Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch in Wales 2025-2026

With 58 characters this village has the longest name in Europe

Best time: year round

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, often shortened to Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll, is a charming Welsh village on the island of Anglesey. It is known for having one of the world's longest place names. The village attracts around 200,000 visitors annually, and its famous 58-character train station sign is a major draw. Most residents speak Welsh, offering an authentic cultural experience. If you're looking for a unique photo opportunity and a taste of Welsh heritage, Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is worth a visit.

Getting There

Llanfairpwllgwyngyll is easily accessible by both train and car. The village’s railway station is a request stop on the main line between Holyhead, where ferries from Ireland arrive, and Bangor on the Welsh mainland. By car, the fastest route is via the A55 (North Wales Expressway), which crosses the Britannia Bridge and runs past the village. Alternatively, the A5 from Bangor takes a scenic route over the Menai Suspension Bridge, passing through the town of Menai Bridge before reaching Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.

What to See

Visitors to Llanfairpwllgwyngyll can explore several attractions beyond its famous railway station sign. Nearby, the Anglesey Sea Zoo in Brynsiencyn offers a fascinating look at marine life, while history enthusiasts can visit the ancient St. Tysilio's Church. Bryn Celli Ddu, a burial chamber dating back to around 2000 BC, provides insight into the island's prehistoric past. The Marquess of Anglesey's Column, a 27-meter Doric monument, is best admired from a distance due to its current unsafe condition. Plas Newydd Country House and Gardens, an 18th-century estate owned by the National Trust, offers beautiful landscapes and historical charm. Additionally, St. Mary's Church, after which the town is named, is another notable site to explore.

History of the Village Longest Name

The village, which dates back to the Neolithic era, gained fame in the 1880s when a local tailor extended its name as a tourist attraction. Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, originally known as Pwllgwyngyll, was renamed in the 19th century as a publicity stunt to attract tourists. The full name, one of the longest in the world, translates to "St. Mary's Church in the hollow of white hazel near a rapid whirlpool and St. Tysilio’s Church by the red cave."