Wrexham is a historic city in North Wales that has been the subject of a lot of media attention since Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney took ownership of the local football team. It even hosts one of the seven wonders of Wales (more on this later).
A visit to Wrexham rarely features among the top things to do in North Wales since the city centre itself has little to offer in the way of tourist attractions, however, there are a surprising number of activities around Wrexham, from exploring grand houses and beautiful gardens to an iconic aqueduct which you can canoe across.
In this guide, I’ll share my favourite things to do in Wrexham and the surrounding area.
1. Explore the grand house and gardens at Erddig
Erddig is an impressive 18th-century house and gardens located just outside of Wrexham. The estate was owned by the Yorke family for over 250 years and has been preserved as a museum which is now owned and managed by National Trust.
Inside the house, you can explore the servants' quarters, see the kitchens and bakery where fresh bread would have been made daily, and visit the state bedrooms which are full of grand furniture and impressive wallpaper (although the bedrooms were closed for work during my visit).
Outside, the beautifully landscaped gardens feature a walled garden area, a lake, and an orchard. In the courtyard, there is both a café and restaurant where you can enjoy a bite to eat and outbuildings where you can see old stables, the sawmill and several old cars and farm equipment.
Surrounding the house and gardens is Erddig country park. I also recommend allowing time to check out some of the waymarked trails here. I recommend the shorter yellow trail which will take you past the ‘cup and saucer’ which provided water to the house during its heyday and the site where an original motte and bailey castle stood, long before the house was built (although nothing remains now other than the mound where the castle stood).
2. Visit Wrexham's new art and cultural venue, Tŷ Pawb
Tŷ Pawb is a brand-new arts and cultural venue in Wrexham. Inside, you'll find a small makers' market with local craftspeople selling cute gifts. These include trainers, wool products, and handmade cards. next to the market is a food court where you can purchase snacks, meals, and even drinks.
There's also a free gallery which has new exhibits four times per year, these are sometimes touring exhibitions but when I visited, there was a special display dedicated to community gardening projects. I recommend checking out their website to find out about upcoming displays and events that are regularly held here too.
3. Make science fun at the Xplore Science Centre
The Xplore Science Centre is a hands-on science museum which is one of the best activities in Wrexham for families. In one visit to the centre, you will learn more than a lifetime of science classes!
Located in the town centre, there are more than 100 interactive exhibits which are always changing and evolving but might include things such as a virtual reality rollercoaster, building and launching your own rocket, or exploring the human body. It also has a dedicated science shop and a café.
Keep in mind that the centre is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during term time although it’s open every day during school holidays. They recommend booking tickets online ahead of time which you can do via their official booking site here.
4. See the old lead mines at Minera Country Park
Minera Country Park a unique heritage site located just a few miles from Wrexham. The park features the ruins of an 18th-century lead mines and several walking trails through beautiful woodland.
The mines have been closed since 1914, however, you can visit them to learn exactly how they were run and the impact they had on the local area. You can also see the remnants of the blast furnaces, coke ovens, and waterwheels that once ran the mines. Engine House offers stunning views and there’s a great space for picnics too.
If you’re up for seeing more of the area, from here you can begin the Clywedog Trail, a waymarked walking route that takes you along the river to King’s Mill. The trail takes and you’ll pass by waterfalls, old mills, and Erddig. You can walk the full 9-mile path or split it into smaller sections such as this one.
5. See one of the Seven Wonders of Wales
Wrexham is home to one of the Seven Wonders of Wales, the tower at St Giles Church which sits at the centre of Wrexham and is the largest medieval parish church in Wales.
I didn't have huge expectations when visiting this church but I was blown away at just how enormous is. The Grade-I listed church is an impressive example of medieval architecture with the tower standing at 41m (136ft) tall.
It’s considered one of the seven wonders of Wales which is a huge statement that many might not agree with (myself included). However, keep in mind that the seven wonders were written by an Englishman in the 18th century and only included landmarks around the Llangollen and Wrexham area.
There's no fee to head inside so have a wander around if it's open. There's no guided tour and little information, but I recommend looking for the free booklet which explains what the images in the stained glass windows are.
6. Discover Chirk Castle
Just a 20-minute journey south of Wrexham, you’ll find Chirk Castle, a stunning medieval castle surrounded by beautiful gardens and parkland.
The National Trust-owned property dates back to the 13th century when it was originally built by Roger Mortimer de Chirk as part of Edward I’s conquest in North Wales. Later in the 16th century, it was sold to the Myddelton family as a family home and was held by descendants of that family until the 20th century.
Inside the castle, you can explore the staterooms, go up Adam Tower and make your way down to the dungeons! There is also a huge well-maintained garden with manicured lawns, clipped yews, and stunning views. The castle’s visitor centre, known as Home Farm, is where you’ll find a shop, bookshop and several play areas for children.
