Llangollen, a town in Denbighshire about an hour from Liverpool, is drawing visitors who are so captivated by its scenery that they choose to relocate there. Set against the Berwyn Mountains, along the River Dee, and surrounded by hills, the town features traditional stone cottages, medieval remains, and a heritage steam train.
Heritage and Attractions
The Llangollen Railway runs through the Dee Valley to Corwen, noted as the only standard-gauge heritage railway in North Wales. The 16th-century Llangollen Bridge crosses the River Dee, a popular spot for kayaking and white-water rafting due to strong currents. The Llangollen Canal leads to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a World Heritage Site with a 19-arched stone-and-iron structure used by narrowboats.
Above the town, the medieval ruins of Castell Dinas Brân sit on an Iron Age hillfort, offering a challenging walk. The high street hosts independent bookshops, boutiques, cafés, and pubs, according to Wales Online.
Visitor and Resident Praise
The town, home to more than 3,000 residents, attracts people from around the world. One visitor from the US praised the welcoming locals, "incredible food and rafting trip" in a TikTok video, while his friend said it had "one of the best views I've ever seen in my entire life." The friend added: "I love it here and I could 100% see myself, one day when I'm older, living in a town like this - just enjoying life."
The traveller also shared: "I could really see myself, sitting up in a window, watching people spilling out on the rapids here - it's just a magical place, and there are so many incredibly nice people. The reception here is absolutely stupendous."
Others echoed these feelings. One Facebook user wrote: "Moved here 6 years ago; would not want to live anywhere else now. Everything about it is lovely." Another commented: "Moved here from Cheshire over 10 years ago! It's a lovely vibrant place to live! Always something going on! Lots of beautiful walks, and the locals are very welcoming!"
A TikTok user shared: "I recently moved from Northampton to Llangollen. Just love this town." Another remarked: "Really have to say I love Llangollen, worked there for 10 years. The place is beautiful, and the people are amazing." One person described it as "My beautiful hometown," and another added: "Love the place, want to move there one day."
