This is Wrexham! Your essential guide to getting out and about, in and around Wrexham
The team at ‘This Is Wrexham’ is passionate about linking up all those great places that make our area what it is and showcasing the people and ingredients behind our great visitor experiences.
tourism@wrexham.gov.uk
Tel: 01978 292015
#ThisIsWrexham
To explore our wider area, visit: www.visitwales.com
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Find out why Wrexham is becoming
Take a tour around the city and experience it all, from food to football and art that decorates historic city streets
Some of the best
and places to visit, as recommended by those in the
Check in and check out the area’s wide range of B&B, self-catering, hotels, camping, glamping and more
From AONB to sites of cultural and historic interest, don’t miss the county’s stunning landscape
Wrexham hosts many exciting festivals each year including international music events, book festivals and food and drink extravaganzas
Whatever the weather, there is plenty to
Wrexham offers a host of independent and high street shopping, with a range of craft shops and farm shops further afield
It’s not just
Castles
Top
Insta-worthy
With
THIS IS WREXHAM
“ IN WREXHAM, WE RISE TOGETHER “
The Welsh language and culture are very important to Wrexham
Welcome to Wrexham!
Wrexham was granted City status in 2022. However, Wrexham town remains at its heart. A vibrant and modern city, it is also steeped in history and remains true to its roots, with echoes of its industrial past still evident today.
Wrexham has plenty to offer visitors, whether you are visiting for a few hours, a few days or longer. Culture, heritage, music, arts and science, as well as local food and drink, all have their part to play in what makes the area so diverse.
Wrexham is also home to the world-famous Wrexham AFC, which calls the oldest international football stadium its home. Wrexham is currently bidding to be host city for the UK City of Culture 2029. This campaign will showcase our rich cultural tapestry, diverse communities and talent which enriches Wrexham’s visitor offer. There are areas of outstanding natural beauty, historic note and a UNESCO World heritage site.
Truly, there is something for everyone.
We look forward to introducing our city to you. Wherever you're from, you'll receive a warm welcome
Wrexham has a population in the region of 136,000 people
Planes, trains and automobiles
Flying into Manchester or Liverpool? Wrexham is less than an hour away. Our road network is good, with the A483 and A55 connecting us. We also have a mainline railway station, conveniently located in town.
Within easy reach
It's an easy trip from the cities of Chester, Liverpool and Manchester, which are just across the border. Or our neighbouring town of Oswestry is just 16 miles away, and Shrewsbury is less than an hour by train or car.
Don't pass by
We work closely with our neighbours in Flintshire and Denbighshire, to showcase our wonderful area. Even if your ultimate destination is further into beautiful north Wales - perhaps for a Snowdonia adventure - Wrexham is definitely worth a detour or works well as a base.
Chester
Liverpool
WREXHAM’S TOP TEN
Too much choice? Here’s a snapshot of some of the best attractions and places to visit in Wrexham, as recommended by those in the know
01
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Nicknamed the ‘Stream in the Sky’, the aqueduct carries the Llangollen canal 126ft high above the River Dee and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
02
Tŷ Pawb
Opened in 2018, Tŷ Pawb is a multiaward winning, cultural community resource, bringing together arts and markets.
03
Xplore! Science Discovery Centre
Xplore! offers science, exploration, and fun, through over 65 interactive science exhibits.
04
Chirk Castle
As well as the 13thcentury Marcher castle, Chirk Castle also encompasses gardens, estate and farm.
05
Wrexham AFC
No visit to Wrexham would be complete without a visit to the world’s oldest international football stadium.
“ WANDER AROUND WREXHAM FOR A REALLY FASCINATING DAY OUT “
07
Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse
First used for horse racing in 1859, horses still race on virtually the exact same track.
“A piece of heaven on earth”
06
Ceiriog Valley Venture along the Ceiriog Valley, and enjoy great hospitality at The Hand in Llanarmon
08
St. Giles Parish Church
This is a Grade 1 listed building and is recognised as one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Wales.
09
Erddig
Explore a much-loved home, garden and estate filled with the stories of a family and their staff.
10
The Plassey 250 acres of park and woodland, featuring everything from holiday accommodation to independent craft and retail outlets.
Where fishes swim above flying birds
Take time to explore Wrexham
Beyond the city centre, there is lots to discover across the county. From hillsides and canal paths to riverbanks and farmland, the countryside is rich and varied. There is lots of walking, including a circular walk at Tŷ Mawr
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
However you get about
Whether you are driving around, walking, cycling or horse riding, there is so much to explore. And if wild swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding is more your thing, then
Look out for local wildlife
A stunning setting for your adventure
The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley is a National Landscape and offers 390 square kilometres of wonderful landscapes, a large part of this being situated in Wrexham County Borough.
Bersham
Lying next to the River Clywedog, Bersham was historically a major industrial centre in the area, but despite this the village still retains a rural feeling.
Clywedog Trail
The Clywedog Trail takes in Alyn Waters, the largest country park in Wrexham, and Minera Lead Mines, offering a fascinating glimpse into its industrial past.
