Local Attractions

There are many local attractions within easy reach of the Chirk Bunkhouse

Chirk Castle – National Trust

Completed in 1310, Chirk is the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I that’s still lived in today. Features from its 700 years include the medieval tower and dungeon, 17th-century Long Gallery, grand 18th-century state apartments, servants’ hall and historic laundry. The award-winning gardens contain clipped yews, herbaceous borders, shrub and rock gardens. A terrace with stunning views looks out over the Cheshire and Salop plains. The parkland provides a habitat for rare invertebrates, wild flowers and contains many mature trees and also some splendid wrought-iron gates, made in 1719 by the Davies brothers.

We hold an education pass to National Trust properties in the area including Chirk Castle – Prior arrangements with the Castle staff have to be made by calling 01691 777 701 (when connected press 0);  email address – chirkcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk.   For opening times please refer to their web site –www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle “

 

Chirk Viaduct and Aqueduct

Chirk Aqueduct – a navigable aqueduct with a cast iron trough carries the Llangollen Canal over the valley of the Ceiriog River.  Designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1801, it is 70ft (21m) high and 710ft (220m) long and forms part of the World Heritage Site.  The Aqueduct sits next to the Chirk Viaduct (built in 1848).  The Chirk tunnel starts at the north end of the aqueduct.  You can walk through the “darkie” but beware it is 1200 ft long – so a flashlight is recommended.”

Llangollen Canal

The Llangollen Canal is a navigable canal crossing the border between England and Wales. The waterway links Llangollen in Denbighshire, North Wales, with Hurleston in south Cheshire, via the town of Ellesmere, Shropshire. In 2009 an eleven-mile section of the canal from Gledrid Bridge near Rhoswiel through to the Horseshoe Falls, which includes Chirk Aqueduct and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Swimming – Chirk Leisure Centre

Please note that Welsh children can swim for free during main school holidays and subject to certain times at Chirk Leisure Centre. Must be pre booked with the Chirk Leisure Centre Tel. No. 01691 778666.