Llangollen is a lively market town situated in the Dee Valley between the Berwyn and Ruabon mountains, overlooked by Castell Dinas Bran. The town has been a magnet for travellers and visitors since the early 19th century. What is it about Llangollen that brings such a high number of visitors to town all year round?
Is Llangollen worth visiting?
The simple to this answer to this question is YES. However, parking can be a bit of a challenge, best to arrive early and allow plenty of time to explore the town. Llangollen has so much to offer! Whether you fancy a family day out, delicious fish and chips by the river, or a bit of shopping Llangollen will never disappoint!
Can you walk the Llangollen Canal?
YES, you can! The Llangollen Canal runs from the Shropshire Union Canal at Hurleston Junction to Llantysilio Bridge just beyond Llangollen, where it terminates into a feeder from the River Dee. The Llangollen Canal also links to the Montgomery Canal at Frankton Junction. Llangollen Canal walk is about a 4-mile walk along the flat towpath to the town and just over 8 miles for this circular walk which climbs above the canal to the north. The walk starts from the aqueduct car park near to the canal and the Trevor Basin. The walk offers stunning views across the valley all year round. Why not visit George's Café on Market Street in Llangollen for some delicious after-walk treats?
Is Llangollen near Snowdon?
The answer is NO! It is 39 miles from Snowdonia to Llangollen. It is approximately 45.5 miles to drive.
How many people speak Welsh in Llangollen?
14.4% of people are fluent in Welsh, comparable with the Wales average (14.6%), but lower than for Denbighshire as a whole (18.6%).
Is parking free in Llangollen?
There are plenty of little side roads with free parking in Llangollen. If you are not lucky to find a free parking spot outside the many shops in Llangollen, then head for the main carpark in town. Parking fees start at £1.30. If you are thinking about visiting Llangollen in the evening, the main carpark will be free after 5pm. What is Llangollen known for?
Llangollen is a lively market town situated in the Dee Valley between the Berwyn and Ruabon mountains, overlooked by Castell Dinas Bran. The town has been a magnet for travellers and visitors since the early 19th century.
Llangollen attracts singers and dancers from all over the world to its annual world-famous International Eisteddfod.  Its riverside location forms the edge of the Berwyn range, and the Dee Valley section of the Clwydian Range and Dee ValleyArea of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with the easternmost point of the Dee Valley Way being within the town.
The ruins of the Dinas Bran Castle are well worth exploring, offering up some breath taking views down onto Llangollen. The climb takes about 45 minutes, but it never becomes overly steep. Take a pack lunch and a blanket and recharge at the top. You will also find the stunning Valle Crucis Abbey just two miles down the road, in the tiny community of Llantysilio. If you fancy a little history lesson and a delicious cake, Plas Newydd is a must see!
What are the shops in Llangollen like?
Llangollen offers a unique range of locally owned shops for fresh local produce and groceries. There is a Country Market with home-made produce and hand-crafted items in the Town Hall
on Friday mornings and a general market in the Market Street car park on Tuesdays. If you need a big weekly shop there are Aldi, Stan's, Spar and Cooperative, all within a walking distance from the town centre.
But there is much more to Llangollen shopping than just delicious food. Llangollen's privately owned shops range from fashion boutiques, jewellery shops, shops selling gifts and quality crafts to outdoor clothing and equipment. When in town you have to visit Hands Across Time! Hidden in the Castle Street Courtyard, behind Barclay's Bank, next door to the gorgeous bookshop and the Courtyard Cafe that serves the most delicious Welsh scones!
Hands Across Time has been named in the Top 100 Attractions in Wales! You never know what you’ll find when you walk through their doors. You might pop in for a birthday card and leave with a granddad armchair!
Discover unique home accessories and clothing with savings of up to 80% less than the RRP! Check out their quirky home and garden furniture, breathtaking Tiffany style lighting, mirrors, unique wall art, clocks, Portmeirion pottery, handcrafted ornaments, eclectic clothes, perfumes and cards for all occasions. One of the best things to do in Llangollen. For latest updates head to Facebook!
Shop in Llangollen! Wooden, hand painted in the UK signs available at £7.
What does Llangollen mean in English?
Llangollen takes its name from the Welsh llan meaning "a religious settlement" and Saint Collen, a 7th-century monk who founded a church beside the river. St Collen is said to have arrived in Llangollen by coracle. St Collen’s Church is the only church in Wales dedicated to St Collen, and he may have had connections with Colan in Cornwall and with Langolen in Brittany.