By: Jude Rogers –
Beautiful, bustling Llangollen: already a favourite in my family. It’s the place my parents travel to from South Wales for the International Musical Eisteddfod every July. And where my brother, a Welsh choirmaster, often absconds to with busloads of tenors and baritones.
As someone who prefers their holidays less dense with crowds, I hadn’t visited the riverside town until now. But I’m so glad I did…
It’s one of the most atmospheric and intriguing places I’ve ever been to in Wales.
First of all, there’s the dazzle of its riverside setting. When I arrived in my car, its beauty had me nearly stalling the gears. The River Dee bubbles down from Eryri (Snowdonia) through the Clwydian Range and travels dramatically through the town. The river makes the town look almost Alpine. However, on closer inspection, the beautifully preserved old shops assure you it’s a unique, Welsh wonderland.
“It’s one of the most atmospheric and intriguing places I’ve ever been to in Wales.” Jude Rogers
Scenes from the Llangollen International Eisteddfod –
I’d recommend parking nearby, and walking onto the incredible structure the river flows under: the Grade 1-listed, 16th century Llangollen Bridge. It’s had a few alterations since the 1500s, naturally, but it’s hard not to sense the years under your feet as you look out from edges.
You can also get a great view of the bridge from The Corn Mill, an old 18th century mill once left to go derelict on the riverside. Saved and sensitively converted into a pub and restaurant in recent years, it’s a homely and popular spot. I recommend taking twenty minutes for a drink – or more than that if the weather’s lovely – on one of the small tables on the terrace above the river.
Llangollen Bridge and the Corn Mill pub
While we’re talking food and drink, Llangollen’s a fantastic place if you’re into either. Local institution, The Three Eagles, values quality very highly. The food is seasonal, delicious and thoughtfully done, with fantastic a plant-based menu for vegetarians. After my cured meat next door, I went for the mushroom risotto, which was pure joy in a bowl. When I finally dragged myself away, I crossed over the road to stay at the fantastic Cornerstones, a beautifully restored sixteenth century house. The rooms are delightful.
Although the town itself is small, it’s full of interesting shops. I loved Books Llangollen on Castle Street with its beautiful, old painted shop sign. It has rooms upon rooms of second-hand volumes, shelved to the ceiling. Courtyard Books nearby is a much smaller, but still very sweet treasure trove, especially good on local interest (which helps when there’s so much of it). Given the breakfast I’d had, I also embarrassed myself gawping at the various independent food outlets. There’s locally sourced scotch eggs and pork pies at the Llangollen Oggie Shop, Welsh artisan cheeses at Porter’s Delicatessen, and mouth-watering vegan pies at Zingiber Wholefoods.
The amazing house they created together, is a testimony to their love for each other.” Jude Rogers
I also found Llangollen is superb for walking. I particularly enjoyed crossing the river past the steam-hauled Llangollen Railway heritage line, which travels ten miles towards Corwen in high season.
In town, St Collen’s Church is also worth a diversion. Its carved oak ceiling, from around 1450, being both unusual and deeply beautiful.
Just outside town, the Eglwyseg limestone escarpment also offers seasoned walkers (and car drivers) plenty of drama.
Eglwyseg limestone escarpment, Denbighshire
If you’re a history-lover, don’t miss Plas Newydd, a black-and-white gothic house lived in by the Ladies of Llangollen. These were two Irish women, Sarah Ponsonby and Lady Eleanor Butler, who fled 18th century Ireland to be together. The amazing house they created together, full of repurposed oak interiors and stunning gardens, is a testimony to their love for each other.
It set off in my head the idea of Llangollen as a place ahead of its time. As I left, I knew there was even more to this progressive, beautiful place. As I cross the old bridge and head home, I know there’s only one way to find out…
My return trip’s already booked.
Llangollen Railway, Berwyn Station
Discover Llangollen for yourself
Llangollen is an amazing place to visit, especially if you love the outdoors. The Llangollen History Trail is an excellent introduction to the area. The 6 mile/9.5km walk takes you along the canal to the Horseshoe Falls and Llantysilio Church, then up to the atmospheric ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey and Dinas Bran Castle high above Llangollen. Link to a map of the Llangollen History Trail.
Search for more attractions in and around Llangollen.
If you fancy joining the rafters and canoeists regularly seen setting off down the River Dee, search our activities database for certified providers and other outdoor activities.
Use our accommodation search to find your ideal place to stay in and around Llangollen, including boutique hotels, 4 star hostels and campsites.
This article appeared in Visit Wales by Journalist – Jude Rogers –
JUDE ROGERS
Welsh journalist who has regularly written for The Guardian, The Observer and New Statesman for over 15 years. Born and bred in Swansea and trained at the Llanelli Star in her teens, she now lives in rural Monmouthshire.
Photo Credits: © Megan McNutt /
© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright
