The beautiful Vale of Llangollen and surrounding area offer a huge range of indoor and outdoor activities for all ages making this great value break ideal for single parent families for the May Spring Bank Holiday. We’ll be staying in comfortable accommodation with modern facilities providing a fantastic base for exploring this idyllic location and the many local activities on offer.
Llangollen is a quaint, bustling town with a myriad of shops, cafe’s and bars approximately an hours drive to Snowdonia, and half an hour to Chester. A haven for walkers, climbers, canoeists and cyclists there is an abundance of attractions on the doorstep including the beautiful River Dee which offers several watersports and the Llangollen Canal with its horse drawn boat rides from Llangollen Wharf. The Llangollen steam railway is a mainly steam-hauled heritage railway line starting at Llangollen Station, beside the Dee River Bridge in the centre of town.
The area is also steeped in history which can be discovered at Llangollen Museum with it’s talks and events and artificats including some from nearby Valle Crucis Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1201AD.
The hostel is a great base for walkers, who wish to explore the magnificent Vale of Llangollen, the Berwyn mountains, the Clwydian range and for those walking the Offa’s Dyke footpath, also known as the National Trail. There’s a particularly beautiful walk up to the castle, Castell Dinas Bran which was built c. 1260AD, and has gorgeous views over Llangollen.
For the more adventurous, there is some superb mountain biking in the area and at the fantastic mountain biking centre at Llandegla forest. Whilst the river Dee boasts some fantastic white water, and offers kayaking and canoeing, white water rafting and tubing for those who dare!
For those who like a more sedate water experience, the river is shallow by the High Street and perfect for paddling. The Llangollen Canal offers sight seeing boat rides (don’t forget to take a carrot for the horses that pull the boats!) The Canal takes you past Castell Dinas Barn, Horseshoe Falls (ideal for a dip) and Pontcysllte Aqueduct – the longest and highest aqueduct in Britain. A Grade I listed building, the aqueduct was built by Thomas Telford, completed in 1805, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s also a thriving community of otters there.
The Eglwyseg cliffs above the town offer some of the best limestone climbs in the area. Other activities include gorge walking, fishing, golf, trail riding and many more.
A great central location in Llangollen, the postcode for sat navs is LL20 8NB. (Please note there is a public ‘pay and display’ car park at the rear of the accommodation with no charge between 5pm and 8am. During the day the prices are 10p for half hour, 50p for one hour, £1 for 4 hours, and £7 for the whole day. If you buy a ticket in the evening then it rolls over to the next morning, so a £1 ticket bought after 5pm would allow you to park until 12 noon the following day. For all day parking it would be worth moving the car to a side street or to the long stay car park which is a 2 minute walk away.)
There are daily National Express Coaches from London to Llangollen.
There are daily trains from London (2.5 hours), Birmingham (1.5 hours), Manchester (2 hours) and Liverpool (1.5 hours). The nearest train stations are Ruabon (5 miles), Chirk (5 miles) and Wrexham General (9 miles).
Buses run all day from Ruabon train station to Llangollen (every 15 mins until 6pm, then hourly).
To check directions by public transport, we recommend using the website www.traveline.info or click on the little Google map to the right.
This is a 3 -night break from Friday 28th May to Monday 31st May 2021
This holiday is suitable for all ages with something for everyone to do that even the teens will have be happy! Shared rooms are not suitable for under 4’s.
Do check out our FAQ page for our UK holidays. Should your query not be covered by the above, please don’t hesitate to email us at events@singlewithkids.co.uk or using the contact form on this site.
Single With Kids has exclusive use of the whole building for this break. This is a great value holiday in clean and comfortable accommodation with modern facilities.
There is a fully-fitted kitchen, spacious dining room, cosy lounge with log burner and 8 bedrooms consisting of private and shared, twin/bunk and double rooms, en-suite family rooms, four-bed and six-bed dorms. One bedroom is on the ground floor.
Free wi-fi internet
Book exchange and selection of games for adults and children
Bicycle and canoe lockable storage
Bike and boot wash down station
Laundry facilities and drying room
Luggage drop
Car park at rear (charges during 8am-5pm)
This is a self catering trip and no meals are provided however a couple of communal meals will be arranged throughout the holiday, starting with a ‘Meet & Greet’ buffet on the first evening (everyone brings something for the table).
