A Tour Through Time: Discover Llangollen’s Rich History in One Day
Step back in time and experience the stories, places and people that have shaped Llangollen at a brand-new heritage event this spring. A Tour Through Time offers a fascinating journey through centuries of local history, bringing together some of the town’s most loved landmarks for a day of discovery, reflection and celebration.
Taking place on Saturday 2nd May, this free, drop‑in event invites residents and visitors alike to explore Llangollen’s past through a series of guided talks and experiences, running hourly from 10am to 4pm. With no need to book, you can join in at any point and stay for as long — or as little — as you like.
Travel Through the Centuries
The day begins at 10am with St Collen’s Through Time, a guided journey through the remarkable history of St Collen’s Church. Visitors will learn about the church’s heritage, along with the important work taking place to conserve, reinterpret and improve accessibility for future generations.
At 11am, head to The Lock Up Heritage Centre for Crime and Punishment in Early Victorian Llangollen. This lively session reveals the darker side of the past, sharing stories of Victorian criminals and the punishments they faced in the town’s first magistrates’ courtroom, gaol and police station.
At 12 noon, the focus shifts to one of Llangollen’s most iconic homes with Welcome to Plas Newydd. Discover the powerful story of two remarkable women and the unique household they created, set within one of the most beautiful landscapes in Wales.
Why not make a day of it? Visitors are encouraged to stay for lunch at the delightful Stable Tearoom at Plas Newydd before continuing their journey through time.
Afternoon Explorations
From 2pm, Hands on History at Llangollen Museum invites visitors to view and experience fascinating objects spanning from the Stone Age to the present day — perfect for curious minds of all ages.
At 3pm, rail enthusiasts and history lovers alike can enjoy Celebrating the Llangollen Railway. This session looks back at the preservation and development of one of Wales’s most treasured heritage railways.
The day concludes at 4pm with Peace and Music Across the Years at the Royal International Pavilion, sharing the inspiring story of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its enduring message of peace through music.
Free, Flexible and Open to All
A Tour Through Time is completely free to attend, open to everyone, and designed to be flexible. Whether you follow the full programme or dip in and out, this intriguing tour offers a wonderful way to connect with Llangollen’s rich and varied history.
So come along, explore the past, and see Llangollen’s heritage in a whole new light.
If you want some more infomation on Llangollen or do a walk in your own time you can download our town trail here. or you can pick up a copy at Llangollen Tourist Information Centre.