Set in lovely surroundings (the walk down into the gorge behind the property is particularly…read morerewarding) the house - originally a simple, unadorned, farm-dwelling - became famous as the home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, of Ireland; the celebrated 'Ladies of Llangollen' (a coy term for an obviously 'out' Lesbian couple of the Regency period). The website will give you all the background to their remarkable story of devotion and fidelity, but what you really need to know is that you can walk around the grounds, and savour the marvellous salvaged carvings they used to adorn the exterior of their home, for free. However, expect to pay £3.50 if you want to look inside. An often overlooked gem in Llangollen - don't miss it, and take a camera with you.

The unusual building is a mid-20th century modernist take on the castles of Wales, one of which…read moreperches on the hill above the town. Once the town's library, it now houses Llangollen Museum, offering an interesting collection of items and information ranging from the 12th century castle to the modern day. The friendly staff are happy to answer questions, and as volunteers they are fired by a love of local history so are just the people to fill in the blanks. There is a small collection of books and gifts available. As well as the Museum, the lovely circular balcony houses regular art exhibitions.

During Eisteddfod week this beautiful little village comes alive. Providing the weather is good,…read moreevery street is filled with music and folk dance and is a wonderful place to visit in the summer. Besides the Eisteddfod field and pavilion (which house the main competition and events) there is a growing fringe festival in town. Not forgetting the surrounding countryside (complete with river, medieval castle, steam railway and ruined abbey) which is always worth a ramble or ten.

Free WiFi, good coffee, and a soft play area for the kids (costs extra... But hey free WiFi?)read more

The cafe itself is pretty ordinary, but handy if you just fancy an unpretentious plate of chips and…read morea cup of tea. The main attraction being what's at the head of that large staircase ahead of you, when you first step through the front door. This has got to be one of the most extraordinary second-hand bookshops in the UK, and certainly one of the largest. Set in an old theatre/cinema (take a look around at all the remaining fixtures) there are thousands of volumes, stacked floor to ceiling, on every subject imaginable and within a rabbit-warren of interlocking rooms, staircases and narrow corridors. So take a ball of string to unravel behind you as you browse the shelves, or you'll get lost. But if you do, at least you'll have something to read. Prices are reasonable too, but don't be afraid to haggle.

Valle Crucis Abbey is not the largest ruined abbey that you will see, but it does manage to retain…read morean air of the magical about it, despite the enormous caravan park shoehorned into the valley right next to it. Luckily, you are not too aware of that once inside the abbey walls and the outside world fades into the background as you tread the hallowed ground. It's managed by CADW, so there is a modest entrance charge, although you will get free entry if you belong to English Heritage or Historic Scotland. Although the main abbey is largely ruined, there are some intact areas remaining, like the chapter house with its wonderful nine-sectioned vaulted roof. Upstairs there is a long gallery containing some carved grave slabs, some of which are reputed to be Templar. Indeed, this abbey has a possible claim to having once housed the Grail - or at least A Grail. Also upstairs is the Abbot's quarters and monks' dormitory. There's not much to be seen other than an interesting carved chimney breast in the former, but the place does still have an atmosphere. Outside, the remains of the cloisters and the rest of the buildings are pretty minimal, but on a nice sunny day it's very pleasant to walk around or just sit in the sun. Venture farther towards the rear and you'll find a fine example of an abbey fish pond, one of the few remaining. A house in the grounds contains a small art exhibit and a video tour of a virtual reconstruction of the abbey. Parking is limited to around 6 cars, although there are plenty of other spots along the access road that you can find a place. The caravan park building at the top of the road contains an excellent pub and cafe that serves a variety of food, including a choice of three veggie meals. Just the job for lunch after our abbey tour.