Ancient woodland and natural pools
Plas Power Woods comprise 33.7 hectares of ancient woodland running along the River Clywedog between Coedpoeth and Bersham, while its weir provides a popular wild swimming and dipping location.
Clywdian Range
The stunning landscape of the Clywdian Range offers peace and tranquillity to visitors.
Ceiriog Valley
Described as “A little bit of heaven on earth” by David Lloyd George, the area is full of fantastic walking and cycling routes.
THIS IS DISCOVERY
Whatever takes your fancy
Chirk Castle
Whether it’s science or nature, history or fantasy, whatever the weather, there is plenty to do, from galleries and museums, through to family-friendly attractions
Chirk Castle is the last Welsh castle from the reign of Edward I still inhabited today
Chirk Aqueduct
Erddig Hall
THIS IS DISCOVERY
Chirk Castle is notable for its gardens, with clipped yew hedges, herbaceous borders, rock gardens and terraces. It is surrounded by 18th century parkland
Beauty and history for everyone
As Europe’s largest conservation charity, the National Trust looks after nature, beauty, and history for everyone to enjoy. It has numerous stunning properties in the area, with Chirk Castle and Erddig Hall being two of the most well-known and visited.
Free-to-access parkland
Erddig Hall is a late 17th-century country house, which was
Visit a magnificent medieval fortress
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
This World Heritage site towers 126 feet above the River Dee, and whether you are walking, cycling or cruising across, it is an unforgettable crossing.
Chirk Castle is a 13th-century Marcher castle, and includes 5.5 acres of awarding-winning gardens, 480 acres of working parkland, a predominately 18th-century model farm, shop, cafe and play areas curated by the National Trust.
Check out Wrexham Visitors Information Centre for more things to do!
Country Parks and Lead Mines
Visit some of the area’s country parks and at Minera check out the lead mines, which offer a fascinating glimpse into the industrial past of the beautiful Clywedog Valley.
Xplore! is a Science Discovery Centre, with more than 100 hands-on interactive exhibits. It has been designed to challenge visitors’ understanding of science.
Anglo Welsh Boat Trips
Located in the Trevor Basin, you can hire a canal boat for a day trip or a longer cruise. Or take a trip in Seren Fach, across the incredible Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Stori Brymbo
A community-led visitor attraction launching in 2026, Stori Brymbo is a 300-million-year journey of nature, industry and the people who have lived there. Keep an eye on its website for sneak peek tours ahead of its official opening.
Xplore!
Erddig Hall
Chirk Castle
THIS IS ENERGY
The Racecourse is the world's oldest international football stadium
Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre
Scoring high with sport
With its rise through three divisions, Wrexham AFC continues to make waves in the football community, but football is not the only sport in the city. Check out our top eight sports to watch or play!
Football
The men’s and women’s teams at Wrexham AFC are worth a watch (Up the town!), or you might find some grassroots teams to check out too, like Wrexham City Foresters.
Rugby
Wrexham used to be home to the Rugby League team, the North Wales Crusaders. The team still has a huge following in the city, but the team train in nearby Colwyn Bay now. However, you can still visit Wrexham Rugby Club, where the Union team play.
The redevelopment of the iconic Kop Stand at the STOK Cae Ras will ultimately increase stadium capacity to over 18,000
THIS IS ENERGY
Wrexham Golf Club is widely considered to be one of the country's top clubs
Tennis
Wrexham Tennis & Padel Centre is open to all on a pay-as-you-go basis. It has indoor and outdoor courts and is one of the largest tennis facilities in the UK. It also hosts international events too.
Golf
There are a choice of high-quality golf clubs both in and around Wrexham, including Wrexham Golf Club and Clays Golf Centre. A little further afield you have Carden Park and Llangollen Golf Club too.
Horse racing
Fancy a flutter? With fixtures throughout the year, watching the jump racing at Bangor-on-Dee is a great way to spend the day.
Wrexham Golf Club
All this sport making you hungry?
Ial restaurant, on Chester Street in the city centre is a popular restaurant operated by young chefs at Coleg Cambria.
Swimming
There is a choice of swimming pools locally, from Waterworld in the city centre to Plas Madoc Leisure Centre. Alternatively, there are plenty of options for wild swimming locations too.
Fishing
Suitable for all, Commonwood Fisheries offers day tickets for one of the several pleasure lakes, including a choice of a carp 'runs water' or a dedicated catfish pool. You can also now take part in outdoor Laser Tag here too!
Racing
has taken place at RacecourseBangor-on-Dee since 1859
Sailing
From sailing to model boats and dinghies, Gresford Sailing Club is ‘probably the smallest Sailing Club in the world’, but it is also a finalist for the prestigious RYA ‘Club of the Year 2024’ award.
