Llangollen where Wales Welcomes the World
This week we thought we would introduce you to the beautiful town of Llangollen, because a month from now it the place to be as it welcomes the world with the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod. It began in 1947 with a vision that the ancient Welsh eisteddfod tradition could provide a means of healing the wounds of the Second World War, by promoting lasting peace. Now competitors arrive from all over the globe to take part. This year is especially exciting with an array of famous acts providing entertainment on every night of the week. This is closely followed by Llangollen Fringe Festival which also has a fantastic line-up planned for this year.
Our journey into Llangollen started from Ceiriog valley and as we travelled down the steep hill along the leafy lanes in dappled sunlight the most magnificent vista of Llangollen emerged showing layers upon layers of history. From the early 13th century Welsh Castell Dinas Brân standing sentry over the town to the limestone escarpment of Eglwyseg rising up above the heather clad mountain beyond. The carboniferus limestone locally known as the Panorama is approximately 330 million years old where fossil brachiopods and corals are found.
Driving lower into Llangollen along Hill Street before we get onto what’s locally known as Grapes Hill we pass the entrance to Plas Newydd. This beautiful house and gardens started life as a cottage before being transformed into a gothic ‘fantasy’ by its most famous inhabitants – ‘The Ladies of Llangollen’. Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby eloped from Ireland in 1778 to set up home in Plas Newydd for half a century. They were infamous for their unusual attire as well as their remarkable home and received notable guests including The Duke of Wellington, Wordsworth, Shelley, Sir Walter Scott, and Josiah Wedgewood. Visitors are still enchanted with trip advisor reviews quoting ‘Unique and Well Worth a visit’, ‘A Gem of a Picturesque’ and ‘Unmissable’.
Llangollen lies in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and we can see why. There is a layer of mist which lingers around the forested area beyond the hustle and bustle of the town giving it an air of an alpine valley. The beautiful rapids of the river Dee is a large feature over which crosses the 16th century bridge, one of the seven wonders of Wales. From here you can see Llangollen to Corwen Heritage Railway, started by a group of volunteers in 1975 slowly forming the outstanding attraction you see today.
Just a little walk from here up Wharf hill you can catch a horsedrawn canal boat which has been operating along the canal since 1884. A truly relaxing way to enjoy the waterway which makes up part of the 11 miles of stunning canal and countryside spanning two countries, along aqueducts, tunnels and viaducts which is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site. Pontcysyllte’ pronounced Pont – ker – sulth – tay, is the Welsh name for ‘the bridge that connects’
As you can imagine Llangollen is a great place for an adventure. On Parade Street you will find Bearded Men Adventures who offer white water rafting, aqueduct canoeing, canyoning, river tubing, archery & axe throwing and more. Full & half-day activities, multi-day adventures and stag & hen parties (beards are optional.) Next door is Drosi bikes a community cycle hub based in Llangollen with a mission to turn waste into a solution by creating unique, functional, and fun bikes and e-bikes. They offer sales, repairs and hire of bikes and e bikes. On the same street you will find Llangollen Museum, offering insightful information displays about Llangollen’s history.
Llangollen is home to great independent shops and cafes, restaurants, and pubs. For more information you can visit the Tourist Information Centre on Castle Street, housed in the Hen Capel next to the Town Hall. Where you can book accommodation, plan routes and itineraries, book tickets for national and local events as well as finding information on places to visit, things to do, places to eat. They also have a beautiful gallery for local artists and crafts, maps, guides, and books.
You can download Llangollen Town Trail here with a useful map.