Llangollen house sitting
Nestled in the heart of North Wales, Llangollen offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and charming local culture.
After a couple of days spent unwinding from our Cornwall getaway, we loaded up the car on Tuesday morning and set off north to Llangollen in Wales. Sometimes, our friends’ holiday plans sync up with ours, and we get the chance to house-sit for them. This year, we’re lucky enough to stay in their lovely home, just a short walk from the River Dee and all the great spots this charming town has to offer.
The drive was about three and a half hours, with a well-timed stop at Ludlow Farm Shop. We rolled in right around noon, perfect for lunch. I went with my usual—the fish finger bap with chips and garlic mayo. It’s always a winner.
After eating, we browsed through the farm shop, where I grabbed some ground coffee. They have an impressive selection of products, all made right there. I’ll give the coffee a try tomorrow morning and see how it holds up.
Back on the road, the sat-nav decided to mix things up and took us on a different route. We ended up passing by the ruins of Whittington Castle, a place that dates back to the early 13th century, built to protect England from the Welsh. It turned out to be a perfect spot to stretch our legs and soak up some sunshine. My welsh wife didn’t take offence.
Photo by Susan Sutton - Whittington Castle
An hour and a half later, we pulled into our home for the next few days. The rest of the day was super relaxed. Sue and I took a stroll down to the canal and over the river, checking out potential dinner spots for the week. It was the perfect way to ease into our stay in Llangollen.
Tomorrow - Chester zoo… but it might be a bit crazy. I’ll explain later.
Day 2 - Chester Zoo: Gladiators and Giraffes - Oh my!
Baby Giraffe - Photo by Susan Sutton
Top Tips and Our Experience
If you're planning to spend a full day at Chester Zoo, my top tip is simple: wear good comfortable walking shoes. This place is enormous—spanning over 125 acres, Chester Zoo is one of the largest in the UK. Established in 1931, it has grown from a modest menagerie to a world-renowned conservation center, housing over 35,000 animals. The zoo's history is as rich as its biodiversity, making it a must-visit for animal lovers.
Mammals: 1,571 Birds: 1,759 Reptiles: 339 Amphibians: 677 Fish: 6,739 Insects: 24,054
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Mammals: 1,571 Birds: 1,759 Reptiles: 339 Amphibians: 677 Fish: 6,739 Insects: 24,054 〰️
Orangutan - Photo by Susan Sutton
© BBC Studios - Bionic & Dynamite love the natural world and lycra.
We arrived early because the zoo was hosting a special event featuring the stars of the BBC’s reboot of "Gladiators." For those unfamiliar, "Gladiators" was a popular 90s show where superhuman athletes competed against the public in intense challenges. The recent BBC series has revived the concept and has a loyal following, so we expected a crowd of Gladiator enthusiasts. Fortunately, the zoo wasn’t overrun, and we could explore at our own pace.
A major perk for us was getting in for "free," thanks to our membership with the Bristol Zoo Project. This membership also gives us access to several other zoos, including Chester, Newquay, and Dublin. For our family of four, it costs £240 a year, and considering that today’s trip alone would have set us back £130, it’s been a fantastic investment.
It's big. Real big!
Did I mention how huge this zoo is? We started our adventure with the boat ride, which takes you on a tranquil journey through the Asian animal exhibits. The theming at the dock, with bamboo and tuk-tuks, had us excited for our upcoming trip to Thailand in September 2025. While many of the animals were still asleep, the ride itself was a peaceful start to the day.
Photo by Sue Sutton - a slow boat to Chester Zoo...
Chester Zoo is impressively laid out, with clear signposting and well-maintained enclosures. Compared to our experience at Newquay Zoo, Chester felt more spacious and enriching for the animals. Our highlights included the Orangutans, Giraffes, and the Tropical and Butterfly Houses.
We decided to skip the photo op with Dynamite & Bionic from Gladiators but saw plenty of eager fans queuing up. The weather stayed pleasant, and we happily explored the vast grounds until our feet gave up around 4 pm—just as the rain began. An amazing day. Talking to a guide (in the Flamingo enclosure) there were 5000 people with us today - nearly half the 9000 that visited the zoo last week!
We exited through the gift shop without making a purchase (a win in my book!) and headed home to Llangollen, with a quick stop at the supermarket for dinner supplies. Tomorrow, we’re looking forward to a scenic train journey from Llangollen to Corwen on the historic railway.
Day 3: Railways, Lunch, and Local Treasures
Llangollen Station - Photos by Sue Sutton
Back in 1862, the Llangollen Railway was the lifeline of Llangollen and the River Dee, connecting this picturesque town to the broader Welsh landscape. Originally part of the Ruabon to Barmouth line, it was a crucial transport link for goods and passengers alike. Although the original line closed in 1965, it was lovingly restored and reopened as a heritage railway in 1975. Today, it offers visitors a charming glimpse into the past and, for us, the perfect way to spend a day.
