Llangollen

Located between the River Dee and the Berwyn Mountains is Llangollen, a picturesque, bustling market town.  Famous for the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod held in July each year, visitors come from world wide to spectate and compete in poetry, dance and music competitions.

Take the 45 minute walk to Castell Dinas Brân, perched on a hill 800ft above the town, the Holy Grail is said to be buried here and there are fantastic views of the town.  For long distance walks there’s the Offa’s Dyke Path and the Precipice Walk. 

Alternatively, for those seeking less strenuous activities, the Llangollen Railway, operates nostalgic trips between Llangollen and Carrog on restored steam engines through eight miles of beautiful Welsh countryside.  Canal trips start from Llangollen Wharf, either a horse drawn boat or a narrow boat ride over Thomas Telford’s magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 126 feet above the River Dee.

Plas Mawr, a black and white timber framed building was home to the renowned "Ladies of Llangollen" and today, it retains the gothic features and rich oak carvings the ladies introduced – there have been visitors here since 1780.  Valle Crucis Abbey was built in 1201 and is one of the last Cistercian Monasteries in Britain.