Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site

‘Pontcysyllte’ pronounced Pont – ker – sulth – tay, is the Welsh name for ‘the bridge that connects’
11 miles of stunning canal and countryside spanning two countries, along aqueducts, tunnels and viaducts

Explore

Attractions along the World Heritage Site add to your visit

Boat trips & hire

Travel serenely along the canal and enjoy magnificent scenery

Events

Find out what’s happening and join the fun

Cross the stream in the sky

UNESCO has described this world heritage site as ‘a masterpiece of creative genius’. The first 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal is an outstanding piece of industrial and engineering heritage comprising of embankments, tunnels, viaducts and aqueducts, including the stunning Pontcysyllte Aqueduct itself and 31 other listed structures.

The whole length of the site has also been designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument of National Importance, and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site map

Ideas to get you started

Discover some of the attractions, sacred places, heritage sites and beauty spots along 11 miles of World Heritage Site.

*Chain Bridge River Dee

Chain Bridge

A unique bridge spanning the River Dee
*old railway line walk fingerpost

Old Railway Line Walk

Created in the 1860s to serve local industries, now a gentle 2-mile walk
*boat and horse at Llangollen Wharf

Llangollen Wharf

A great day out for all the family
*Chirk Castle

Chirk Castle

Built for defence, the castle is a symbol of power
*horseshoe falls

Horseshoe Falls

A masterpiece of Thomas Telford engineering
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Find out more

Chirk Aqueduct

World Heritage status

What does it take to be named as one of the most outstanding sites of universal value in the world? Our guide to World Heritage Status will give you all the information you need to fully enjoy the area.

Plas Newydd

History

Read the tales from history, from the people who have lived, worked and visited the 11-mile stretch of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Trevor Canal World Heritage Site.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage site - Getting here

Getting here

Visiting for a day trip or staying for a few days, it’s easy by car, train or bus. We are situated in North East Wales and as a general guide, you can get here via the M53 or M56 from the North West, and the M54 from the Midlands.

There are three car parks signposted off the A539. Drivers are advised not to park at the Froncysyllte Basin just off the A5.

Our latest news

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*Pontcysyllte Aqueduct