The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site website has had a makeover to meet accessibility standards, making it easily available and fully bilingual on mobile phones and tablets.
In addition to the new look, the website now offers access to new learning content and collections not normally available, giving a virtual experience from home, allowing you to watch, read and discover this iconic place and experience some of the greatest aqueducts, tunnels, cuttings and embankments ever built.
This has been achieved through the addition of new education and learning activities for families and schools, telling the story through objects and the creation of virtual tours of the 11 mile corridor.
The website was launched during a visit from the Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden to Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site. During the visit, the Deputy Minister, said; “I’m delighted to visit this remarkable site – and to meet with people who have such a passion for this World Heritage Site. The new website will help to introduce the aqueduct and canal to new audiences of all ages.
“The past eighteen months has been challenging for so many sectors, and I’m pleased to hear that the Cultural Recovery Funding from the Welsh Government has been of assistance during this difficult time.
“It’s great to hear that the team is now looking to the future and at plans which will ensure that the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site continues to deliver benefits, both economic and cultural for our communities, our businesses and our young people – and to be a positive beacon promoting the region and Wales throughout the world.”
Ian Bancroft, Chair of the World Heritage Site Board said “The updated website gives all the information you need to visit not only the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct but also the surrounding towns, villages and attractions along the 11 miles of the World Heritage Site.
“Along with Wales’ other three World Heritage Sites – Pontcysyllte is a vital cog in Wrexham’s tourism offer and having this easily accessible modern website will only further enable a greater understanding of the site and allow visitors to plan ahead in order to continue visiting this remarkable area.”
Mark Evans, director for Wales from Glandŵr Cymru, said: “The 11 miles of the UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts thousands of boaters and tourists to Wales every year. The website will now help promote this special site across the world and allow people to discover the history of this globally important heritage site.
“The Llangollen Canal is part of this beautiful landscape and is home to some engineering masterpieces, including the impressive Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, which is well worth a visit for the views over the Dee Valley.
“Our research shows spending time next to water makes us all feel happier and healthier so plan your visit today and come and see this wonderful part of Wales.”
Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said, “Having a website that is both modern and fully accessible to all is essential to satisfy the global audience that this site attracts.
“It also gives a virtual visitor experience for those who are not fortunate enough to be able to visit in person. I would like to thank everyone involved for their work on this website and look forward to seeing the progress on the Business Ambassador Scheme.”
World Heritage Site Business Ambassador Scheme
The website will continue to develop with the introduction later in the year of a World Heritage Site Business Ambassador Scheme which builds on the existing North Wales Tourism Ambassador scheme.
It’s designed for tourism businesses from within the 11-mile World Heritage Site to be featured following the completion of a couple of short modules, showing a commitment and dedication to going that extra mile to advocate the area to visitors.
This will help support post Covid tourism business recovery and continue to develop a thriving tourism economy, with truly passionate people at the heart of it.
You can visit the website at www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk
The new look website has been supported by funding from the Welsh Government’s Regional Tourism Engagement Fund and new activities funded through Wales Cultural Recovery Fund.
This exciting project has been developed on behalf of the World Heritage Site by Glandŵr Cymru, the Canal and River Trust in Wales, in partnership with Wrexham Council and provides information and a great educational resource to prospective visitors, enabling them to plan their visit.
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