Llangollen Wharf Boat Trips
Llangollen Wharf Boat Trips
Llangollen Wharf Boat Trips
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Here at Llangollen Wharf we run 45 minute and 2 hour Horse Drawn Boat Trips towards the Horseshoe Falls and 2 hour motor boat trips along the canal that winds its way through the Dee Valley and across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduc this stretch of the canal and the aqueduct have been awarded Unesco World Heritage status. We have a large Tea Room at the Wharf serving breakfasts, light lunches and afternoon tea, great drinks and regular tasty specials. Home made cakes are our speciality if you like your cakes and scones this is the place.. We also have self drive Dayboats for hire, pick one of these up from us in Llangollen and you have the boat from 9.30am until 5pm you can experience the this magical part of the canal at your own pace it truly is a unique experience that you won't find anywhere else.
Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Llangollen Wharf Boat Trips
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4.5
795 reviews
Excellent
523
Very good
179
Average
53
Poor
19
Terrible
21
John
Liverpool, UK88 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
Booked the trip on the motorized canal boat which involves crossing the Pontcysyllte aquaduct.
All the staff were warm and friendly, from the guy in the ticket office, to the skipper and his mate on the boat.
The interior of the boat was comfortable for the trip which was about two hours long. The skipper provided commentary at certain points which was informative and interesting.
The boat had a galley selling drinks and snacks, including Welsh cream teas.
The highlight of the trip was crossing the aquaduct which afforded amazing views of the valley below.
After disembarking a coach returned us to Llangollen.
A must do if in the area.
All the staff were warm and friendly, from the guy in the ticket office, to the skipper and his mate on the boat.
The interior of the boat was comfortable for the trip which was about two hours long. The skipper provided commentary at certain points which was informative and interesting.
The boat had a galley selling drinks and snacks, including Welsh cream teas.
The highlight of the trip was crossing the aquaduct which afforded amazing views of the valley below.
After disembarking a coach returned us to Llangollen.
A must do if in the area.
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad that you enjoyed the whole experience of the trip, thank you for your lovely comments and your 5 star review.
Written 23 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Willimina Segal
139 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Had been looking forward to this and it didn’t disappoint! So relaxing, as soon as the horse (Dakota) started pulling the boat was just gliding along, effortless in the horse’s part too. Very comfortably just clopping along, alert and happy.
Lovely to just sit in the boat and watch the nature go by. Ducklings, robins and fish, to name just a few. The air smelt so beautiful too and fresh from the beautiful amount of trees growing along the banks. Also given that the boat is covered and the trees provide a lot of shelter, if it’s raining, as it did some today, a few light summer showers, on the boat trip you remain largely sheltered.
We selected the 2 hour trip, which gives you some time to sit and have a picnic watching the stunning landscape when you arrive at Horseshoe Falls.
There’s also a cafe at The Wharf where you can arrange food to be ready for you before you board for you to have a picnic for when you get to Horseshoe Falls. If you want to buy a picnic from the cafe I recommend booking it in advance on the website, as it will be ready for when you arrive to collect, as it was for us.
I bought several gifts in the giftshop, they sell some little souvenirs featuring the horses, so I picked ours all featuring Dakota, who pulled our boat today! A few mementos of a wonderful day. In there giftshop there is also books, toys and games.
There are no toilets on board the horse drawn boat (not sure about the others) but there are toilets at the Wharf where you set off from and some were pointed out to us when we arrived at Horseshoe Falls.
I also love that the horses are stabled on site, so you can from a safe and respectful distance (there’s a fence between the stables and the towpath) see them comfortably housed. They are all obviously very well cared for.
The whole experience really is a wonderful little taste of a time gone by.
Already thinking about and planning my next visit!
Lovely to just sit in the boat and watch the nature go by. Ducklings, robins and fish, to name just a few. The air smelt so beautiful too and fresh from the beautiful amount of trees growing along the banks. Also given that the boat is covered and the trees provide a lot of shelter, if it’s raining, as it did some today, a few light summer showers, on the boat trip you remain largely sheltered.
We selected the 2 hour trip, which gives you some time to sit and have a picnic watching the stunning landscape when you arrive at Horseshoe Falls.
