Things to do in Llangollen
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Valle Crucis Abbey
Also within walking distance of Llangollen, the dignified ruins of the abbey – another of the region's ancient treasures – evoke the lives of Wales' Cistercian monks through interpretation material.
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Llangollen Canal
In the 18th century canals and the horse-drawn barge were the most efficient way of hauling goods over long distances but, with the advent of the railway, most of them fell into disrepair.
The Llangollen Canal fared better than most because it was used, for years more, to carry drinking water from the River Dee to the Hurleston Reservoir in Cheshire. Today it's again in use, carrying visitors up and down the Vale of Llangollen. In addition, the old towpaths offer miles of peaceful, traffic-free walking. And the canal itself is part of the attraction, thanks to the great civil engineer Thomas Telford (1757-1834).
To collect water for the canal from the River Dee, Telford d…
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Castell Dinas Brân
One of North Wales' best-known ancient sites, Dinas Brân marks the stark remnants of an Iron Age fort and the tumbledown ruins of a castle whose past is shrouded in mystery. There's a walking trail to the site north of Llangollen.
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Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The real masterpiece of civil engineer Thomas Telford (1757-1834) is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, completed in 1805 to carry the Llangollen Canal over the Dee River. At 316m long and 38m high, it is perhaps the most spectacular piece of engineering on the entire UK canal system and the highest canal aqueduct ever built. The first stone of the aqueduct, which connected the rivers Severn, Mersey and Dee at the height of the Industrial Revolution, was laid in 1795.
More recently it was nominated by the government as a World Heritage site. If accepted by Unesco, the aqueduct will join Stonehenge and the Tower of London on the list of World Heritage sites in Britain.
The aqueduct…
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Llangollen Railway
The 7.5-mile jaunt through the Dee Valley via Berwyn (near Horseshoe Falls) and Carrog on the former Ruabon to Barmouth line is a superb day out for families and heritage rail lovers alike.
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Llangollen Wharf
Llangollen Wharf arranges two options: a short excursion on the Llangollen Canal by horse-drawn narrow boat, and motorised narrow-boat trips. Trip options include travelling one-way from Llangollen to Froncysllte, a return from Froncysllte to Bryn Howel crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or a single to Llangollen Wharf - you can combine any of these trips to travel by boat there and back.
Return transport to Llangollen is provided where necessary. Only the horse-drawn narrow boats are wheelchair accessible. You can also hire self-steer boats from £100 per day.
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Plas Newydd
Ornate Plas Newydd was home to the Ladies of Llangollen. Highlights of the visit include exploring the tranquil grounds, an audio tour (included in the admission) and arts events staged in the gardens. Don't confuse it with the National Trust (NT) stately home of the same name on Anglesey.
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Corn Mill
The water mill still turns at the heart of this converted mill – now an all-day bar and eatery – while the deck is the best spot in town for an alfresco lunch.
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Gales Wine Bar
With 30 years of history as a wine bar and a 100-strong wine list that spans the globe, this wood-lined eatery, with a huge log burner, is a friendly and popular spot with a relaxed feel. Inventive mains make the most of local produce with daily changing menus based around lamb, steaks and fish. The owners also offer B&B accommodation in comfortable rooms with a continental breakfast.
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Llangollen History Trail
For walkers, branded signs around town mark out the new Llangollen History Trail, a six-mile, or four-hour, circular trail following the history of the town and the surrounding Dee Valley. The walk offers a chance to spot local fauna, such as birds of prey. Arm yourself with a copy of OS Explorer Map 255 before setting out and see www.deevalleywalks.com for details.
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Dee Valley Way
The Dee Valley Way is a 15-mile trail split into five sections that follows the course of the River Dee from Corwen to Llangollen. Allow one-and-a-half days to cover the whole trail. The walk offer a chance to spot local fauna, such as birds of prey. Arm yourself with a copy of OS Explorer Map 255 before setting out and see www.deevalleywalks.com for details.
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JJ Canoeing & Rafting
Less than a mile west of Llangollen on the A5, JJ Canoeing & Rafting offers a range of activities and instruction year round, such as canoeing, kayak instruction and gorge walking. You can bring your own equipment and use the river for a £5 water fee.
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ProAdventure
For fans of water sports, Llangollen is an increasingly popular activity centre. In town, ProAdventure has kit for sale and offers a range of courses, including a white water kayaking taster day, a rock climbing day and family adventure days.
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Llangollen Motor Museum
About a mile out of town on the A542 at Pentrefelin is the Llangollen Motor Museum, featuring over 30 classic vehicles from the 1920s to the 1970s, a 1950s garage with pumps, and the owner's living room.
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Honey Pots Ceramic Café
Excellent little café with an artistic motif: upstairs you can paint your own pot over coffee, plus the cost of the pottery - excellent for families. There are also hand-painted pots for sale.
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Hand Hotel
This place hosts the Llangollen Male Voice Choir each Friday evening. Head to the bar around 21:00 and catch them in full voice over a pint of Plessey Bitter.
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Fouzi's
This espresso bar with a few Italian-influenced snacks in the newly revamped Royal Hotel complex is a simple but useful drop-in for a caffeine fix.
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Wynnstay Arms
The liveliest pub is the Wynnstay Arms, with real ales, a beer garden and bar menus friendly to both vegetarians and children.
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Court Yard Books
The mannerly Court Yard Books is down an alleyway in the Courtyard pedestrian area among a slew of knick-knacks shops.
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James Bailey
James Bailey is a delicatessen selling home-made pies - try a Welsh Oggie (a meat, potato and onion pasty).
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Market Street
Tuesday is market day, with produce, handicrafts and more in the car park on Market Street .
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Llangollen Museum
The Llangollen Museum has a small collection for fans of local history.
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ProAdventure Activity Centre
Home to the Llangollen Climbing Centre with its dedicated indoor climbing wall.
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