Just about 5 mins drive along the Llangollen Road from Tower Hill Barns you’ll find the small but welcoming town of Llangollen. With only around 3000 or so inhabitants, it’s a picturesque area packed with shops, cafes and restaurants, together with a wide choice of overnight accommodation.
Llangollen benefits to no small measure from the richness of its natural environment. Set on the River Dee, and surrounded by lush green hills, visitors here experience the peaceful tranquility of rural life, together with excellent provision for everyday tourist necessities.The Tourist Information Centre is found in Castle Street (click here for Google map) and it’s open seven days a week. It’s a great place to start if there are particular places you want to see or facilities you’re after. Also along this main road is the NatWest Bank and the local branch of Barclays.
Depending on the time of year you come, you’ll find a full diary of events and festivals to enjoy, from antiques fairs and arts trails to food festivals and outdoor sporting festivals. One of the major events is the International Musical Eisteddfod which has taken place in July of every year since just after the second world war.
It encompasses music and dance, and welcomes national costumes and culture from around the world. If you’re around during that week, you can enjoy evening concerts, family days, street theatre and an opening parade through the town, as well as a number of other lively events.
Fresh local produce – a Llangollen speciality
Locally made food plays a huge part in the life of the town, with Llangollen butchers having won awards for fresh and wholesome produce. You can purchase delicious meat and vegetables from shops, markets and delis, and on Fridays, don’t miss the Country Market held in the morning at the town hall.
Llangollen Town Hall is a Victorian building complete with its own gallery. It’s a venue for live music, busy markets and performances from groups like the very active Llangollen & District Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, which has more than a hundred years of history and is known as Llangollen Operatic Society.
Discounts for buying locally – every second Friday
For some retail therapy head to the many independent shops and outlets selling a wide range of beautifully made souvenirs, Welsh and English language books (new and second hand), jewelry, antiques, flowers and clothing.
Of course, there are also places to get all your outdoor activity essentials – clothing and specialist equipment – to help you make the most of your stay in the area. Every second Friday of the month there are special deals in many of the shops, encouraging people to buy locally.
For accommodation in Llangollen, you’ll find some excellent hotels and guest houses, many of which have been verified as providing good quality by Visit Wales/Croeso Cymru. You’ll have the choice of staying in more remote areas or in the centre of town.
There’s also camping and lower cost accommodation if required. Again, the Tourist Information Centre will be able to help you find a comfortable place to stay that suits your budget and preferences.
Outdoor activities – training, day tours, equipment hire
If you’re into outdoor pursuits, Llangollen’s natural environment offers huge opportunities for walking and climbing, cycling, canoeing and kayaking.
Those more confident and experienced in these will be able to head off and make their own way, but for others there’s training and organized sessions available to book, as well as day tours.
The Llangollen based not-for-profit company, ProAdventure Activities, can cater for individuals, groups and families of all abilities.
What with the Llangollen railway, the Horseshoe Falls, and the nearby world famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, you certainly won’t be short of things to do and see in and around the town of Llangollen.