There’s also a cafe at The Wharf where you can arrange food to be ready for you before you board for you to have a picnic for when you get to Horseshoe Falls. If you want to buy a picnic from the cafe I recommend booking it in advance on the website, as it will be ready for when you arrive to collect, as it was for us.
I bought several gifts in the giftshop, they sell some little souvenirs featuring the horses, so I picked ours all featuring Dakota, who pulled our boat today! A few mementos of a wonderful day. In there giftshop there is also books, toys and games.
There are no toilets on board the horse drawn boat (not sure about the others) but there are toilets at the Wharf where you set off from and some were pointed out to us when we arrived at Horseshoe Falls.
I also love that the horses are stabled on site, so you can from a safe and respectful distance (there’s a fence between the stables and the towpath) see them comfortably housed. They are all obviously very well cared for.
The whole experience really is a wonderful little taste of a time gone by.
Already thinking about and planning my next visit!
Written 12 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hughesclan2017
Cheshire, UK35 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Booked a full days boat hire for up to 10 people, there were 7. We had a nice welcome and Mike showed us the boat and facilities including how to drive the boat. We had a good go but me and the daughter panicked after negotiating a bridge. Called back to the office and after about 45 mins they were able too get a boat driver to us, extra charge but totally worth it. We then had a nice chug along the canal and over the viaduct in glorious sunshine, stunning views and everyone in the canal was friendly and helpful, we had a few bumps but it was an amazing day helped by glorious sunshine. Everyone enjoyed it (ages 4 to 59) and I can’t thank the staff enough especially Ashley who gave up his bank holiday Monday to drive the boat. He was patient with the kids and guided us when we went through some tricky bits. We’d taken a picnic for on the boat and enjoyed watching the horses, sheep, fish, ducks and rabbits.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are glad you called us as we want everyone to have a good experience when they visit us, steering one of the boats is not everyone’s cup of tea we were glad to help. Ash is very helpful and always eager to help out, we will pass on your lovely comments to him.
Written 2 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sa1gon
London, UK1,105 contributions
Jul 2021
We wanted to book a Horse Drawn Boat Trip and had called and left a message but had no response.
However, after checking their website we decided to book and we weren't disappointed.
We couldn't fault Neil, who was happy to answer any questions as he steered the boat from the back. He was very friendly and personable. Our horse was Sonic who gently pulled the boat along, very smoothly and very relaxing.
It was a very relaxing 45 minutes at the end of the day and we would highly recommend it.
The staff were all helpful and friendly..
However, after checking their website we decided to book and we weren't disappointed.
We couldn't fault Neil, who was happy to answer any questions as he steered the boat from the back. He was very friendly and personable. Our horse was Sonic who gently pulled the boat along, very smoothly and very relaxing.
It was a very relaxing 45 minutes at the end of the day and we would highly recommend it.
The staff were all helpful and friendly..
Written 26 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lou
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Best afternoon out we have had in a long time, myself partner and 3 children went on the horse drawn boat trip, very relaxing and well organised.
All the young members of staff working the boats and caring for the horses were helpful and polite. When we arrived we sat outside the cafe as we were early and I had a coffee, kids wanted hot chocolate even though it was a hot day! They said it was the best hot chocolate with all the trimmings they have ever had. Staff in the cafe very helpful and friendly.
The boat wasn’t crowded either even though school holidays plenty of room on there.
Once we returned we went back to the cafe for an ice cream would highly recommend plenty of flavours to choose from. Definitely be retuning again. Thank you Llangollen wharf we made great memories.
All the young members of staff working the boats and caring for the horses were helpful and polite. When we arrived we sat outside the cafe as we were early and I had a coffee, kids wanted hot chocolate even though it was a hot day! They said it was the best hot chocolate with all the trimmings they have ever had. Staff in the cafe very helpful and friendly.
The boat wasn’t crowded either even though school holidays plenty of room on there.
Once we returned we went back to the cafe for an ice cream would highly recommend plenty of flavours to choose from. Definitely be retuning again. Thank you Llangollen wharf we made great memories.
Written 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sorry for the late response but we have finally had time after a busy season to reply, we are so glad you had a great experience, that’s what it is all about for us.
