk from the town centre.
I also strongly recommend Gales of Llangollen. They started out as a wine bar in the 1970s, and gone from a wine bar with a few rooms to a wine bar with a few rooms and nearby cottages as well.
I’ve only stayed in the rooms in the Georgian townhouse, which are beautifully furnished and decorated. The location couldn’t be more central, very close to the Bridge and river.
The best Llangollen B&B I’ve stayed in is Hillcrest Guest House. The rooms are very comfortable, as is the lounge area, and the breakfast of a very high standard.
Llangollen Restaurants
The Corn Mill (Y Felin Ŷd in Welsh) is located right above the swirling rapids of the River Dee. It has a varied gastropub-style menu and the food has always been very good. I keep saying things about the settings of places in Llangollen, but each one is true. You can dine in the old 18th century building or in the glass conservatory overlooking the river.
You can also enjoy a drink on the open air terrace above the rapids, but don’t go out there for an intimate conversation, as you will almost certainly not be able to hear a single word.
Where Is Llangollen ?
Llangollen is in the north-east of Wales in the United Kingdom. It’s set in the beautiful Dee Valley, about seven miles (12 km) from the English border. The nearest English city is Chester, 24 miles (39 km) away. It’s also ten miles (16 km) from the town of Wrexham.
Llangollen Attractions Map
To use this map, simply use your fingers or mouse to zoom in and out, and click on the icons to see more information about each location.
How To Get to Llangollen
Llangollen is on the main A5 London to Holyhead road. If you’re approaching by car from the English Midlands or anywhere south of there, you’ll almost certainly travel along this road.
If you’re approaching from Liverpool, Manchester, Chester or the north of England the A539 which runs along the opposite (north) side of the Dee Valley may be a better option.
Llangollen isn’t on the national rail network, so if you’re relying on public transport, you’ll need to get a train to Wrexham General (check Transport for Wales for train times) and walk to the nearby bus station from there.
The number 5 service runs every half hour except Sundays, when it runs every two hours. Check the Traveline Cymru bus website for current times.
There is also a long-distance bus, the T3 Traws Cambria route, which runs from Barmouth via Dolgellau, Bala and Corwen.
Final Words
I hope you found you found lots of inspiration and useful tips in this guide on the best things to do in Llangollen. You can find our full travel guide to Northeast Wales here or take a look at our Wales travel guide for all our articles on the best places to visit in Wales.
About the Author: David Angel, a Welsh photographer, writer, and historian, has over 30 years of experience exploring and photographing Wales. As former Art Director and Commissioning Editor for Visit Wales, he has explored every corner of this extraordinary country, climbed its mountains, and walked hundreds of miles along the breathtaking Welsh coastline and landscapes. He now uses a lifetime of experience to write comprehensive guides to help people like you discover and explore the best of Wales. He is a native English speaker and fluent in Welsh.
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