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Top 5 Best Things to do in Llangollen in the Rain
Rainy days do not have to put a dampener on your plans when you are exploring North Wales. In fact, Llangollen has plenty of fantastic visitor attractions, historic buildings, places to eat and indoor activities that make it a fantastic place to visit whatever the weather.
Thankfully there are plenty of things to do in Llangollen in the rain, ensuring that you don’t have to retreat to the comfort of your North Wales holiday home, irrespective of what the weather has in store. From stepping inside one of the town’s most fascinating historic houses to discovering classic cars, enjoying a hearty meal beside the River Dee or trying your hand at axe throwing, these are five of the best things to do in Llangollen in the rain.
1. Plas Newydd House Museum & Tearooms
For history, atmosphere and a wonderfully unusual story, Plas Newydd House Museum is our number one choice for things to do in Llangollen in the rain. The house was home to Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, two Irish ladies better known as the Ladies of Llangollen, who lived here from 1780 until 1829. Their decision to leave their families behind and create a life together in Llangollen captured the imagination of Regency society, with the pair becoming famous figures who welcomed a number of historic figures to their home, including William Wordsworth, Sir Walter Scott, the Duke of Wellington and Romantic poet Percy Bysshe Shelley.
What began as a relatively modest stone cottage was gradually transformed by the ladies into the distinctive Gothic-style house you can see today. Inside, you’ll discover the remarkable oak carvings, majestic rooms decorated with period furnishings and learn more about their fascinating lives through the museum exhibitions.
It is particularly appealing on a wet day because there is plenty to explore indoors without needing to venture outside to the gardens and riverside areas in order to fill your time. And when it comes to rainy-day refreshments, the Plas Newydd Tearooms are a real highlight. This is a wonderfully traditional eatery where you can enjoy homemade food, a hot drink and a tempting slice of cake after exploring the house. The tearooms have long been part of the Plas Newydd experience, providing tourists with exceptional cuisine made using locally sourced ingredients.
2. Llangollen Railway
There are few better ways to appreciate the spectacular scenery of the Dee Valley without getting soaked than from the comfort of a heritage railway carriage. Llangollen Railway operates a ten mile route between Llangollen and Corwen, travelling through the valley and calling at stations including Berwyn, Glyndyfrdwy and Carrog.
The journey is a particular treat for railway enthusiasts, families and anyone who enjoys seeing the countryside from a different perspective. Steam locomotives are a major attraction, while diesel locomotives and heritage railcars also operate on selected services. The route follows the River Dee for much of its length, passing wooded hillsides, farmland, bridges and some of the most attractive scenery in the area.
The railway also holds special events throughout the year, making it particularly appealing during the summer months. Recent events here have included the Classic Transport Weekend and a 1960’s Weekend festival featuring heritage trains, vintage buses, music and family entertainment.
Whether you are travelling with family members who love trains or simply want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about the weather, a steam-hauled journey along the River Dee is unquestionably one of the best things to do in Llangollen in the rain.
3. Llangollen Motor Museum
Car enthusiasts, petrolheads and anyone with a soft spot for nostalgia should make sure they add a visit to the Llangollen Motor Museum into the North Wales holiday itinerary. This family run museum is packed with more than 60 vehicles and motoring exhibits, offering a wonderfully quirky look at the history of transport.
Among the highlights is “Humphrey”, an award-winning 1962 Triumph TR4, alongside motorcycles such as the New Imperial dating from 1935. One of the museum’s most unusual exhibits is the oldest motor-drawn caravan in Britain, while the collection also includes pedal cars, including Austin J40 and Pathfinder models. Other vehicles range from classic cars and British motorcycles to more unusual transport, including invalid carriages and even a rare Sinclair C5 that will be easily recognisable to those of a certain age.
It is not simply a collection of vehicles, either. The walls are filled with motoring memorabilia, magazines, photographs and newspaper extracts, giving visitors plenty of fascinating material to browse through. Some vintage motoring magazines are also available to purchase, making it possible to take home a little piece of motoring nostalgia.
For anyone who remembers the cars, bikes and magazines of decades gone by, it can be a wonderfully nostalgic experience as well as being of great way to pass the time in the rain with any car loving children.
4. The Corn Mill
Sometimes the best way to spend a rainy afternoon is simply to find somewhere cosy, order something delicious and watch the River Dee rushing past. The Corn Mill is ideally suited to this, occupying a former mill beside the river in the heart of Llangollen.
Part of the Brunning & Price collection, the pub retains plenty of historic character, including exposed beams and its impressive water wheel. Its decks sit above the mill race and rapids, while across the river you can enjoy views towards Llangollen Railway and its iconic bridge.
The food is another major attraction. Brunning & Price places an emphasis on quality fresh ingredients, with menus combining classic British favourites with international influences. Whether you are looking for a substantial lunch, a Sunday roast or simply somewhere comfortable for a drink, it is an excellent rainy-day retreat. Real ale enthusiasts are also well catered for here, making The Corn Mill an especially appealing stop after a day exploring Llangollen in any weather.
5. TNR Outdoors
If you would rather embrace a rainy day than hide from it, TNR Outdoors offers an excellent way to get active indoors. Based at the Mile End Mill in Llangollen, its purpose-built indoor ranges host activities including archery, axe throwing and air rifle shooting, all supervised by experienced instructors.
The popular 90-minute combination session gives groups the chance to spend time trying all three activities before taking part in some friendly competition. It is a particularly good choice for families with older children, groups of friends and anyone looking for something a little different to do away from the traditional rainy-day activities.
If you are planning a fun group activity or celebrating a special occasion, TNR Outdoors offers a Pizza and Targets session. You can start with a freshly cooked stone-baked pizza before heading into the indoor ranges for archery, axe throwing and air rifle shooting. It is quite possibly one of the most enjoyable ways to turn a day of miserable weather into a truly memorable day out.
Plan Your Next Welsh Getaway With Pario
With such an eclectic array of indoor attractions and activities in Llangollen, the odd touch of rain doesn’t have to ruin your holiday when you are staying at a Pario Holiday Park. We have three holiday parks which are within easy reach of Llangollen, providing you with easy access to a region that is blessed with stunning natural beauty and an array of historic attractions.
So, the next time rain threatens your plans, don’t let it stop you exploring. With historic houses, heritage trains, unusual museums, riverside dining and indoor adventure activities all available, Llangollen proves that some of the best days out in North Wales can happen even in worst of the possible weather conditions.