Only a short drive away from Greater Manchester, North Wales has been a popular holiday destination for generations. A land of castles, mountains and beaches, it’s easy to see why it’s a go-to location spot.
One town in North Wales is proving more popular than ever. Llangollen has been named in the top ten trending staycation destinations for summer 2023 by TripAdvisor in its Summer Travel Index.
The town, situated on the River Dee in Denbighshire, ranked third in the list behind Bembridge and Ventnor, both in the Isle of Wight. Located in the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the town is surrounded by lush green countryside.
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Dating back to the seventh century when a monk founded a church on the River Dee, Llangollen is a place rich in history. The remains of the medieval Castell Dinas Bran rise above the town, while at the heart of it is Llangollen Bridge, a Grade I listed structure which is around 300-400 years old.
But it’s one of Llangollen’s other historic features where you’ll find a rather surprising experience, which is “not for the faint hearted”. The impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, completed in 1805, lies on the edge of the town and spans 18 arches, carrying the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee.
It is the longest aqueduct in Great Britain and standing at 126 ft high is the highest canal aqueduct in the world - it's even dubbed the 'stream in the sky'. For a unique experience, Ty Nant Outdoors offers canoe rides along the aqueduct - so you can quite literally float in the sky.
Although it sounds daunting, when you’re in the canoe you’re quite low down and close to the water. If you're feeling brave enough, Ty Nant Outdoors also provides stand-up paddle board tours along the Chirk Aqueduct, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct’s little sister.
The aqueduct can also be crossed on foot and by boat. There’s a footpath along the aqueduct which is only fenced on one side and many have said it can leave your legs feeling a bit wobbly.
One reviewer, Caroline S, wrote on Google: “This is a strange one as it was such a good experience but also scary if you’re afraid of heights…even though you are nowhere near the main barrier side you still get the shaky experience in your legs.” Reviewer Tania Lee wrote: “Not for the faint hearted if you’re planning on walking over the aqueduct!”
If you’d rather have something more solid underneath your feet then a ride on the ‘Little Star’ is the way forward. You can enjoy a 45 min round trip in the narrowboat which takes you over the aqueduct, allowing you to take in the incredible views, all while comfortably sitting down.
Whichever way you decide to cross the aqueduct, it’s guaranteed to be an amazing experience. Afterwards you can head back to the town centre, where you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to food and drink options.
For more waterside views, head to The Corn Mill, a pub filled with old beams and even a water wheel behind the bar. There’s a decked area which sits above the River Dee, so you can watch the water as you sip on your drink. For lighter bites visit Deeside Cafe Bistro, which also has riverside views.
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