Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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- CMiddletonNewcastle-under-Lyme, United Kingdom170 contributionsPicture post card views and lovely walkWent as a couple from a recommendation. Such a beautiful place with nice circular walk around. We even found a perfect spot in the woods over looking the river for our picnic. Couldnt of found a mote beautiful spot with no one in sight. We will be back in a different season.Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten January 5, 2023
- Helen BUxbridge, United Kingdom781 contributionsAn amazing structure in a beautiful settingThis is an amazing structure in a beautiful setting, well worth visiting if you're in the area. We thought about taking the kayak across and decided against that when we realised there was just enough space for one boat. You can walk across the top to enjoy that experience and then visit one of the viewing areas to appreciate the structure.Visited March 2023Written March 14, 2023
- henryandjrStafford, United Kingdom143 contributionsThe Easter Bunny Was An Added Bonus To This Lovely Boat RideRelaxing boat ride on the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Staff are very informative and knowledgeable. Stunning views and modern new barge. The Easter bunny was on board to the delight of the children and each were given an Easter egg and photo opportunites, a nice touch.Visited April 2023Written April 10, 2023
- Naldotwo DWrexham, United Kingdom290 contributionsAn iconic monument to past greatnessA fantastic icon from a time of great British engineering endeavour. It’s a truly beautiful place to visit and totally awe inspiring. We we given lots of information and guidance help from the Ranger on site. I’d recommend this place as a must visit.Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 25, 2023
- Winternest17 contributionsWater & boats in the air!Nice walk from the free car park in Froncysyllte just off the main road. Charming canal boats mixed in with some permanently moored eccentric ones. Good view from aquaduct. Narrow path with gaps in the railings, so hold onto your children & dogs. You can access it from either side.Visited June 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 28, 2023
- Anthony MPeterborough, United Kingdom15 contributionsBoat trip across Pontcysyllte, "The stream in the sky"Had a very pleasant trip on the Little Star narrow boat across the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct. Coffee and biscuits on board and a very informative commentary by a lovely lady. Don't take notice of the online booking on the day, it infers that the boat is full and there were only 10 of us plus the crew at 12.00 today (Tuesday 4th July 2023).Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 4, 2023
- Louise PSwansea, United Kingdom153 contributionsA must see if you're in the area.Seen this so many times on TV and had to visit as we were close by. You can take a canal barge trip over it for £10 each without having to book. Lovely walks underneath along the river. Parked in the Chapel tearooms for £2 which was across the road from one of the entrances. Walkway a bit narrow and nerve racking hence I only managed to walk half way across but the views were spectacular, you could even see another viaduct in the distance (Cefn viaduct I was told).Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 20, 2023
- Man1cmomWest Midlands, United Kingdom515 contributionsPeacefulEnjoyable experience of walking on top of one of the tallest aqueducts whilst barges sailed past. There’s a couple of places to park-we followed the directions to the heritage site car park which was £3 and a bit of a further distance to walk. Plenty of places to stop and have a picnic along the way. Toilets on the disabled car park. Beautiful sights and very peaceful. A must to do if in the area.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 21, 2023
- LesleyM66Manchester, United Kingdom56 contributionsAmazing structureOverall, well worth a visit whether it’s your first visit or, like us, you’ve been a few times before. There is ample car parking for a flat fee of £3 for the day and then it’s a short walk to the aqueduct. There’s also a nearer car park for Blue Badge holders (both car parks are signposted from the main road) and it’s here you’ll find the toilets. The toilets weren’t great but were still usable. As you approach the aqueduct, there’s a little Canal & River Trust shop and museum and there’s plenty of information boards dotted around. It’s fascinating to just sit and watch the boats manoeuvring. Whilst the rest of the family set off to walk across the aqueduct and back (it’s not for the faint-hearted!), I set off to walk down to the river that flows underneath the aqueduct. There are several paths signposted with viewpoints of this amazing structure.Visited July 2023Written July 23, 2023
- centralscrutiniserSolihull, United Kingdom33 contributionsWell worth a visitFantastic trip - wonderful views. Great to see the boats making their way along, plenty of walks nearby and great views of the aqueduct and surround. Nice little gift shop with ice cream and drinks with small museum. £3 to use massive car park 5 mins walk away. Don’t need long to see it unless you want to do a fuller walk but we’ll worth popping in if you’re in the area.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 28, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Lezlie B
Walton-On-Thames, UK35 contributions
Aug 2020
Fantastic structure - amazing to think how it was made so long ago. Not sure that this could or would be repeated nowadays. It is a lovely stroll over and back along the towpath for those with a head of heights. Perhaps, the best way to enjoy it is by taking a canoe trip over which we also did.
