When you plan your trip to Wales, there are so many must see places, and think Llangollen it’s right up there with the best places to visit in Wales. I’ve loved this little beautiful town since the day I set foot there.

Llangollen’s history goes back to at least the 6th century AD, when St Collen, a Celtic monk, founded a church there. In medieval times it was part of the Welsh kingdom of Powys, and its princes built a castle, Dinas Bran, in the 13th century.

This is my list of must do in Llangollen:

Walk around the town and admire Llangollen Bridge



The town is located on the River Dee, which flows from northwest Wales to the city of Chester and flows into the Irish Sea. The river rapids are a hugely impressive sight and the old bridge crossing the Dee at one of its most turbulent locations. This fine 14th century stone arched Llangollen Bridge is one of the traditional Seven Wonders of Wales.

Seven Wonders of Wales: Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, Berwyn Mountains. First up from the rhyme, is Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall, near Llanrhaedr-ym-Mochnant, St Giles' Church, Wrexham, The Yew Trees, Overton-on-Dee, St Winefride's Well, Holywell, Gresford Bells, Gresford and, of course, Llangollen Bridge.

Cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on Foot or by Boat

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 the canal across the valley from each other. It’s over 300 m long, and stands 38 m (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 walk across or, like us, take the narrow boat. This is was an amazing, ones in the lifetime, experience.

Narrow boat trip (2 hours) £14.50, to book go to https://www.wtm360.co.uk/llangollen-wharf-boat-trips-1554821326-aqueduct-cruise-a-llangollen-to-froncysyllte.html

Plas Newydd Historic House & Gardens Llangollen



You can't visit Llangollen and not see a wonderful historic house Plas Newydd.  Llangollen is a stone built house converted into a gothic ‘fantasy’ by its most famous inhabitants – ‘The Ladies of Llangollen'.  Some of us may have heard about the  Ladies of Llangollen but not many of us will know the actual story of Lady Eleanor Charlotte Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, the two ladies in question. They were very remarkable people and their story really touched me. 

The ladies ran away from Ireland in 1778 to set up a new life and home in Wales. Eleanor was about to send to France to be a nan and Sarah was due to be married to a much older man she didn't like. Both Sarah and Eleanor's families lived in Ireland and it was here that the two women formed a strong emotional bond and attachment that would endure for the rest of their lives. Eleanor was 16 years older than Sarah.

The public was captivated by their unconventional, romantic way of life. They received many distinguished visitors, including the Duke of Wellington and they were a celebrity- like of that time.

Women often spent a great deal of time in each other's company and developed strong, intense relationships. Were they lovers? Or was this a ‘romantic friendship’?  We don't know if the relationship between Eleanor and Sarah was sexual or not, but if definitely was loving. Let to be honest, the lives and stories of same-sex love and desire like this Ladies can easily go unrecorded and slip out of history, contributing to the false impression that they gays never existed before the late 19th century.   Although their fame was extraordinary, romantic female friendships were common in 18th-century Europe.

The Ladies of Llangollen were, eventually, reconciled with their families, but continued to live in north Wales. And the public continued to come. Eleanor died on 2 June 1829 while Sarah, 16 years younger than her friend, died three years later of broken heart.

Ticket price: Adult: £6.00, Children: £5.00, Children under 5 years old: Free

Have a Dinner in The Corn Mill

Traditional, old mill, as its name would suggest, The Corn Mill has been beautifully converted and features beautiful wood beams and an exceptional riverside location with a food to math.  You’ll be hard pushed to find a better place to enjoy your evening meal in Llangollen.

Llangollen Railway

If you spend longer in town, then you must take a delightfully traditional steam train at the Llangollen Railway. The entire length of the line follows the River Dee, journeying through the picturesque Dee Valley, to the postcard-worthy town of Corwen. The Llangollen Railway is located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, so keep your camera handy and prepare to be well and truly blown away by this spectacular trip.

Llangollen is a small town with its spectacular scenery and many cool things to do definitely is a must on the trip to Wales. Stop here for a day or eve few hours and you won't be disappointed.

Which of my suggested activities will you be doing on your day trip to Llangollen? Share your thoughts or let me know if I’ve missed your favourite spots in the comments!