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Town in Denbighshire, Wales
Photo: Sarah Charlesworth, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Llangollen (meaning "church of St Collen") is a small town in Denbighshire, Wales, ten miles southwest of Wrexham. It's on A5, the historic stagecoach route, and close to the English border, so it's been a tourist destination for 200 years. It's notable for its abbey, the spectacular leaping aqueduct that carries the canal, and the fine half-timbered abode of the "Ladies of Llangollen".
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A half-timbered black and white house in extensive grounds. This was once the home of the 'Ladies of Llangollen' from 1780 to 1831 and their tomb can be found in the grounds of St Collen's Church in Llangollen (which you will see on your right as you enter via the A5). The inside has many intricate carvings many brought by visitors (including the Duke of Wellington) to the ladies - Miss Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler. The two women are amongst the most celebrated of the town's former residents. They arrived after eloping from their families in Ireland. The exact nature of their relationship is ambiguous, however they formed a lifelong partnership until they died within two years of each other in 1829 and 1831.
As you approach the town by either road from the east you will see the Pontcysyllte aqueduct carrying the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee, it is 126 feet high and a 1007 feet long. The aqueduct is an impressive sight, with 19 arches each of 45 feet and holds 1.5 million litres of water. Construction was started in 1795 by Thomas Telford and it was completed in 1805. Built from local stone the aqueduct is the largest anywhere in Britain. The name Pontcysyllte is Welsh for 'bridge that connects', and is pronounced "pont-cuh-SUTH-(l)tee". You can take a walk across the aqueduct or traverse it on a boat.
A ruined castle, overlooking the town from a nearby mountain top. It is an open site (i.e. no admission charge), and the view is worth the long walk and climb. Just beyond the town centre and on the far side of the canal, is the beginning of the walking path leading up, perpendicular to the canal. You will find this directly over the canal bridge and the initial part of the footpath runs alongside the school of the same name. Dinas Bran was constructed in or around 1260 AD and is on a site that is believed to have held a wooden hillfort. The site was barely occupied for 20 years before falling into disuse.
This church was founded by St Collen in the 6th century and the name 'Llangollen' (meaning 'church of Collen') was derived from this early inhabitant. The site has been developed since then from what had been a simple stone cell. Amongst the main features of the church are its stained glass windows and its 15th-century carved roof. It is claimed by some that the timbers for this roof came from nearby Valle Crucis Abbey.
A ruined Cistercian abbey built in 1201. There is a nearby caravan park.
A small car museum.
The train departs from the station in the town. You can enjoy a 3-course meal on the train or just go for the ride.
Available 50 m from the town centre at weekends and during the summer. Make sure you sit on the right side of the boat and then you'll be able to look over the side and down a 100-ft drop as you pass over the Pontcysyllte aqueduct!
The fast flowing and rocky River Dee is popular with canoeists. You can bring your own canoe or use one of the many companies in the area to hire one or get tuition.
ProAdventure offers adventure holidays, skills training and qualifications in canoeing, white-water rafting, kayaking, climbing, gorge walking, bushcraft and survival skills, and archery and axe throwing.
Safe and Sound Outdoors run activities on a day basis and for multiple days, including: hen and stag activities, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, gorge walking, paintball, mountain biking, high ropes, bushcraft, and first aid.
The oak-beamed Gallery Restaurant opened in 2002 and remains a family-owned and family-run business. The Gallery is at first floor level and caters for up to 40 visitors. Booking is recommended, especially during peak season.
The Cornmill is a pub/restaurant in an old mill on the river Dee in Llangollen, overlooking the Llangollen Railway. Food is served M-Sa noon to 21:30 and Su to 21:00. Booking is recommended, especially during peak season.
Family-run wine bar and restaurant, in the premises of the one time Lion Inn.
The Cornmill is a pub/restaurant in an old mill on the river Dee in Llangollen, overlooking the Llangollen Railway.
'The Pon'
Serving large selection of real ales.
Geufron Hall is a five-star contemporary country house B&B high above Llangollen, nestling in the shadow of Castell Dinas Bran. There are four en suite bedrooms offering free internet access, a sitting room, dining room and the use of the paved terraces and access to the extensive gardens. Geufron Hall has been featured in Tatler, Country Living, The Week, and many other regional and national magazines and newspapers.
Bed & Breakfast.
Just outside the town are more up-market.
Just outside the town are more up-market.
Gwely a Brecwast Bryn Meirion
Large Edwardian house overlooking the canal. Self-catering and B & B.
Awarded best B&B in Britain by Period Living Magazine.
The best way to arrive in Llangollen is by car or bus. The A5 (from London to Holyhead) runs through the town.
Read in the guideLlangollen is a small town and all the tourist attractions can be reached on foot. The town centre consists of one main street running between the A5 and A539, most of the other roads lead off this.
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