All the things you can do in Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

The UK’s longest named village has more to it than its 58 letters with plenty to do during your trip

Bookmark
Share
Comments

Rebecca AstillReviews & Affiliates Writer

11:43, 18 JUL 2021

James Pringle Weavers of Llanfairpwll. Photo by Ian Cooper (Image: Ian Cooper/Daily Post Wales)

One north Wales village is known for its long name but there are many other reasons you should visit Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch.

It is actually a pretty remarkable place, despite becoming the butt of party tricks as US TV host Ellen Degeneres even once commented "Why would someone name a town with that many letters." (Well Ellen, why not?)

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is located in Anglesey and is home to the railway station with the iconic village name sign, the first home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and a chance to take part in some water sports.

The name was not always so long. Originally, it was called the slightly easier “Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll”.

In the 19th century, after a new railway was built between Chester and Holyhead, a local committee put their heads together in a bid to entice more people to stop off at the village.

It is believed a cobbler from Menai Bridge came up with the name to draw more visitors, unbeknownst to the fact the station would now attract tourists from around the world - not just Wales.

Nowadays, locals refer to the village as Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll or Llanfair PG Although the village website encourages people to send in their attempted pronunciations of the full thing.

Here are the best attractions it has to offer.

Photo opportunity at the train station

The sign at the train station at Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychchwyrndrobwllllantisiliogogogoch (Image: Paul Rowland)

The oversized railway sign is the best opportunity for a photo to prove you have been to the village.

It is proof of the success of the 19th century marketing strategy and no trip is complete without it.

Visit The Duke and Duchess’ first rented house

Duchess of Cambridge holds Prince George as he and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge's look on while visiting the Sensational Butterflies exhibition at the Natural History Museum on July 2, 2014 — Prince George a few weeks before his first birthday - he was born on July 22, 2013 (Image: John Stillwell - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

While Prince William still worked as a military pilot, he was stationed in Anglesey to train.

The royal couple stayed in a four bedroom house on the Bodorgan Estate with access to a private beach.

Many of the properties on the estate are available to rent.

St Mary’s Church

The church the village was, in part, named after is a Grade-II listed building.

It was rebuilt in 1853 but contains features of the original, including the baptismal font.

Love every second of your free time

Wondering where to eat, drink or visit for your next UK holiday? At 2Chill we help you decide where to go and stay next with hundreds of recommendations right on your doorstep.

Visit our brilliant new website 2chill.co.uk and start packing.

If you'd also like weekly inspiration and advice for your next trip, you can sign up to the Chill newsletter here.

For the latest must-have travel news follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Plas Newydd House and Garden

Plas Newydd, in Anglesey, where Prince Charles spent two weeks brushing up on his Welsh, before his Investiture in 1969. (Image: National Trust)

This National Trust house is the home of the Marquess of Anglesey with stunning views over Snowdonia and the Menai Strait.

The house is open with staff giving information about the rooms and the history. You can also visit the shop, cafe, gardens and it is the home to many red squirrels.