Visiting a Unesco Heritage Site

It's spectacular to look up at the towering aqueduct but you really can't beat a trip across it. You can either walk along the towpath, or for the full experience, take a boat trip along the Llangollen Canal. We'd like to make this very clear now: if you don't much care for heights, admire the aqueduct from the Dee valley below. 38 metres is pretty tall.

The Pontcysyllte Aqueducts' website has ideas for itineraries, so you can make your visit part of a longer walk, or take in the beautiful Horseshoe Falls on the same day out. The Trevor Basin Visitor Centre is next to the aqueduct make sure you call in here to find out more about its history.

Getting to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct from Lion Quays

At Lion Quays, we are right on the banks of the Llangollen Canal so it would be a shame to drive to the aqueduct - There are several local boat companies offering trips down the 11-mile heritage stretch of the canal, and you can even hire your own.

If you are feeling fit, take the tow path walk alongside the Llangollen Canal and cross the aqueduct on foot. On a sunny day, this is simply the best way to enjoy the stunning Shropshire and Welsh countryside.

By road, it's just a five-mile drive, and there are three car parks close to the aqueduct.

Other World Heritage Sites near Oswestry

In an area as rich in history as the Welsh borders, it s not surprising that there are other UNESCO sites nearby.

Ironbridge Gorge is about an hour's drive away from Lion Quays, and has a fascinating collection of museums. Liverpool has UNESCO status as a Maritime Mercantile City which encompasses areas of both the city and docklands. Again, it takes around an hour to get to Liverpool by car from Oswestry.

Several places share a third UNESCO listing, which is Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. This includes Harlech, Beaumaris on Anglesey, Caernarfon and Conwy. All are worth the drive, with Conwy being especially good for a day out (about 60 miles from Lion Quays).

We feel really lucky to have such an incredible visitor attraction on our doorstep. If you'd like to know more about visiting Poncysyllte Aqueduct or any other places near Oswestry, please just ask us at Lion Quays.