Nestled on the River Dee in Denbighshire, the enchanting town of Llangollen seamlessly blends industrial heritage and Welsh folklore with a cosmopolitan vibe and robust community spirit, all set against a  picturesque riverside backdrop. The town is home to the narrowest part of the Dee Valley, which cuts through a landscape recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This stunning geographical location has been deemed an “Outstanding Universal Value” by UNESCO and encompasses an eleven-mile stretch of canal from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls, including the extraordinary Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.The broader valley area is peppered with historical and religious relics, such as a substantial Gothic bridge, Cistercian abbeys, and the medieval ruins of Castell Dinas Bran. Llangollen, situated at the heart of the valley, is renowned as the festival capital of Wales, reports Wales Online.

The charming town annually hosts the international Music Eisteddfod and warmly welcomes the eccentricities of festival culture and its devotees.

It’s not uncommon to stumble upon quilted bridges, booming town criers, and ladies adorned with feather boas on stilts.

What to do

Canals and Aqueducts

In 2009, UNESCO designated the eleven-mile canal from Chirk Bank to the magnificent Horseshoe Falls as a World Heritage site, recognising its engineering features and historical operation. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a must-see destination for civil engineering enthusiasts and stands as one of the most remarkable accomplishments of the Industrial Revolution.

At a towering 38 metres above the Dee Valley, the “stream in the sky” holds the title for the highest navigable aqueduct globally and the oldest in Britain. This architectural wonder, designed and constructed by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop, remains functional over two centuries after its construction began.

This canal spectacle seems almost impossible. Eighteen arched stone pillars support deep cast-iron troughs filled with water, creating a river in the sky that can be traversed either on foot or by boat.

Several local firms offer canal boat trips or hire out canal boats for a stylish journey along the canal and across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Beaded Men Adventures, a local company, provides guided kayaking trips across the Aqueduct, offering breathtaking views as you paddle across.

Horse Drawn Boats

Experience a traditional horse-drawn boat trip from Llangollen’s canal wharf towards the Horseshoe Falls, built by Thomas Telford around 1808 to supply water into the Llangollen Canal.

Travel along the serene, tree-lined waters as your boat glides silently, pulled by one of the powerful horses.

White Water Rafting

With rugged mountain peaks, rocky coastlines and some of the UK’s best rivers for rafting, it’s no surprise that North Wales is known as the adventure capital of the UK.

Join Bearded Men Adventures for a guided rafting trip down the lengthy River Dee in Llangollen and experience the thrill of paddling against the surging rapids, ranging from grades two to four.

Locally, these rapid sections are known as Serpent’s Tail, Tombstones, and the classic Town Falls and are best navigated by qualified guides as part of an organised adventure activity.

Enjoy scenic valley views as you crash through fast-flowing waves, sail through the shallows and plunge into deep pools on a river that shifts between turbulent and tranquil.

Llangollen Railway

Llangollen Railway is the only standard-gauge heritage railway in North Wales. It takes visitors on a vintage voyage through captivating scenery.

Board a 1950s carriage hauled by a classic steam engine and enjoy a spot of nostalgia as the train follows the river and climbs the curves of a lush, green landscape.

The line is a labour of love. For over 45 years, rail enthusiasts have meticulously rebuilt and restored 10 miles of neglected lines and stations between Llangollen and Corwen.

The result is a splendid community asset that makes for a unique family day on rails.

Offa’s Dyke Path

The most dramatic section of the 177-mile Offa’s Dyke path passes through the Vale of Llangollen, with shorter sections also available for keen hikers visiting the area.

Local legends suggest that it was built by a medieval king as a show of strength to intimidate his adversaries.

Alongside its mythical qualities, the path takes in some of Wales’ most impressive landscapes and historic castles, loosely following the Welsh and English boundary.

Day trippers can tackle the 13-mile stretch from Llangollen to Llandegla, taking in the sights of the Llangollen Canal, Castell Dinas Bran and UNESCO landscapes.

Discover the intriguing Plas Newydd

Nestled on the southern edge of Llangollen is the medieval gem, Plas Newydd, once home to the famed “Ladies of Llangollen”. In 1780, Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler fled their aristocratic Irish families.

They embarked on a bohemian lifestyle together, shunning the mundane constraints of societal norms in favour of intellectual pursuits. The duo epitomised charming and slightly eccentric co-dependency.

Their choice to don top hats and men’s attire and adorn their dwelling in gothic chic caused quite a stir in rural society at the time.

Their cosmopolitan residence welcomed notable guests such as Robert Southey, William Wordsworth, and statesmen like the Duke of Wellington.

Today, the house and its immaculate gardens serve as an unexpected tourist attraction and a charming museum for visitors. Their grandeur and non-conformist spirit encapsulate the town’s free-spirited and accepting nature.

Where to eat

This scenic town offers a plethora of dining options for peckish visitors. From rustic pubs and cafes to sophisticated wine bars, there’s something to cater to all budgets.

For dining by the water, The Corn Mill boasts a large outdoor terrace overlooking the river and serves a variety of pub favourites, including fish and chips, steak and pies.

The Wharf Tea Room, located next to the canal, offers homemade cakes, scones and hearty cooked breakfasts.

For a taste of local cuisine, drop by Llangollen Oggie Shop and Fine Foods for Welsh oggies (the Welsh answer to the Cornish pasty). They also serve artisan sausage rolls, scotch eggs, cakes and full dairy Welsh ice cream.

Gales Wine Bar and Hotel is an excellent spot for a drink or two in its impressive wood-panelled wine bar. They also offer a variety of seasonal dishes featuring fresh local produce and delicacies.

For homemade country fare and afternoon tea, make your way to Cottage Tearooms and Bistro. Situated in a natural courtyard less than 100m from the iconic Llangollen Bridge, these charming, rustic tearooms are a popular spot for cream tea in a historic setting.

Where to stay

Charming Llangollen boasts modern and historic hotels, B&Bs and even a 16th-century drovers’ inn, perfect for a peaceful night’s sleep.

For a boutique bed and breakfast experience near the River Dee, consider booking the beautifully renovated Riversdale House.

Winners of the North Wales Tourism Awards in 2023, this chic Victorian townhouse B&B features large, stylish rooms with views and a continental breakfast delivered to your door each morning.

Further afield, there are a range of luxury properties within easy reach of the Llangollen valley. The nearby five-star Chester Grosvenor Hotel offers a stylish stay with individually decorated rooms, spa facilities and a Michelin-starred restaurant, complete with hatted doormen.

The Chester Grosvenor, dating back to 1865, is a historic hotel boasting luxurious interiors in subtle hues of ivory, champagne, and gold, complete with a grand column façade.

For those seeking luxury near Llangollen, the unique Pale Hall offers an opulent stay. This historic country home, now under new management, has been expertly transformed into a luxury destination hotel with 18 bedrooms and fine dining.