I would also recommend walking down the path to the bottom to appreciate the size of this magnificent structure
I would also recommend walking down the path to the bottom to appreciate the size of this magnificent structure
Written August 4, 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.
Tony H
Cardiff, UK159 contributions
Aug 2021
Great for walking, views and not so good if your afraid of heights. There are a few parking places, the one we used was the coach and car park and was only £3 for the whole day *the machine is a bit of a pain and you only need to press the button marked). There is a short walk unless you park in the close car park, there are some lovely barges on the canal, there is a café and toilets, and then you come across what you came for- the Aqueduct.
Before you start, take a good look at the architecture, and you can pop partly under it is you wish.
When you start crossing, you do have to be careful of people coming towards you, to your right is the canal itself and depending on when you go you can see some wonderful boats. It is a long way up or down, have no fear though it is safe. It is a long walk over and I would probably suggest leaving it if it's blowing and wet.
Once you get over, there is a small pathway down on the right which allows you to see the underside and the arches, very nice.
Carry on walking you come to a few barge shops with various on sale. pass those and a little further the canal curves tot he right, there are some seats here if you need to rest. Carry on to the manually operated canal walk bridge. If you go a little further on there is a corrugated roof shed set down on the right, if you look over the roof of the shed, there is a fantastic view of the Aqueduct (would suggest a camera with a good zoom though).
You can carry on walking which will take you on to the railway viaduct or you can turn round back over Tedford's Bridge and go to the café.
If you want to go on other walks you will be greatly pleased. Take a picnic and you could be out here for hours. and great scenery as well.
Before you start, take a good look at the architecture, and you can pop partly under it is you wish.
When you start crossing, you do have to be careful of people coming towards you, to your right is the canal itself and depending on when you go you can see some wonderful boats. It is a long way up or down, have no fear though it is safe. It is a long walk over and I would probably suggest leaving it if it's blowing and wet.
Once you get over, there is a small pathway down on the right which allows you to see the underside and the arches, very nice.
Carry on walking you come to a few barge shops with various on sale. pass those and a little further the canal curves tot he right, there are some seats here if you need to rest. Carry on to the manually operated canal walk bridge. If you go a little further on there is a corrugated roof shed set down on the right, if you look over the roof of the shed, there is a fantastic view of the Aqueduct (would suggest a camera with a good zoom though).
You can carry on walking which will take you on to the railway viaduct or you can turn round back over Tedford's Bridge and go to the café.
If you want to go on other walks you will be greatly pleased. Take a picnic and you could be out here for hours. and great scenery as well.
Written September 2, 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.
Michael K
London, UK522 contributions
Sep 2021
Yes, it's as good as it looks in the pictures. A wonderful and pioneering piece of architecture by Thomas Telford dating from 1795, it is about 1000 long and takes the Ellesmere Canal across the River Dee, 127 feet below. It was new technology at the time. The canal is 5ft 3 inches deep. It is possible to book narrowboat trips across and back over the aqueduct, or of course you can walk. I do not have a good head for heights, but I did manage it. I did feel a bit insecure, though, as you are only protected by railings, not a solid wall. On the canal side, there is no wall at all! If you have time, you can extend the walk along the canal. I believe there are great views, but I could not fully relax into them!
Written September 15, 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.
Martin W
Auckland, New Zealand79 contributions
Nov 2019
We were sort of looking forward to crossing the viaduct in our narrowboat, but when it came to the crunch and finally ventured into the narrow chute, my guts sort of did somersaults. Standing on the stern of a boat with no handrail on either the boat or the aqueduct, and a bloody long way down didn't do too much for the stomach condition. However by staring dead ahead with the odd cursory glance at the view alongside, and seemingly eternity of time to cross, we reached Telford Basin and the tranquil waters of the narrow canal heading up to Llangollen. We had to do this trip again on the way back, and of course we were hardened travellers by then with little fear of the great traverse.....NOT. If you get the chance do this as we did, your own hire. There really is not so much to fear by walking over the viaduct with the lovely, nice handrail on that side.
Written October 14, 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.
alan G
Dover, UK4 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
The main carpark wasn't very busy and it's felt a bit strange due to the massive security fence, more like a factory carpark than a visitor attraction. It could do with a visitor map or some displays, also a fixed fee regardless of how long you stay 😏. When you find your way to the basin and viaduct there are some nice walks along and under the viaduct. It's very impressive. However the visitor center is very underwhelming and no where to get a coffee after your walk apart from the pub, perhaps take your own.
