Here in North East Wales we have come up with five unique visitor experiences that could add a little spice to your half term break as we emerge slowly from the recent lockdown.
1) Did you know we are home to a place which has been accredited with a World Heritage Site (WHS) Status- which means it is a place of ‘outstanding universal value for the whole of humanity’ we’ll just let that sink in for a moment. We are talking about the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal which achieved this remarkable status in 2009. The 11 miles site ranges from the beautifully, charming Horseshoe Falls, along the canal with its embankments and tunnels to Tomas Telford’s magnificent feat of engineering, the Pontcysyllte (pronounced ‘Pont – kus – sulth – the) aqueduct itself, which is only 12ft wide but is the longest aqueduct in the UK. As awesome now as it was back when it was completed in 1805. Why not visit the ducks at Trevor Basin visitor centre, cycle or walk the towpath, enjoy a snack in the tearooms or if you’re feeling brave walk over the 126 foot high aqueduct and take in the spectacular view over the treetops, just don’t forget your camera.
2) Our award winning beach and nostalgia of our seaside towns is hard to beat for big and small kids alike. You can find all you need to know about our beaches here.
3) Take a lovely stroll through the gardens and the river walk at Plas Newydd, Llangollen intriguing late 18th century home of the Ladies of Llangollen. The tearooms are fully open with a covered outdoor space for alfresco lunches.
4) Rhyl miniature railway was first opened in 1911 and has delighted visitors for over a century. The steam railway circles Marine Lake and is only a short walk from the iconic Pont y Ddraig Bridge at Rhyl harbour. Click here for a timetable and fares.
5) Last but not least is Nant Clwyd y Dre the oldest timbered house in Wales.
From the original dwelling built in 1435 it has undergone many transformations by the five centuries of owners. This has been cleverly illustrated with each room being decorated in a different period from the past offering a unique insight into different periods. In essence you can time travel from room to room imagining the lives of previous occupants.
The interior is not the only allure of this unique attraction, you can also explore its Lord’s Garden which is the home for two hives of Welsh Black Bees and is planted with imagination and historical accuracy and they often host a ‘plants with purpose’ event which teaches the cooking and medicinal uses of the plants. Recently filmed for the Welsh gardening program ‘ Garddio and Mwy’ which you can view here.
So if dare devil heights excites you or nature inspires you, or you always wanted to be a time lord, North East Wales is the place for you. Don’t forget to share your experiences on our social media pages by using #northeastwales we love to see what you’ve been up to.
This blog is written as part of the Denbighshire County Council Destination Management Plan 2021.