The castle also hosts events throughout the year, such as jousting tournaments and outdoor theatre performances. You can find out about upcoming events on their website.
If you don’t want to pay for entry (National Trust members get in free), then you can explore the estate surrounding the castle for free where you’ll find enormous oak trees, a deer park, and many walking trails. Find out more here.
7. Take a canal boat along the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
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Around 15 minutes drive outside Wrexham in the small village of Trevor, you’ll find the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. This is one of Britain’s most famous aqueducts because it’s the tallest and longest one in the country at 39m high and 300m long
It took 10 years to build and more than 500 men. What makes it even more special is that the Llangollen canal runs right along the top of the aqueduct, carrying it over the River Dee which runs beneath.
There are several ways that you can experience the aqueduct for yourself. You can walk across on the footpath which runs alongside the canal. Start off at the free Trevor Basin Visitor Centre where you can find out more about the mighty piece of architecture before you begin.
Alternatively, you can take a canal boat across the aqueduct. Horse Drawn Boats run canal boats from Llangollen Wharf to Froncysyllte and vice versa. The journey costs £17 and lasts two hours with a courtesy coach returning you back to the start point afterwards.
If you fancy something a little more exciting, you can join Bearded Men Adventures and canoe across the aqueduct. The half-day adventure is led by a local guide and begins in Froncysyllte near the aqueduct. Expect games and activities along the way as well as stopping to explore a local lake.
8. Enjoy Britain’s oldest lager
Wrexham’s iconic beer brand, Wrexham Lager, claims to be the oldest lager in Britain after it was first launched in 1882 by two Germans who had moved to Wales but missed the traditional lager-style beers of their home country.
Fast forward to today, and it’s still a thriving business. You can find their beers in most pubs across Wrexham (and North Wales for that matter) or you can visit their first brewery-owned bar, the Rockin Chair, which is a live music venue in Wrexham.
Wrexham Lager’s long-term success has inspired others in the town to get a piece of the pie (or a piece of the pint). Several micro-breweries have popped up including Big Hand Brewing and Magic Dragon brewing. The latter can be experienced from their own taproom on Charles Street.
9. Watch the Hollywood-backed Wrexham AFC at The Racecourse Ground
I mentioned in the introduction how the involvement of two Hollywood stars in the local football team has put the city on the map so it’s only right that I include watching a football game as one of the top things to do in Wrexham.
Wrexham AFC is the oldest football club in Wales and is currently in the fifth league of English football. You can watch them play at their home stadium, The Racecourse Ground, in Wrexham where you might brush shoulders with the owners or some of their Hollywood friends such as Will Ferrel who have been spotted in the local pubs around the stadium.
You can find out about upcoming fixtures on their site here. The takeover of the club prompted it to receive its own docuseries called ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ which you can watch on Disney+ if you want to learn more.
10. Visit the petting zoo and walking trails at Ty Mawr Country Park
Ty Mawr Country Park is a beautiful nature reserve located just a few miles from Wrexham town centre. The park features over 50 acres of woodland, a lake, and several walking trails including some pram-friendly walks which are great for families visiting Wrexham.
The park has a green flag which is awarded to parks that are especially safe, clean, well-maintained and with good biodiversity and community links.
One of the highlights for children of all ages is the petting zoo where you can pet guinea pigs and other small animals. You may also spot some special residents, Carlos and Pedro, the two Llamas that protect the sheep. However, I did not manage to spot these on my trip so it’s not always a guarantee.
The park (including the petting zoo) is free to visit, although bear in mind that there is a £1 payment for the car parking. It’s a great place for a picnic on a sunny day or you can pick up snacks, drinks, and ice creams from the visitor centre where you’ll also find amenities such as toilets and a baby changing area.
Related Questions
Is Wrexham Worth Visiting?
Wrexham city centre isn’t worth visiting as there are few activities for tourists here, however, there are lots of things to do in the surrounding area such as manor houses, country parks, and even a castle. I recommend that tourists stay in the nearby town of Llangollen which is much more charming and tourist-friendly.
What Is Wrexham Known For?
In more recent times, Wrehxma has become known for its football team, Wrexham AFC, which is now owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mcelhenney.
Is Wrexham English Or Welsh?
Wrexham is in Wales, although it is very close to the border with England. Although the official language of Wales is Welsh, only 16% of people speak Welsh daily. The dominant language spoken in Wrexham is English which is spoken by 99% of people.
Does Wrexham Have A Beach?
No, Wrexham is not near the coast so it does not have any beaches nearby.
Is Wrexham A City?
Yes, Wrexham officially became a city in 2022, making it the seventh city in Wales.
Published: 5 April 2023 · Last updated: 23 August 2023