Llangollen

Llangollen and Castell Dinas Brân — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0

Llangollen is one of the most visited small towns in Wales — a handsome place in a dramatic setting, where the River Dee runs fast over limestone boulders through a narrow valley, with the ruined Castell Dinas Brân perched on the conical hill above the town. It is 11 miles from Oswestry via the A5, an easy 20-minute drive, and a very rewarding day trip. The town combines genuine cultural distinction (the International Musical Eisteddfod has been held here every July since 1947), excellent canal heritage (the Llangollen Canal, horse-drawn boat trips, and the UNESCO-listed Pontcysyllte Aqueduct), and beautiful walking country on its doorstep.

International Musical Eisteddfod

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, held in the Royal International Pavilion each July, is one of Wales’s most celebrated cultural events and one of the world’s great music festivals. Founded in 1947 as a gesture of post-war reconciliation, it brings together choirs, folk dancers, and musicians from over 50 countries for a week of competition, collaboration, and performance. The evening concerts attract internationally known classical and folk artists. Tens of thousands of visitors attend across the week; advance booking for evening concerts is strongly recommended. The eisteddfod has been attended by, among others, Luciano Pavarotti, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Bryn Terfel.

Castell Dinas Brân

The ruined castle on the hill above Llangollen is one of the most dramatically situated in Wales. Dinas Brân (“Crow City” in Welsh) was a native Welsh stronghold, built by the princes of Powys Fadog in the mid-13th century, possibly on the site of a much earlier Iron Age hillfort. It was abandoned by the late 13th century, possibly after the Edwardian conquest, and has been a romantic ruin ever since. The climb from the town takes about 45 minutes on a clear path; the views from the top over the Dee valley, toward the Berwyn Mountains and back toward the Shropshire plain, are outstanding. The castle is freely accessible at all times.

Plas Newydd and the Ladies of Llangollen

Plas Newydd (not to be confused with the National Trust property on Anglesey) was the home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby — the “Ladies of Llangollen” — from 1780 until their deaths in 1829 and 1831 respectively. The two women eloped from Ireland in 1778, set up home together in Llangollen against their families’ wishes, and spent 50 years entertaining a remarkable stream of visitors: Wordsworth, Shelley, Walter Scott, the Duke of Wellington, and many others made the journey to call on them. Their relationship was considered scandalous by some and eccentric by others; they are now recognised as a pioneering couple in the history of same-sex relationships in Britain. The house is preserved much as they left it and is open to visitors.

Canal & Aqueduct

Llangollen Wharf is the terminus of the Llangollen Canal and the starting point for horse-drawn boat trips that have been running here since the Victorian era. The gentle trips up the valley toward the aqueduct give an excellent sense of the canal landscape. More ambitious boat trips run to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (UNESCO World Heritage Site), 4 miles east — the cast-iron trough 38 metres above the Dee valley, which is simultaneously terrifying and magnificent. The Dee valley below the town has Grade 3 white-water rafting and kayaking, operated by several outdoor activity centres based in the town.

Llangollen Steam Railway

The Llangollen Railway is a heritage steam railway running along the Dee valley from Llangollen station westward to Corwen, through beautiful riverside and gorge scenery. The railway uses part of the former GWR Ruabon–Barmouth line, closed under Beeching in 1965 and reopened in stages by enthusiasts from 1975 onward. Diesel and steam services operate throughout the year, with special events including Santa Specials in December, Gala weekends, and Thomas the Tank Engine days for younger visitors. The journey to Carrog and Corwen passes through the Dee gorge and is worth doing for the scenery alone.

Valle Crucis Abbey

Two miles north-west of Llangollen in a quiet valley, Valle Crucis Abbey (Cadw, admission charge) is one of the finest Cistercian ruins in Wales. Founded in 1201 by Madog ap Gruffudd Maelor, Prince of Powys Fadog, it was dissolved in 1537 under Henry VIII. The ruins are well preserved: the west facade, with its rose window, the east range, and the chapter house are all substantial, and the overall setting — backed by wooded hills, with the Eglwyseg crags rising behind — is beautiful. Worth combining with a walk up to Dinas Brân.

Getting to Llangollen from Oswestry

Llangollen is 11 miles from Oswestry via the A5, taking approximately 20 minutes by car. The town has car parks off Castle Street and near the Wharf. By bus, Arriva routes connect Oswestry with Llangollen via Chirk. Llangollen is well signposted from both the A5 and the A539 from Ruabon. Getting to Oswestry from further afield. For more on the town, see the Llangollen visitor guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Llangollen from Oswestry?

Llangollen is approximately 11 miles south-east of Oswestry, about 20–25 minutes by car via the A5. The road through the Ceiriog valley is an attractive route through border country.

When is the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod?

The Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod is held each July, typically in the second week of the month. It lasts for six days and attracts performers and choirs from over 50 countries.

Is Castell Dinas Brân free to visit?

Yes, the ruined castle on the hill above Llangollen is freely accessible at all times. The climb takes approximately 45 minutes on foot from the town centre. The views from the top over the Dee valley are outstanding.

Can I take a boat trip on the Llangollen Canal at Llangollen?

Yes. Horse-drawn canal boat trips are available from the Llangollen Wharf, operated by Llangollen Wharf Boat Trips. The trips run through the season and can be extended to include the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Motorised day boats are also available for hire.