North East Wales is full of stunning views. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct towers over the Dee Valley, and the Talacre lighthouse is beautifully set against sand dunes on a wide beach. This part of North Wales is less crowded but still gorgeous and untouched. The Clwydian hills are great for walking, and there are charming market towns to explore.

During the Year of the Sea in Wales, we explored the canals, rivers, and coastline of North East Wales and found plenty to do. Here’s what we enjoyed on our weekend break:

On Saturday morning, we visited the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, completed by Thomas Telford in 1805 to transport coal, iron, and slate. Known as the “stream in the sky,” this UNESCO World Heritage site is the highest and longest navigable canal in Britain, standing 126 feet high and 1007 feet long. Walking across it is a thrilling experience, especially for those afraid of heights.

We started at the Trevor basin, where there’s a car park and visitor center. From here, you can watch canal boats waiting to cross the aqueduct. You can also take boat trips or organize canoe trips, though we opted to walk across, which takes about 10 minutes. After crossing, we drove down to the stone bridge at the valley level for photos and enjoyed coffee and cake at the café boat by the visitor center.

Next, we headed to Llangollen, a pretty town in the Dee Valley. It’s a busy tourist hub with ice cream shops, souvenir stores, and interesting indie shops like Ty Nook. In the evening, we visited The Corn Mill, an old stone pub with a deck overlooking the river, perfect for a drink or meal on a sunny evening. We also heard good things about the Gales of Llangollen Food and Wine Bar.

Across the bridge from the main town is the Llangollen Wharf, where you can take a horse-drawn canal ride or walk along the towpath to the Horseshoe Falls. Another highlight is the train trip from the Heritage Railway Station in Llangollen, where you can board a vintage steam engine to Corwen and even have afternoon tea on board.

We also visited Plas Newydd in Llangollen, a picturesque house and garden created by Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, known as The Ladies of Llangollen. They arrived in 1780 and became famous for their “Romantic Friendship.” The house is filled with wooden carvings and collected objects, and the gardens are beautiful, especially in spring.

A short drive from Llangollen, we visited Valle Crucis Abbey, the ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1201. The remains of the 13th-century church and cloisters are surrounded by hills, making for a scenic visit. The road beyond Valle Crucis Abbey takes you up to the Horseshoe Pass, a favorite route for motorbike riders with stunning views.

We stayed at Gladstones Library in Hawarden, a residential library founded in 1894 by England’s Prime Minister William Gladstone. The library has boutique bedrooms, a comfortable sitting room, and the Food For Thought café. It’s a great place to stay for writers, book-lovers, or anyone looking to explore the area.

In Hawarden, we enjoyed dinner at the Glynne Arms, a stylish bar and restaurant. We also visited the Hawarden Estate Farm Shop, which showcases the best produce from North Wales. Another great farm shop is the Rhug Estate Organic Farm shop near Llangollen, offering local food and a popular restaurant.

We also visited St Winefride’s Well in Holywell, a medieval stone shrine with a spring that has been a pilgrimage site for centuries. The beach at Talacre is another highlight, with its iconic lighthouse and natural beauty.

For walking enthusiasts, the Offa’s Dyke path and the North Wales Coastal path offer fantastic routes. We also enjoyed a visit to Ruthin, a pretty town with medieval buildings and a fascinating town house, Nantclwyd y Dre.

Our final stop was Chirk Castle, a 13th-century castle with elegant 17th-century furnishings. The castle is surrounded by open parkland and offers a glimpse into the history of the Myddelton family.

North East Wales is a beautiful region with plenty to see and do, from stunning landscapes to charming towns and historic sites. Whether you’re exploring by car or on foot, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.