Llangollen is a charming town located in Denbighshire, North Wales, UK. It’s a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque scenery, rich history, and cultural significance. Here are some of the things that the town of Llangollen has to offer:
Castell Dinas Bran: Is a ruined castle that sits atop a hill overlooking the charming town of Llangollen in Denbighshire, North Wales, UK. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside.
The castle dates back to the 12th century and is steeped in history and legend. It is said to have been built by Prince Madoc of Powys, who was a Welsh warrior and leader during the 12th century. The castle’s strategic position and impressive fortifications made it an important stronghold during the medieval period, and it played a vital role in Welsh history.
The castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair during the 15th century, and today, only the ruins remain. However, this doesn’t detract from its beauty and charm. Visitors can explore the castle ruins and admire the stunning views of the town and countryside from the hilltop location.
The walk up to the castle is steep and challenging, but well worth the effort. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the surrounding woods and fields before reaching the castle ruins. Once at the top, visitors can explore the castle’s remains, including the remnants of its impressive fortifications and the ruins of the great hall.
Castell Dinas Bran is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Llangollen or the surrounding area. Its history, legends, and stunning views make it an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
The Llangollen Canal: Is a picturesque waterway that runs through North Wales, connecting the towns of Llangollen and Hurleston. Built in the 18th century, the canal covers a distance of 46 miles and features some of the most breathtaking scenery in the UK.
One of the most striking features of the Llangollen Canal is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that spans the River Dee. The aqueduct is an engineering marvel, standing at over 38 meters tall and stretching for over 300 meters. Crossing the aqueduct can be an exhilarating experience, as the narrow path and lack of railings make it feel as though you’re suspended in mid-air.
Along the length of the canal, visitors can enjoy a leisurely boat trip, taking in the lush greenery, charming villages, and stunning landscapes. The canal is surrounded by rolling hills and valleys, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop off and explore the surrounding countryside.
One of the most popular stops along the canal is the town of Llangollen itself. Here, visitors can explore the town’s rich history and cultural heritage, including the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, an annual festival celebrating Welsh music and culture.
For those who prefer to explore on foot or by bike, the canal towpath offers a scenic route through some of North Wales’ most beautiful landscapes. From the tranquil waters of the canal to the rugged beauty of the surrounding hills, the Llangollen Canal is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting North Wales.
Valle Crucis Abbey: Is a ruined Cistercian monastery located in Llangollen, Denbighshire, North Wales, UK. Founded in 1201, it is one of the most well-preserved examples of a Cistercian abbey in the country and is a popular destination for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone interested in Welsh history.
The abbey was established by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor, who invited Cistercian monks to the area in the hopes of establishing a religious community. The monks who settled in Valle Crucis Abbey were known for their dedication to manual labor, simplicity, and self-sufficiency.
Over the years, the abbey grew in size and importance, becoming a center of agriculture, trade, and religious scholarship. It also played a significant role in Welsh history, serving as a meeting place for Welsh princes during the turbulent medieval period.
Today, visitors to Valle Crucis Abbey can explore the ruins of the abbey, which include the nave, transepts, choir, and cloister. They can also admire the intricate stonework, including the abbey’s famous west doorway, which features intricate carvings and decorations.
Visitors can also learn about the daily life of the monks who lived at the abbey and gain insight into the religious, social, and economic history of medieval Wales. The site is maintained by Cadw, the Welsh government’s historic environment service, and is open to the public year-round.
Valle Crucis Abbey is a must-see destination for anyone interested in Welsh history and architecture. Its well-preserved ruins and rich history make it a fascinating and educational place to visit.
Horseshoe Pass: Is a scenic mountain pass. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and a unique driving experience.
The pass is named after its horseshoe-shaped bend and is approximately 610 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level at its highest point. It is a popular spot for hikers and cyclists, as well as motorists looking for a challenging and rewarding drive.
At the top of the pass, visitors will find the Ponderosa Cafe, a popular rest stop that offers delicious food and drinks, as well as stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The cafe has been a fixture on the pass for over 50 years and is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Horseshoe Pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Berwyn Range, Snowdonia National Park, and the Clwydian Range. It is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sheep, goats, and birds of prey.
The pass has a rich history, dating back to the Roman era when it was used as a trade route. Today, it is a popular destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and history of North Wales.
Overall, the Horseshoe Pass is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Llangollen. Its stunning views, challenging driving experience, and iconic Ponderosa Cafe make it a unique and unforgettable destination. Whether you’re a hiker, cyclist, or motorist, the Horseshoe Pass is a must-visit destination in North Wales.
Plas Newydd: The house was constructed in the late 18th century and was the former home of two women, Lady Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, who became known as the Ladies of Llangollen. The house is now open to the public and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these two remarkable women.
Plas Newydd was originally built in 1780 as a small cottage, but over the years, the Ladies of Llangollen expanded and renovated the house, turning it into a beautiful and unique dwelling. The house was decorated with an eclectic mix of styles, featuring Gothic and Renaissance influences, as well as Chinese and Welsh decorative elements.
The Ladies of Llangollen became famous for their unconventional lifestyle and relationship. They lived together at Plas Newydd for over 50 years, entertaining a wide range of guests, including writers, artists, and politicians. They were also known for their love of gardening, and the gardens at Plas Newydd are still maintained and open to visitors today.
If you visit Plas Newydd today, you can explore the house’s fascinating history and architecture, which has been carefully preserved to showcase the unique character of the Ladies of Llangollen. Visitors can see the many rooms and decorative elements that make the house so unique, including the Gothic dining room, the Chinese bedroom, and the stunning views of the gardens and surrounding countryside.
In addition to the house, visitors can also explore the gardens, which feature a wide range of plants, trees, and flowers. The gardens also include a summer house, a Gothic-style cottage, and a pet cemetery, where the Ladies of Llangollen buried their beloved pets.
Plas Newydd is a fascinating and unique destination for anyone interested in Welsh history, architecture, or the lives of the remarkable women who called it home. Whether you’re a history buff, a gardening enthusiast, or simply looking for a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, Plas Newydd is well worth a visit.
Vintage RV Adventures 
Thanks for this great insight into Llangollen. Having moved from Buckinghamshire to North Wales last October, this is the place we used to stop off on our travels as we were house hunting, and we keep meaning to go back and have a proper look round this beautiful place. As a medieval historian, top of my list is Dinas Bran, and it was good to see the path up to castle doesn’t look too arduous! And I would love to explore Valley Crucis Abbey with all it’s medieval history too. We love the Horseshoe Pass, but didn’t know about the Ponderosa Cafe until now so thanks for the steer. Fascinating to see the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, although as someone who suffers with vertigo I think I’ll settle for admiring it from afar! 🙂
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Thank you for your lovely comment on our blog post about Llangollen. It means so much to us to hear that our insights were helpful and informative, especially coming from someone with such a passion for medieval history.
We’re thrilled to hear that you’ve recently moved to North Wales and that Llangollen is a place close to your heart. It’s such a beautiful and historically-rich town, and we’re glad to have been able to shed some light on its many attractions and hidden gems.
We hope that you get the chance to explore Dinas Bran and Valley Crucis Abbey soon, and that the path up to the castle isn’t too challenging for you. And don’t worry, we completely understand your fear of heights when it comes to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct!
Once again, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with us. Your support means the world to us, and we’re grateful to have readers like you.
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