Further details will be provided closer to the event, please look out for emails after booking and advise if you do not receive information.
The cost includes self catering accommodation in private or shared rooms.The property is exclusive to Single With Kids and the break is accompanied by a Single With Kids’ coordinator who arranges events and get-togethers throughout the event.
There is so much to do in this location that it will be hard to choose what to fit in! As well as the watersports, walking, climbing and cycling there are lots of attractions in Llangollen and the surrounding areas.
* Children’s playground and crazy golf right next to the River Dee (5 minute riverside walk from the Hostel).
* Hire a bike if you can’t fit yours in, and cycle safely along the canal to Sir Thomas Telford’s Aqueduct and beyond.
* Swimming and other sports at Splash Magic Leisure Centre, with slides and a wave machine.
* Family-friendly cafés, restaurants and pubs with beer gardens
* Visit Llangollen Steam Railway
* At Honey Pots, kids can paint their own ceramic bowls, plates and other such objects.
* Llangollen Canel Horse Drawn boat ride
* Watersports on the River DeeClose proximity to Chester Zoo, Park Hall Farm and many other attractions
As with all of our Single With Kids’ holidays, the holiday will be hosted by a coordinator, who will arrange daily events and get togethers for the group
Saturday: Arrival & Welcome Buffet*
Sunday: Steam train or horse drawn canal boat trip
Monday: Park Hall Farm
Tuesday : Departures
* There will be a welcome buffet on the first evening, as well as being a great chance to meet everyone this is also the time to find our more about the planned activities.
Please note: all activities are subject to change, and some will be weather dependent. Entrance fees not included
As ever, we will organise a group activity each day but this isn’t boot camp – you’re free to dip in and out as you like or make your own agenda.
A smaller trip with around 30 parents and children on this break – a great size and amazing value, this trip is ideal for anyone considering their first event with Single With Kids.
Bustling Welsh village in a river setting
Horse drawn boat rides on the canal
Cosy lounge with log burner
Quaint, vibrant town surrounded by welsh nature
Fully functional self catering kitchen
Idyllic location by the Berwyn Mountains
Spacious shared rooms
The prices are per person for the 3 night holiday. There are a mix of double, twin and family rooms, with double, twin and bunk beds – we will allocate these according to the mix of ages and genders in each room.
The group will be accompanied by a Single With Kids’ coordinator who will arrange group events during the break. **any entry fees are NOT included in the costs**
Don’t forget to bring money for parking if using the accommodation car park.
This is a 3 -night break from Friday 28th May to Monday 31st May 2021
2 person families; shared rooms
3/4/5 person families; private and shared rooms
Ensuite and non ensuite rooms available for all
Check out what our past guests have said!
" Fantastic location – loved the hostel! Lisa arranged a group buffet, train and dinner on the last night - brilliant coordinator. The children all played together well. Thank you. "
" Another fabulous holiday in another great location. The white water rafting was particularly appreciated. SWK make holidays so easy. My son, as have I have made lovely friendships. We will be back for more. "
" First SWK holiday and we had a great time. Andrew hasn’t stopped smiling since meeting his new friend Ophelia and is keen to come on another trip, as am I! Thank you to everyone for the warm welcome and the laughs. "
" It was really fun. "
" Fantastic holiday in a fantastic location again! Loved Llangollen as a place, so pretty and so much to do. My son loved the white water rafting. Lisa was a great coordinator and the trip was well organised throughout. It was lovely to spend time with all our SWK friends again. We are looking forward to our next trip already. "
" Thank you for a lovely introduction to Single With Kids. Central location and a friendly bunch. Kids don’t want to leave! "
" Great location and hostel. Loved my first experience of Single With Kids. Big thanks to Lisa for coordinating. Will definitely use again. Loved by me and my son. Many thanks. "
" Thank you for another fab holiday. "
" Another great holiday. Fantastic location. Hostel is beautiful and quaint. Really enjoyed the double bus trip. Thank you Lisa for being a great coordinator and for organising really fun trips for the adults as well as the kids. Can’t wait to come back next year. "
