Ruabon
The village nestles between Offa's Dyke (to the west) and Wat's Dyke (to the east) and settlements from as early as the Bronze Age have been discovered in and around the village.
Wynnstay in Ruabon was once home to the Williams-Wynn family who were major landowners in this part of Wales. Sir Watkin Williams-Wynn (1749-1789) is viewed as the greatest patron of the arts Wales has ever produced. He was a collector of Old Master paintings; commissioned work from many artists and sculptors; was a patron of architects, designers and gardeners; had a passion for music; and he loved the theatre. His collection can be seen in the National Museum Wales in Cardiff.
Llangollen
Just a few miles west of Ruabon, Llangollen is the area's premier tourist attraction.
Llangollen is the home of the annual International Musical Eisteddfod which takes place each July (this year's is from 8th - 13th July). The Eisteddfod is a world-renowned festival of music, song and dance where competitors from more than fifty countries come together for one week to stand side by side through music, while each evening the Pavilion plays hosts to concerts by world-class artists. The Eisteddfod is followed by the Llangollen Fringe festival from 18th July.
The town is also packed with things to do – take a trip on the Llangollen Heritage Railway, a trip down Llangollen canal from Llangollen Wharf (which includes crossing the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, 126 feet above the River Dee), or take a look at Llangollen Museum or Llangollen Motor Museum. There are also plenty of activities such as fishing, canoeing and ballooning to take part in, as well as more gentle sightseeing. And in October there is the annual Llangollen Food Festival.
The town is also associated with Arthurian legend – the remains of Castell Dinas Bran (Crow Castle), which can be seen high on an isolated hill above Llangollen and reached by a steep climb are said to be the possible burial site of the Holy Grail. From the top the views of Llangollen and the Dee Valley are stunning.
Find out more about Ruabon and Llangollen
The ruabon.com website contains a history of the village and surrounding areas, and Wikipedia includes more information.To find out more about Llangollen visit the official Llangollen website or Llangollen.com or Llangollen.info.
The Chester to Shrewsbury Rail Partnership has done much to promote the use of Ruabon station and improve facilities there.
Location
Ruabon station is just a couple of minutes' walk from Ruabon High Street. If you're travelling by car, there's easy access from the A483 and the A539.
Ticket office
There is no ticket office – just buy your ticket on the train. There are loudspeaker announcements about train arrivals and departures.
Car parking
Over 30 car parking spaces, as well as some for the exclusive use of disabled drivers.
Connections
Getting to Llangollen is really easy: the X5 and 555 operate every 15 minutes to Llangollen (the bus stop is 150m from the station) with a journey time of just 15 minutes. On Sundays the 5A is hourly to Llangollen.
For destinations further afield the X94 Express Bus has eight daily services (five on Sundays and Bank Holidays) to Llangollen, Corwen, Bala, Dolgellau and Barmouth. It's usually operated by step-free, low-floor buses, and departs from immediately outside the station.