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 The
Chainbridge is sited in a unique position literally overlooking the
spectacular River Dee with it's racing white water and leaping salmon and
the Llangollen Canal that begins it's life just a short walk away at the
beautiful Horseshoe Falls. Sit in the bar or restaurant and marvel at the
view which is floodlit at night.
Flanked by one of the oldest roads (the A5), the oldest canals, the oldest
steam railway line, the most famous bridge to cross the river Dee and the
river Dee itself the Chainbridge Hotel could not occupy a more uniquely
beautiful location. Although standing in splendid isolation the hotel is
just 2 miles from the bustling town of Llangollen, which can be reached via
the canal towpath or by car, horse-drawn canal boat or steam train.
There is so much to explore locally for all ages, The Horseshoe Pass, the
motor museum, the home of the famous 'Ladies of Llangollen', the working
steam railway, offering trips along 12 miles of the most beautiful Welsh
countryside, horse drawn boat rides along the canal, plus many ancient ruins
and walks for all ages and abilities. Llangollen is also world famous for
hosting the annual International Music Eisteddfod.
As a family owned hotel, we pride ourselves on personal service and the
freshness and quality of our food. Daily deliveries of fresh and organic
produce allow our team of chefs to prepare a varied daily selection of
excellent food at very modest prices.
We hope to welcome you personally in the near future and promise to make
your time with us truly memorable.
 History
The Original chain bridge was constructed in 1814 and the suspension design
was a feat of engineering. The bridge, hanging from a network of handmade
chains, became the most famous and unique bridge out of a total of 35 that
span the River Dee between Bala and the sea.
It was constructed by Exuperious Pickering to facilitate the transfer of
coal and lime from his mines between the Llangollen Canal and the main A5.
It was sited where an original crossing had been constructed over the wild
racing River Dee hundreds of years before, by the monks of the nearby
preserved remains of Valle Crucia Abbey.
The original chain bridge was refurbished and strengthened by Sir Henry
Robertson, who owned the nearby Brymbo Steel Works in 1870. In 1928 heavy
floodwaters combined with the partial damming of the river caused by fallen
trees, caused the river to rise dramatically and flow over the bridge itself
to the depth of 4 feet.
When you look at the bridge you will be able to imagine for yourself how
dramatic this would have been and sadly the pressure of water proved too
much causing the bridge to collapse. Undeterred, Sir Henry organised the
retrieval of the original supporting chains and rebuilt the whole chain
bridge to a much stronger design in 1929 where it linked Berwyn station with
it's antique working steam trains, directly with the hotel across the River
Dee. Forty-five persons stood on the bridge during the opening ceremony to
demonstrate its strength. The Chainbridge is still a famous landmark and the
eponymous hotel a popular venue for locals and travellers alike.
The Hotel is dramatically located literally on the edge of the River Dee and
directly opposite a beautiful waterfall and historic steam railway on the
opposite bank.
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