Written September 20, 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.
Theresa
Banbury, UK3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Trying to find somewhere to park was a nightmare as no clear signage. The website didn’t let you book but when we got there you could scan the QR code to book, but you couldn’t book for that day !!!! 😡🤬🤬 We Waited for an hour for the narrowboat, only to be told dogs not allowed (didn’t mention this on the website or the board where you wait, which only gave prices😡) so a wasted trip. They really need to get their act together, as this could have been a really nice experience- shame it was ruined
Written July 14, 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.
Trekkin Traveller
St Helens, UK1,003 contributions
Aug 2020 • Couples
We visited in August 2020. We really enjoyed our walk along the aqueduct and the canal. It’s a marvellous piece of engineering. You can chose to canoe across or take a boat trip but we decided to walk.
If you don’t like heights you might struggle but we enjoyed the scenery and the amazing views.
The only down side was the public toilets were closed due to covid.
The car park also costs £3 to park but that is for all day rather than a by the hour rate.
Worth a visit.
If you don’t like heights you might struggle but we enjoyed the scenery and the amazing views.
The only down side was the public toilets were closed due to covid.
The car park also costs £3 to park but that is for all day rather than a by the hour rate.
Worth a visit.
Written August 23, 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.
LesleyM66
Manchester, UK56 contributions
Jul 2023
Overall, well worth a visit whether it’s your first visit or, like us, you’ve been a few times before. There is ample car parking for a flat fee of £3 for the day and then it’s a short walk to the aqueduct. There’s also a nearer car park for Blue Badge holders (both car parks are signposted from the main road) and it’s here you’ll find the toilets. The toilets weren’t great but were still usable. As you approach the aqueduct, there’s a little Canal & River Trust shop and museum and there’s plenty of information boards dotted around. It’s fascinating to just sit and watch the boats manoeuvring. Whilst the rest of the family set off to walk across the aqueduct and back (it’s not for the faint-hearted!), I set off to walk down to the river that flows underneath the aqueduct. There are several paths signposted with viewpoints of this amazing structure.
Written July 23, 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.
Steve_of_N21
London, UK2,267 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
We were lucky enough to go across it in a narrow boat by taking the organised trip from Llangollen Wharf and then chose to walk back to Llangollen along the tow path (takes about 2 hours) rather than the provided coach back into town, which gave us the opportunity to walk back across it.
The canal side famously has no wall or fence and is a sheer drop into the valley below so if you are on a narrow boat make sure you sit or are able to look over the side with the sheer drop. The other side is the walkway across which does have a metal railing but it may not be tall enough to stop those who suffer from vertigo having a serious attack of the heebeegeebies…
One issue with walking across is that Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a major tourist attraction and does attract crowds and the walkway gets very busy with walkers and as it is a narrow walkway passing people is fun. And then in the summer school holidays on fine weather days you even get inconsiderate parents walking across with buggies ffs…
However I would still totally recommend a walk across even for those with vertigo who will have to cling to the metal railing or their fellow accompanists all the way across, because the views from the middle are truly stunning.
The canal side famously has no wall or fence and is a sheer drop into the valley below so if you are on a narrow boat make sure you sit or are able to look over the side with the sheer drop. The other side is the walkway across which does have a metal railing but it may not be tall enough to stop those who suffer from vertigo having a serious attack of the heebeegeebies…
One issue with walking across is that Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a major tourist attraction and does attract crowds and the walkway gets very busy with walkers and as it is a narrow walkway passing people is fun. And then in the summer school holidays on fine weather days you even get inconsiderate parents walking across with buggies ffs…
However I would still totally recommend a walk across even for those with vertigo who will have to cling to the metal railing or their fellow accompanists all the way across, because the views from the middle are truly stunning.
Written August 9, 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.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK2,549 contributions
Aug 2020
The Poncyssyllte Aqueduct was built by Thomas Telford over 200 years ago and it is an amazing structure!
I parked up at Frontysyllte which is just off the A5 trunk road and took a walk along the canal to the basin at Trevor.
The towpath is quite narrow crossing the aqueduct and the canal is equally narrow so be careful when going across. There are amazing views of the river below and the railway viaduct can be seen in the distance.
At the Trevor basin there are some toilets. There is a visitor's centre there but it was closed when I visited. There are also places to sit and eat or enjoy the view.
