If our years of providing caravan holidays in North Waleshave taught us anything, it is that we are situated within one of the most beautiful parts of the UK.
We work hard to ensure that the facilities that we offer visitors on site are second to none, but we are also incredibly lucky to be based in an area that has such fantastic local attractions as well. In this article, the first of many exploring the local area, we will take a look at one of the most popular attractions near us – the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a true monument to the Industrial Revolution, with 18 stone towers standing at 127 feet above the River Dee, and an iron trough running 1,007 feet along. Built in 1875 as a solution to linking the River Mersey and the River Dee the name ‘Pontcysyllte Aqueduct’ translates as “the bridge that connects the river”.
In 2009, the Aqueduct and the accompanying canal were awarded World Heritage Status in 2009, due to it being a “highly monumental civil engineering structure” and bearing witness to the production capacities of the British ironmaking industries. It is amazing to think that this Aqueduct has actually been in continuous use for 200 years! For the first 130 it was used to transport coal, iron, limestone, slate and general goods and for the past 70 years, it has been used to convey drinking water and also pleasure boats!
The Aqueduct is only a 15-minute drive from Plassey, and it is a really popular destination for many of our visitors – not just for the beautiful scenery. You can explore it under your own steam, or you can pay to go on one of the many boat rides that stem from here. For example, there is one company that offers a two-hour trip on a centrally heated and fully weatherproof motor boat which takes you along a five-mile stretch of the canal, including passing over the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Some companies also offer Horse Drawn boat trips during the warmer months which not only take in the Horseshoe Falls at the head of the canal but also the recently refurbished Chain Bridge at Berwyn.
Another way you can explore the canal is by canoe! Recent funding has allowed for two new canoe slipways to be constructed near Horseshoe Falls at the top end of the canal. These now provide an easy way for canoeists to enter and exit the Llangollen Canal and also links to the more challenging and faster flowing River Dee. With 11 miles of canal to explore, including the Aqueduct and also two tunnels, this is a great day out for the more active amongst our visitors! The Canal & River Trust has even produced a leaflet including a map and tips on canoeing safely in the area.
As you can see there are lots of reasons to visit the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Llangollen Canal, so next time you are staying at Plassey why not head over there?
To find out more about pitch availability at Plassey, and the attractions we offer on-site, why not give the friendly team a call today on 01978 780 277? Alternatively, you can drop us an email to enquiries@plassey.com