We had hoped to experience the nostalgia of a steam train, but instead, we were treated to a ride on a classic diesel engine. We bought our tickets and boarded the train at 11 am. The 45-minute journey took us through the stunning North Wales countryside, with occasional views of the River Dee and rolling green fields. By noon, we arrived at Corwen, a town with a rich history but showing signs of its age.
Corwen, once a bustling market town, is home to the statue of Owain Glyndŵr, the last Welsh Prince of Wales, who famously led a rebellion against English rule in the 15th century. The statue stands proudly in the town square, a reminder of Corwen's historical significance. However, like many rural towns, Corwen has felt the impact of modern economic shifts. Several shops and hotels are either closed, up for sale, or in need of some loving renovation.
Just as you exit the train station, you'll find a cozy little bistro called “Yum Yums.” We stopped here for lunch, enjoying paninis and chips. The friendly staff and delicious food made it a pleasant stop, living up to its charming name.
With less than three hours to explore before the return train, we wandered through the town, visited the local park, and tried out the outdoor gym equipment that's become a common sight in parks across the UK. As our return train time approached, we explored the Vintage Home Styles Emporium—a true Aladdin’s cave filled with antiques, crafts, and collectibles. It was a fascinating place to browse, and we could have spent hours there.
Finally, we made our way back to the train station, ready to board the train for our return journey to Llangollen. The ride back was as scenic and relaxing as the morning, a perfect end to our day of exploration and nostalgia.
Day 4: Our Final Day in Wales: A Bittersweet Goodbye
Today marks our last full day in the charming town of Llangollen. After an unusually early night for me (10:30 pm!) and a refreshing 6:30 am start, we were greeted by a yellow wind warning. And when they say windy in Wales, they mean it! After a cozy hour spent with coffee, toast, some blog editing, and a bit of data backup, we set off to explore Chirk Castle, just a 15-minute drive away.
Photo by Sue Sutton
Chirk Castle is a fascinating blend of medieval architecture and 17th-century elegance, perched on the Welsh-English border. Originally built in the late 13th century, this fortress has witnessed centuries of history, from medieval skirmishes to lavish Georgian gatherings. As you wander through its grand rooms, filled with tapestries, suits of armor, and antique furniture, you can't help but feel transported back in time. The castle also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, a reminder of its strategic importance throughout history.
Before and after ...all the walking.
We strolled through the magnificent gardens, soaking in the beauty of the late summer blooms, and then enjoyed a coffee in the castle's old kitchen—a cozy spot steeped in history. Of course, no visit would be complete without a quick browse through the gift shop, where we picked up a few mementos for family and friends. After all, it’s our last day, so we had to make sure we left with something more than just memories!
From Chirk, we headed to Wrexham to visit Sue’s dad. It was great to catch up, and afterwards, we made a quick stop at the supermarket to grab supplies for our last night’s dinner.
Back at the house, we indulged in what can only be described as a cheese extravaganza, savoring every bite as we prepared for our final outing—a leisurely walk along the canal as the sun dipped lower in the sky.
The Llangollen Canal - Photo by Sue Sutton
An hour later, we arrived at the Chain Bridge Hotel, our turnaround point. The 3.2-mile walk, with its picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere, was the perfect way to cap off our day. With feet aching (a feeling reminiscent of our Chester Zoo yomp earlier in the week), I now find myself on the sofa, reflecting on the week—a mix of fond memories and the bittersweet realization that our Welsh (and a bit of Cheshire) adventure is drawing to a close.
A Week to Remember: The Highlights and Tips
As I look back on our week, it’s clear that this trip has been a perfect blend of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence. From the historic sites to the natural beauty, Wales (with a dash of Cheshire) has certainly delivered. Here are a few top tips based on our experiences:
Start your day with a hearty breakfast—you'll need the energy for all the walking and exploring!
Wear comfortable shoes—your feet will thank you, especially after a day at Chester Zoo.
Embrace the weather—whether it's wind, rain, or sunshine, Wales is beautiful in any condition.
Take time to enjoy the small moments—like a coffee in a castle kitchen or a sunset walk along the canal.
Always leave room for cheese—because why not?
For those interested in retracing our steps, here are the places we visited:
And with that, we bid farewell to Wales and head back to the Cotswolds. It's been a week of fun, food, and fantastic sights. Now, it's time to pack up and head home—with a few extra pounds of cheese and a lot of great memories.