I parked up at Frontysyllte which is just off the A5 trunk road and took a walk along the canal to the basin at Trevor.
The towpath is quite narrow crossing the aqueduct and the canal is equally narrow so be careful when going across. There are amazing views of the river below and the railway viaduct can be seen in the distance.
At the Trevor basin there are some toilets. There is a visitor's centre there but it was closed when I visited. There are also places to sit and eat or enjoy the view.
Written August 6, 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.
Adam J
Wrexham, UK6 contributions
Are you allowed to ride across the viaduct on either a motorbike or a cycle?
johnlefley407
London, UK72 contributions
I don't know, but whether they are banned or not riding either would be extremely unwise, and would be dangerous to other users because the towpath is far too narrow.
sallyannejm
Liverpool, UK9 contributions
Hi, I'm planning a walk with friends that includes the Aqueduct, however I am really scared of heights. Is there an alternative route (road, footpath, etc) below so that I could meet my friends at the other side if I can't face going across? Thank you!
Kodyvaughan
Gold Coast, Australia341 contributions
You can walk through the township and not over the acquduct but it is a long way around
Howso
Great Hockham, UK51 contributions
As the viaduct is only wide enough for one boat, how is the one way system operated?
Sushar303
Boulder, CO34 contributions
Just as the folks above said. We’ve been back and forth twice, and it’s closest boat enters and others wait. Sometimes you’ll see two or three go together because they’re near one another, but no one seems to care. It’s life in the slow lane.
Catspelle1
Wolverhampton, UK152 contributions
Hi can you walk along the aqueduct into Llangollen along the canal side? Apologies if stupid question but I can’t tell from photos/map etc... walking with 2 dogs. Thanks.
grubbytech
Basingstoke, UK283 contributions
Yes you can. You just need a head for heights but the views are great.
TheWitneys
Princes Risborough, UK3 contributions
What trips across the aqueduct would be running on Thursday, 21st March?
Vanessa D
Wrexham County, UK80 contributions
Contact jones tbe boat or visitor centre fodful! Info but believe the.boats run Daily and ca. Ba e cream tea too
Helen Castle
Llandudno, UK51 contributions
Hi,
Would you say it is accessible for a pram?
DENISE R
Chirk, UK49 contributions
To walk across the aqueduct not ideal for pram but you can walk round on road or go on boat. Also you can hire boat from jones Trevor
judith88
Blackburn, UK172 contributions
Hi sounds lovely. How far/ how long was the circular walk?
DENISE R
Chirk, UK49 contributions
You can walk from Trevor to other side of bridge aqueduct to fron a nice walk the canal both sides of aqueduct nice walk good pathways Llangollen do a canal boat pulled by horse. You can also go to fron aqueduct and from fron end go under bridge to other side of canal.
mb001
PA10 contributions
Do they have 1 or 2 day boat tours available?
IanUpton
Bolton, UK462 contributions
They have daily boat tours but to keep a boat overnight you would have to hire it. You can Hire them for the day or two days I expect but I don't think these boats have sleeping quarters if that's what you intend
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Claim your listingPontcysyllte Aqueduct - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Pontcysyllte Aqueduct:
- CHESTER: North Wales Adventure - Sightseeing Day Trip Tour (From $75.98)
- Full-Day North Wales Sightseeing Adventure from Manchester (From $75.98)
- North Wales Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool (From $75.98)
- Shore Excursion: North Wales Adventure Sightseeing Day Trip from Liverpool (From $101.74)
- Canoe Aqueduct tours Llangollen (From $77.27)
- Hotels near Pontcysyllte Aqueduct:
- (0.15 mi) Borrows Rest
- (0.27 mi) Pontcysyllte Chapel Tea Room
- (0.46 mi) The Queens Hotel
- (3.38 mi) Cornerstones, 16th Century Luxury House overlooking the River Dee
- (4.18 mi) The Mulberry Inn
- Restaurants near Pontcysyllte Aqueduct:
- (0.14 mi) Butty & Sweet Cafe Boat
- (0.24 mi) Pontcysyllte Chapel Tearoom
- (0.21 mi) Telford Inn
- (0.44 mi) The Aqueduct Inn
- (0.31 mi) Froncysyllte Community Centre
- Attractions near Pontcysyllte Aqueduct:
- (0.85 mi) Ty Mawr Country Park
- (1.69 mi) TNR Outdoors
- (1.83 mi) Ty Nant Outdoors
- (2.83 mi) SegTrek
- (3.46 mi) Bearded Men Adventures
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct Information
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