Written 12 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve_of_N21
London, UK3,613 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Well actually to go east from Llangollen to the aqueduct on the two hour morning aqueduct canal boat tour, but then that doesn’t fit in as an homage to Ian Dury’s song lyrics.
This is not a trip for those who crave excitement, or those who want to post copious panoramic views on instagram. But if you want to experience travel at canal barge pace ( yes you can walk it faster) , along a shady tree lined canal and have the momentary excitement of crossing the epic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, then this is for you.
We booked it via the web site and had a table allocated to us when we arrived to check in at the ticket office. Seating is quite tight but then it isn’t called a narrow boat for nothing. Good on board service and the guy worked hard to get round all the tables in a reasonable time. The young guy steering the barge also did a sterling job as this stretch of the Llangollen Canal is not the easiest, being very narrow and single boat width for long lengths of it. Going across the aqueduct is very special but I will agree with others it’s difficult to fully appreciate the sheer drop over the edge from inside the boat. If you have the time and enjoy a walk then I can thoroughly recommend declining the coach back to Llangollen to walk over the aqueduct , possibly take refreshments in the pub or cafe around Trevor Basin, and then walk the canal back.
This is not a trip for those who crave excitement, or those who want to post copious panoramic views on instagram. But if you want to experience travel at canal barge pace ( yes you can walk it faster) , along a shady tree lined canal and have the momentary excitement of crossing the epic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, then this is for you.
We booked it via the web site and had a table allocated to us when we arrived to check in at the ticket office. Seating is quite tight but then it isn’t called a narrow boat for nothing. Good on board service and the guy worked hard to get round all the tables in a reasonable time. The young guy steering the barge also did a sterling job as this stretch of the Llangollen Canal is not the easiest, being very narrow and single boat width for long lengths of it. Going across the aqueduct is very special but I will agree with others it’s difficult to fully appreciate the sheer drop over the edge from inside the boat. If you have the time and enjoy a walk then I can thoroughly recommend declining the coach back to Llangollen to walk over the aqueduct , possibly take refreshments in the pub or cafe around Trevor Basin, and then walk the canal back.
Written 14 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia W
United Kingdom79 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
We started our day with a generous & delicious English breakfast at the cafe. We loved both our horse-drawn canal boat ride & aqueduct ride today! In all areas we covered, the staff were all so friendly, helpful & knowledgeable. We chose not to take the free coach back after the aqueduct ride, & walked the 4 1/2 miles back to Llangollen, mainly to get a better view of the aqueduct. Timings ran like clockwork so after walking off a few calories, we were able to return for a beautiful, afternoon tea to the cafe at Llangollen Wharf. Highly recommend.
Written 3 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the great review, we do try to our best to makes sure that our customers have a good experience with us.
Written 4 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dawnholley50
Conwy County, UK75 contributions
Sept 2020
The Complete days Experience good weather not included the only day the heavens opened up rain jacket optional ! lol.. From the moment i booked the hire of a canal narrow boat Neil the friendly manager was only to helpful to sort out requests for me.
The narrow boat is easy to steer and moor up.
It has a small funtional kitchen and toilet onboard.
The most interesting place was waiting behind the other canal boats also waiting to cross over the bridge as we all had to wait for the canal boat comming from the other side first a little wait but so well worth it ,even though it rained all day it was so well worth it when going over the world famous Aqua Duct people onboard just quickly popped there heads out just the person steering got wet it did have plastic sides we put up but the wind made us remove them.
The day was not marred by the weather as all onboard loved the whole experience growing up near canals was norm for me just watching the boats and the locks and the wildlife you see it more.
The trip included my 3 grandaughters and felt safe at all times .
I did pack food/party bags for all as it was for 5 birthdays onboard lucky did as all the pubs were shut due to covid so was prepared anyway.
The whole day out was Enjoyed by all the price paid for the hire was so worth .You just travel the canal at your own pace and watch the world go by and you will enjoy as much as we all did weather was never going to stop us .
A big thank you Neil
The narrow boat is easy to steer and moor up.
It has a small funtional kitchen and toilet onboard.
