Llangollen

Llangollen is a market town and community in Denbighshire, Wales, located in the Dee Valley at the edge of the Berwyn mountains and beside the River Dee. The town is a popular tourist destination and a base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Eglwyseg escarpment and several historic sites.

One of the town’s most famous features is the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, an 18th‑century engineering landmark designed by Thomas Telford. Completed in 1805, it carries the Llangollen Canal across the Dee valley and is part of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site, recognized for its significant engineering achievement. The canal network connects Trevor Basin near Wrexham with Llangollen, making the town a hub for waterway enthusiasts. The Llangollen Railway is a preserved heritage line that operates steam and diesel services between Llangollen and Carrog, offering scenic trips through the Dee Valley.

Historic sites near the town include Valle Crucis Abbey, a ruined Cistercian abbey dating from the 13th century, located close to Llangollen. The hilltop site of Dinas Bran provides panoramic views over the town and valley and features the remains of a medieval fortress.

Culturally, Llangollen hosts the International Eisteddfod, an annual festival that draws choirs, musicians, and performers from around the world. The town also maintains attractions such as riverside walks, traditional pubs, and local shops, contributing to its reputation as a center for heritage, music, and outdoor recreation.

Today, Llangollen’s economy is driven largely by tourism, with recreation along the canal, railway, and countryside coexisting with a village-centre economy that supports residents and visitors alike.