'Little gem' Welsh village surrounded by canal has something for all budgets

A new study has ranked the best UK staycation destinations, and a town in North Wales has been dubbed a “little gem” with plenty to offer across various budgets

Autumn travel plans are already taking shape, with many Britons choosing cosy retreats, wholesome food and scenic walks over sun-soaked holidays abroad. New research from UK holiday park operator Away Resorts has revealed the top staycation spots that truly have something for everyone.

Assessing each location against a range of criteria — including pet-friendly accommodation, the number of restaurants and available attractions — the study found that Coventry came out on top as the ultimate “all-rounder”, scoring 72%, with Dundee (69%) and Lytham St Annes (67%) close behind.

Llangollen, nestled in the Dee Valley in North Wales, claimed fifth place with 59%, and Tripadvisor reviews go some way to explaining why it performed so strongly.

User Tina L described Llangollen as “a little gem” featuring “plenty of places to eat for all budgets, there are also gift shops, antique shops, crafts and other individual shops” along the high street.

Reviewer JLB1 commented: “Lovely visit, beautiful countryside. Watched locals canoeing and had a lovely walk, saw the steam train through the trees. Highly recommend.”

Those who love the outdoors can stroll alongside the River Dee, take in sweeping views from Castell Dinas Brân, or hop aboard the Llangollen steam railway, which winds its way through lush green valleys, according to the Express. The surrounding waterways also offer a perfect setting for kayaking, paddleboarding, and walks along the riverbank, meaning Llangollen continues to be both stunning and full of adventure throughout the summer and autumn seasons.

The celebrated Horseshoe Falls, designed by Thomas Telford, marks the start of the scenic Llangollen Canal, famously crossed by the adjacent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a 19th-century engineering marvel that draws considerable numbers of tourists.

Another famous historical site is Plas Newydd, once home to the Ladies of Llangollen—two Anglo-Irish women whose remarkable lifestyle and romantic relationship drew writers, artists, and members of royalty to the area.

These days, the town honours its cultural legacy through the annual Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, an internationally acclaimed festival of music and dance that welcomes performers from across the globe every summer.