Things To Do
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct carries the Llangollen Canal across the Dee Valley in north Wales. Pronounced ‘Pont-ker-sulth-tay’, the Welsh for ‘the bridge that connects’, it’s considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the Waterways. Built in 1805 by Thomas Telford, it stands 38 metres high and stretches 307 metres long, making it the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain, and it was once the highest in the world. Made from a cast-iron trough supported by stone pillars, it holds around 1.5 million litres of water and took over 500 men ten years to build. Now a Grade I listed structure and UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s cared for by the Canal & River Trust and forms part of an 11-mile protected landscape described by UNESCO as a masterpiece of engineering.
Castell Dinas Brân
Castell Dinas Brân is a dramatic hilltop ruin overlooking Llangollen in north Wales, perched high above the Dee Valley. Built in the late 13th century, it served as a stronghold for the Princes of Powys and later came under English control during the medieval conflicts. Over the centuries it was besieged and eventually abandoned, leaving the striking ruins seen today. Steeped in Welsh legend and history, the castle remains a popular walking destination, offering some of the best views in the region.
Plas Newydd Historic House & Gardens Llangollen
The Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, were two Irish women who left Ireland in the late 18th century to escape arranged marriages and live life on their own terms. They settled at Plas Newydd, a secluded Georgian mansion near Llangollen, where they built a warm, welcoming home filled with books, art, and curiosities. Their independence and intellect attracted many famous visitors, including William Wordsworth, Percy Shelley and Lord Byron, making their home a cultural hub of the era. Plas Newydd remains a fascinating insight into their extraordinary lives and love.
Castell y Waun - Chirk Castle
Chirk Castle is a grand medieval fortress built in the late 13th century by the de Clare family to guard the border. Over the centuries, it evolved from a defensive stronghold into a stately home, with beautifully preserved interiors, extensive gardens, and impressive parkland. Steeped in history, the castle has connections to the English Civil War and was home to the Myddelton family for generations. Today, it offers visitors a mix of fascinating history, stunning architecture, and scenic walks through its gardens and estate.