Abbey Grange Hotel and nearby sports venues in Llangollen, Wales

Abbey Grange Hotel is a fully licensed residential Hotel in the heart of some of the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside in the British Isles. The hotel is one and a half miles from the charming country town of Llangollen and is within easy access of all the major roads serving the North West, the Midlands and the rest of the U.K. Its location is ideal for enjoying the varied local amenities and also as a base for exploring the rest of North Wales, including the Snowdonia National Park and coastal resorts.About UsSet in eight acres of unspoilt countryside near the foot of the spectacular Horseshoe Pass, and enjoying magnificent views of open fields and mountains to all sides, Abbey Grange offers an idyllic setting for a relaxed holiday. Traditionally built from local slatestone and originally the private residence of the local slate quarry owner, the hotel now combines the character of an old country house with the comfort of modern amenities. The name of the Hotel derives from the nearby 13th century Valle Crucis Abbey. Outside, there is a Sun Patio, a large Garden Lawn area and a childrens play area which includes swings. There is also a large private car parking area. Inside, you can relax with friends in the cosy Abbey bar or you can enjoy a glass of Real Ale in the Oak Bar - we maintain a selection of at least four premium quality cask conditioned beers. There is also a large screen TV in the Oak Bar for watching Special Events. Bar Meals are available throughout the day and in the evening you can Wine and Dine in the Eliseg restaurant, which can cater for as many as seventy persons at a function. There are eight spacious and well appointed bedrooms, all on the first floor. All have private bathrooms, TV and TeaCoffee facilities and central heating. Six of the rooms are ideally suited for families. Some of the bedrooms are fitted with four-poster suites. Top of Page NearbyElisegs Pillar - This ancient monument is in the field opposite the Hotel and is over 1,000 years old. The inscription tells it was erected by Cyngen, Prince of Powys, in memory of his father, Eliseg. Cyngen died in 854 on a pilgrimage to Rome.Valle Crucis Abbey - Five minutes walk reveals the lovely ruins of a Cistercian Abbey (right) This was founded in 1201 by Madog ap Gruffudd, Prince of Powys. Horseshoe Pass - Two minutes drive brings you to the magnificent Horseshoe Pass, some 1300 ft above sea level. From here are splendid views of the Vale of Llangollen and the farming village of Pentre Dwr can be seen nestling in the valley below.Llangollen - (Where Wales meets the World)Just 12 miles away is the small but bustling town of Llangollen, famous as the venue for the International Musical Festival held each July. The town abounds with good shops, cafes and cosy pubs. Llangollen is set on the banks of the River Dee and has many unique attractions, a few of which are:-Llangollen Bridge - Built in 1347 by John Trefor, this is one of the seven Wonders of Wales. Major canoeing events are held on this stretch of water, and the bridge makes an ideal viewing point.Castell Dinas Bran (Crow Castle) - Perched 1,000 feet above the town and keeping a watchful eye on events, are the ruins of Crow Castle, which dates back to the 13th century.Llangollen Canal - The picture on the right was taken upstream of the Llangollen Wharf, which is adjacent to the Llangollen Bridge. Horse-drawn boat rides are available between here and the HorseShoe Falls where the River Dee supplies water to the Canal. This is indeed a truly tranquil and relaxed mode of travelling.Llangollen Steam Railway - Since 1975 much work has gone into restoration of the main line railway ( which was axed in the 1960s) and there are now over seven miles of full gauge track open between Llangollen and Carrog. The views from the train over the surrounding valleys are both outstanding and unique. Thomas the Tank weekends and Santa Specials feature in the programme.Top of Page Around and AboutPontcysyllte Aqueduct - Completed in 1805, this is the longest and highest aqueduct in Great Britain. It is 1007 ft long and 126 ft high and carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. Take a walk across it, or travel across in a Canal Boat. The aqueduct is about five miles (10 minutes by car) from Abbey Grange.Pistyll Rhaeadr - Another of the Seven Wonders of Wales, this impressive waterfall, at 240 ft. is the highest in Wales. It is near to the market town of Oswestry.Snowdonia National Park - A large protected area of outstanding beauty, the centre-piece being Eryri, or Home of the Eagles. At 3560 ft this is the highest peak in England and Wales. There is a Rack-and-Pinion railway (the only one in the British Isles) travelling to the Summit. Around half a million people, one way or another, go up Snowdon every year.Coastal Resorts - Day Visits can be made to many sea-side resorts, including Rhyl, Colwyn bay and Llandudno.Towns and Shopping- The walled roman city of Chester, and the market towns of Wrexham and Oswestry are within easy reach.Top of Page Sport and RecreationRambling, Hiking - These are on the doorstep facilities and Abbey Grange is an ideal base from which to start (and end).Offas Dyke - The path of this ancient fortification (circa 784 AD) is in close proximity. The picture below, which is but one example of the varied terrain of the Llangollen area, includes part of this path.Fishing - On the River Dee and the Canal - Salmon, Trout, aqualing etc. Trout fishing is available throughout the year at Abbey Fisheries, a short distance from the hotel.Golf - The Vale of Llangollen Golf Club has a testing 18-hole course which skirts the banks of the River Dee.General - The following sports are also supported locally - Canoeing, Indoor Swimming, Squash, Horse -riding, Tennis, Bowls.