48 Hours in Llangollen, Wales – Scenic Walks and Historic Landmarks
With miles of walking and cycling trails, waterfalls, water sports, historic landmarks, jaw-dropping scenery, quirky independent shops and some seriously good food, you’re absolutely spoilt for choice. It’s one of those places you’ll find yourself wanting to come back to - again, and again, and again.
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Llangollen
We visited as part of a large group, children included and managed to pack both relaxation and adventure into one incredible weekend. We stayed at the luxurious Vale of Llangollen Farm Cottages, nestled deep in the countryside and complete with a hot tub – the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring. The kids loved being on the farm, especially watching the sheep from the window, while for us adults, it was the kind of peaceful escape you rarely find. Just a short stroll from the canal, we had easy access to the heart of Llangollen, or we could follow the towpath out into the surrounding countryside for some breathtaking walks straight from our doorstep.
Once we’d settled into our cottage, we set off to explore and spent the first day of our 48 hours ticking off some of Llangollen’s most iconic landmarks.
● Horseshoe Falls
Our first stop was the beautiful Horseshoe Falls. We wandered the peaceful trails around the area, taking in the rush of the waterfall as it spills in from the River Dee - such a striking photo spot. There’s convenient parking nearby, and it’s also a popular launch point for watersports, including kayaking if you’re feeling adventurous, and a great place for picnics.
● Llangollen Bridge & Riverside Walk
From there, we headed back into the village for a relaxed riverside walk. With a pastry in hand, we meandered through the town, stopping by the historic Llangollen Bridge and listening to the roar of the water below. Yet another brilliant photo opportunity and a moment to just soak up the charm of the place.
● Llangollen Railway
Although we didn’t hop on board this time, the heritage steam railway is definitely one for our next visit. We admired the old-fashioned trains from the bridge above - there’s something magical about seeing the steam rise as they prepare to depart.
● Chirk Castle
A little further out, but absolutely worth the drive, Chirk Castle is one of my favourite National Trust spots to date. The historic castle and its sweeping grounds are breathtaking. You can explore inside too, including the rather eerie dungeons (watch your step!). It’s a brilliant family-friendly spot with plenty of room for a picnic, and the kids loved the play area.
Being self-catering, we had our fair share of homemade meals, picnics and takeaways (we highly recommend Dee Pizza if you fancy a cosy night in!). But if there’s one place I’d say you have to try while in Llangollen, it’s The Corn Mill pub.
Set in what’s arguably the best location in town - perched right beside the River Dee and overlooking the iconic Llangollen Bridge - it’s hard to beat for both food and views. The portions are generous (think proper pub classics like fish and chips, hearty Sunday roasts, and all the crowd-pleasers), and there’s a brilliant kids’ menu too.
If the weather’s on your side, grab a table out on the balcony and enjoy those uninterrupted river views, with the sound of the waterfalls rushing by just beneath you. It’s the perfect spot to slow down and soak up everything Llangollen has to offer.
One thing Llangollen does brilliantly? Giving you the chance to tick something unforgettable off your bucket list. It’s not just about scenic strolls and cosy pubs - there’s a real sense of adventure here too. From watersports to hiking, there are plenty of outdoor activities to try, and several local companies that can help you make it happen. For me, one thing I’d always wanted to do was canoe across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and this trip was finally the time to do it, thanks to TNR Outdoors.
A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this incredible aqueduct stands at over 125 feet high and offers some of the most breathtaking views in the area. Before we paddled across it, I walked it on foot and let me tell you, it’s not for the faint-hearted! It’s high, narrow, and there’s a definite adrenaline rush as you make your way across. Take your time, hold onto the barrier, and just soak in the views.
Then came the real highlight - canoeing across. The 2.5-hour experience with TNR Outdoors was both thrilling and peaceful, with just the two of us gliding across the aqueduct and through the surrounding canals. Our guide shared fascinating history along the way, but there was also plenty of time to enjoy the moment and have fun together.
It’s one of those experiences you’ll never forget - perfect for a couple’s adventure or a unique gift idea for someone special. A true bucket list moment, and something that made our trip to Llangollen unforgettable.
Would I be heading back to Llangollen in a hurry? Absolutely! I still can’t believe it’s only around an hour from Cheshire, and I haven’t explored it more often. We’ll definitely be planning more day trips for bike rides, scenic hikes, and ticking off even more landmarks in and around the area.
Llangollen truly took my breath away - it’s a destination that has it all. If you’re after beautiful views, outdoor adventure, historic charm and cosy places to eat, you’ll love it here too.
Make sure to check out the places I’ve mentioned in this blog (the links are below) and follow me over on Instagram for more photos and behind-the-scenes from our trip - you’ll get to see the sights up close and personal!