" We’ve really loved our trip at Llangollen. Loads of activities within a short distance of the hostel. Paddling in the river, great swimming pool in Acrefair (Plas Madoc), fabulous canoeing at Chirk Boathouse and stunning views from the boat trip across the aqueduct. The hostel was in a lovely handy location with shops, pubs and restaurants within walking distance and a small fun park by the river. Great company and a very welcoming and thoughtful coordinator. "
" We’ve had a fantastic time here in Llangollen. The location is great with so much to do. We really enjoyed the steam train ride and playing by the river. Jo was a fantastic coordinator, organising different activities to suit the ages of the children. We’ve had a lovely, relaxing time here and would definitely come here again. "
" Another fabulous location. Loved the closeness to a quirky town, near the stream and lots to do. Jo arranged some great trips and pulled everyone together. She did a great job of getting everyone together. Had such a lovely time and don’t want to go home. Would definitely stay again. "
" Very impressed with Llangollen. Jo arranged activities to suit everyone. The boat trip and farm were particularly our favourites. First Single With Kids holiday and Jo was a fantastic coordinator. Very welcoming and made to feel at ease. Thank you. "
" Great holiday, have loved everything. The hostel is amazing. Llangollen is amazing. Did not want to leave. Jo is a fantastic coordinator. Organised the trips very well. Everyone knew what was going on and felt included. Jo was easy to talk to and made everyone feel welcome. Will be coming again. "
" Such a fab holiday. Thanks so much to Jo for all her efforts to organise things and making sure everyone felt welcome and included. My son has enjoyed canoeing and paddling in the river and we also did the boat trip across the aqueduct which was amazing. A lovely break from our usual routine and so great to visit such a beautiful place. Thanks again Jo and SWK. "
" Jo was an excellent coordinator. Friendly, organised and inclusive and very hands on tidying up. We’ve had a wonderfully relaxing few days and loved the hostel building and location. The sunny weather helped and it was so conveniently located for restaurants, town, river and steam train. A great holiday. "
" Really enjoyed our first SWK trip. Loved the location and definitely want to come back. Jo made us both feel welcome from the minute we got here and helped us with our bags. Enjoyed all the trips and everyone was really friendly. Thank you for a great trip. "
" Llangollen is a great location with lots to do if the weather is good – which it was. Other people all friendly. Would definitely come back to Llangollen. Had a fabulous time with lovely friends and new people. "
" All of it really, but for us all it was the sociable aspect. I've had holidays where I've sat on my own watching my kids play and this was much more fun with other people around. The location as well is so beautiful and the sunsets were amazing! "
" " Great way to meet other single parents and have a group of playmates for children. Beautiful, peaceful location, lots to do, stunning beaches.
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" It was one of the best holidays I have ever had, and Jack has already asked me to take him again. Pembroke/Stackpole is a terrific destination with loads to do in the surrounding areas, but everyone is great, and really friendly. The kids all play well together. A lovely bunch of adults and children! "
" We all had a really great experience. Both the kids and I made good friends. They were always entertained and I enjoyed sharing experiences with the other mums. The accommodation was great for kids and adults, location absolutely amazing with lots to do nearby. Group size felt just right, not too many to feel overwhelmed, and not too few either. "
" I just wanted to say my daughter and I have today returned from the 3 night break at The Fort in Wales. As this was our first trip I was obviously a tad nervous and apprehensive. But we found it great fun and even relaxing!! The coordinator Jo was great, from the time we arrived she made us feel welcome and part of the group. The other parents were also friendly and welcoming. As were the older kids, very helpful and friendly to the younger ones. Looking forward to next trip. If it is your first time and still thinking about booking,Take the leap you won`t regret it! "
" We will definitely do more hols with SWK. I am addicted to holidays! We were in Thyme Cottage which was perfect for my son (who has Asperger's) and I. It was lovely to belong to the group however also good to have somewhere to go if we needed some space. I just felt relaxed and happy throughout all of the holiday. Access to beautiful places, friends we made - all highlights "
" Lovely location with great walks on the doorstep. Everyone joined in and it was great to share a room. Days out were the best bits with lovely walks where I had chance to talk to other parents whilst my son happily ran with the other kids. Day out to Llangollen was good too. "