The most interesting place was waiting behind the other canal boats also waiting to cross over the bridge as we all had to wait for the canal boat comming from the other side first a little wait but so well worth it ,even though it rained all day it was so well worth it when going over the world famous Aqua Duct people onboard just quickly popped there heads out just the person steering got wet it did have plastic sides we put up but the wind made us remove them.
The day was not marred by the weather as all onboard loved the whole experience growing up near canals was norm for me just watching the boats and the locks and the wildlife you see it more.
The trip included my 3 grandaughters and felt safe at all times .
I did pack food/party bags for all as it was for 5 birthdays onboard lucky did as all the pubs were shut due to covid so was prepared anyway.
The whole day out was Enjoyed by all the price paid for the hire was so worth .You just travel the canal at your own pace and watch the world go by and you will enjoy as much as we all did weather was never going to stop us .
A big thank you Neil
Written 9 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a great review, thank you. We always appreciate feedback and it is always lovely when our customers have have had a great experience and made the most of a fantastic and unique experience.
I will pass your thanks on to Neal .
Written 12 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hfstoba
Liverpool, UK79 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We booked for the 45 minute trip. It was nice and relaxing but I realky wish a few things were clearer before our visit. Firstly the access to the wharf is up a steep hill. We visited with my 80 year old dad who has mobility problems and accessing the wharf took quite some time. It also. Should be made clear that the 45 minute trip Does not go over fhe aquaduct. I don't know the geography of the area and it does imply that you will go over ghe aquaduct when you look at the website. I appreciate that the 2 hour trips are not going ahead at the moment, but really wish that had been made clearer. Finally we had to sit inside the boat due to social distancing. We would not have chosen to sit inside but abided by the rules however on other trips returning and going out everyone was sitting outside and social distancing was not being adhered to. Staff did not appear to be challenging this. There was no staff interaction at all during the boat trip and I was really disappointed to see the situation on other cruises. Overall it was a nice experience just wish I'd known about the access problems and the route the trip took as that may have affected booking this.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are sorry the trip wasn’t what you had expected but I do feel I have to raise a few issues with you. We have made our website as user friendly as we can and each trip available is given its own page to book on to keep things as simple as possible and give information about the trip.
Normally when people book trips with us if someone in the party has trouble walking or needs assistance we will gladly let them be dropped off at the Wharf prior to the party parking. With regards to trip it’s self we made a decision not to have a commentary on the trip as we wanted it to be a little step back in time experience were you can take in the sites and the sounds of the canal.
With regards to social distancing we have worked tirelessly to get this right, we have reduced the capacity on these trips to a 3rd of what we would normally carry, we take bookings on line so we can manage groups and families travelling together, we have a seating plan for every trip on everyday with a two metre space between them, if you did see groups of people sitting together it is because they have told us at the time of booking that they are a family or groups of family and friends travelling or holidaying together , we have worked close with the Environmental health department on what we can and can’t do and they are very pleased at the way we are managing our business and running our site. I hope this clears things up for you.
Written 31 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah EH
19 contributions
Oct 2020 • Family
Booked on a whim after seeing reviews and pictures.
We went on the 45 minute horse drawn barge trip. Well worth the money. Lovely views and a very relaxed atmosphere. The horse walked along the tow path with no cares in the world. The seating was very relaxed and spread out due to the current COVID restrictions. Would definitely recommend for all ages although toddlers might get a bit bored.
We went on the 45 minute horse drawn barge trip. Well worth the money. Lovely views and a very relaxed atmosphere. The horse walked along the tow path with no cares in the world. The seating was very relaxed and spread out due to the current COVID restrictions. Would definitely recommend for all ages although toddlers might get a bit bored.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there a smoking area on the 4 hour aquaduct trip? Thank you.
Written 29 August 2023
I think the boat is no smoking but you can get out and stroll around halfway. Good opportunity to distract yourself and leave off the ciggies tho?! 😉
Written 30 August 2023
Looking for reviews from those that piloted their own day boat rental. Thank you.
Written 3 August 2022
Dogs were allowed on the 2 hr horse drawn barge trip in May of this year.
Written 22 July 2022
Any of the town car parks.
It’s a small town so very easy to walk to the start of the boat trip
Written 3 September 2020
Yes, of course...by card/cash in the booking office at the canal, or cash on board.
Written 15 June 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.