Charming riverside town steeped in history is the perfect spot for an autumn getaway
- UK Hidden Gems
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Tucked along the River Dee in Denbighshire, this beautiful town mixes Welsh legend and industrial history with a friendly, modern feel, all set beside a stunning riverside backdrop.
The town sits in the narrowest part of the Dee Valley, an area recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and rich history.
This incredible location has been given “Outstanding Universal Value” by UNESCO and includes an eleven-mile stretch of canal running from Gledrid to the Horseshoe Falls, featuring the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
The wider valley is filled with historic sites such as an old Gothic bridge, ancient abbeys, and the medieval ruins of Castell Dinas Bran.
Llangollen, at the heart of the valley, is also known as the festival capital of Wales, according to Wales Online.
Every year, the lively town hosts the International Musical Eisteddfod, celebrating music, culture, and creativity.
It’s not unusual to see bridges covered in colourful quilts, hear town criers calling out in the streets, or spot performers dressed in bright costumes and feather boas.
In 2009, UNESCO officially recognised the canal from Chirk Bank to the stunning Horseshoe Falls as a World Heritage Site, praising its incredible design and historic importance.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a must-see attraction, considered one of the greatest engineering achievements of the Industrial Revolution.
Standing 38 metres above the Dee Valley, this “stream in the sky” is the world’s highest navigable aqueduct and the oldest in Britain. Designed by Thomas Telford and William Jessop, it still works perfectly more than 200 years after it was built.
The sight of the aqueduct is truly breathtaking. Eighteen stone arches hold up deep iron troughs filled with water, creating a floating river that visitors can walk beside or even cross by boat.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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