THIS IS WONDER
Wrexham is historically one of the primary settlements of Wales
Expect the unexpected
The culture and heritage in Wrexham are as diverse and interesting as the people who live here. However, there are certain things that really shouldn’t be missed while you are visiting
One of the seven wonders of Wales
There has been a church on the site of St Giles Parish Church since at least the 11th century. However, today’s building dates mainly from the end of the 15th, beginning of the 16th century. The tower, 135 feet high, was complete in 1506 and on certain days you have the chance to climb
“The glory of the Marches” Sir Simon Jenkins
Museum of Two Halves Project
The ‘Museum of Two Halves’
A new Football Museum for Wales and a redeveloped Wrexham Museum are currently being built in the current museum building on Regent Street in Wrexham. New galleries are being created to display the Wrexham Museum collections. Meanwhile, the new football museum will celebrate Welsh football, past and present. Visit www.wrexhamheritage.wales to find out more while the project is in development.
The Stiwt Theatre
The Stiwt is home to a beautiful 490 seat proscenium arch theatre and three flexible event spaces, built and maintained by and for its local community. It was first opened on 25th September 1926 and completely re-built and re-opened again in 1999.
Gresford Colliery Wheel
The head gear wheel from Gresford Colliery stands just outside Gresford as a memorial to one of Britain’s worst coal mining disasters. The Gresford Disaster occurred on Saturday 22 September 1934, when 266 men died following an underground explosion.
Wrexham Miners Project
Visit the free-to-enter Miners’ Museum and take a trip back in time to a world of bravery, resilience and brotherhood. Uncover the hidden stories of our mining past and the brave souls who shaped it.
Wrexham is fast becoming a dining hotspot in North Wales, and it's not difficult to see why with these great eateries below
Wrexham’s top 10 places to eat and drink
Check out some of our favourites below, to give you an idea of just some of the super establishments you might want to try. Or why not drop into Tŷ Pawb for some amazing street food. Or check out our local producers selling their wares at the Wrexham Visitor Information Centre.
01
The Lemon Tree
A relaxed, informal dining experience, offering AA Rosette award-winning food throughout the day from breakfast to afternoon tea, and a delicious dinner menu.
03 Carniboar Steakhouse
Sister restaurant to The Fat Boar, and located in the heart of Wrexham, Carniboar is a speciality steakhouse and grill. It offers great service with innovative cocktails and quality drinks.
02
The Fat Boar
A stunning independent restaurant and bar in the heart of the town. Enjoy speciality coffee, real ales, or a choice of wines, cocktails, and gins, as well as great locally-sourced food and theme nights.
04 Croes Howell Croes Howell is a spectacular building with amazing views. It is a family and dog-friendly country pub, offering good, hearty food in a relaxed atmosphere.
“ THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF EXCELLENT
EATERIES ACROSS THE BOROUGH “
05
Bank Street Social
A speciality coffee house, bar and multifunctional event space, Bank Street Social is featured in the respected Independent Coffee Guide run by the Gallanders brothers.
06
Rackery Farm Shop
Situated on the Straight Mile in Llay, Rackery Farm Shop and Café offers incredible local produce to eat in or take home to prepare yourself.
07
The Hand at Llanarmon
Featured in the Michelin Guide, The Hand at Llanarmon is an ancient hostelry with bags of character, a relaxing ambience and a warm welcome, along with real ale and delicious award-winning food.
08
The Boat, Erbistock
Dating back to the mid-17th century, this beautiful riverside inn has all the 21st century amenities of a country pub, offering spectacular food, drink, and service in an idyllic setting.
09
The Bank Bistro
An independent, family-run bar and bistro, the Bank’s passion is for excellent, home-cooked food and first-class customer service. It specialises in locally-sourced, seasonal tapas dishes.
10
The Bridge End Inn
The award-winning Bridge End Inn in Ruabon features in the Good Pub Guide and although food is limited to bar snacks, you are welcome to bring a Chinese takeaway in from next door.
THIS IS EXPERIENCING
Join a tour around Wrexham
Stretch your legs and join one of Wrexham’s specially curated tours to get an insight into the art, culture, food and sport. From driver-led guides, to short walking tours, there’s something for everyone.
Wrexham’s Public Art Trail
The Wrexham Lager Taster Tour
Discover the heart of historic Wrexham on a journey where history, food, and drink combine for an unforgettable experience. Enjoy Wrexham Lager paired with specially crafted dishes at a selection of venues, each showcasing local ingredients and the city’s unique charm.
Wrexham's Public Art Trail
Wrexham Food Walking Tour
Linking to Wrexham’s 2029 City of Culture campaign, this exciting project brings artworks and vibrant murals to brighten up blank walls throughout the city centre. These showcase Wrexham’s rich and unique culture and heritage, with themes such as the city’s heritage, markets, and industry.
Wrexham offers a delightful blend of culinary experiences. As you wander through this picturesque city, you'll be treated to a delectable array of dishes and beverages.
Wrexham City Walking Tour
Join local Green Badge guide Peter Evans as he hosts regular Saturday morning walking tours of Wrexham City Centre. The tours last around 90-minutes.
Wrexham Football Walking Tour
This guided walk will take you to some of the most iconic and recognisable places in the city and connects the dots between landmarks, football and community.
THIS IS RELAXING
Whether you're here for business or pleasure, Wrexham offers a range of accommodation options for visitors to choose from
Sleep well
Depending on your budget, there is plenty of choice of places to stay, from comfortable hotels and inns, and interesting B&Bs, through to leisure and caravan parks, quirky barns, glamping and camping too
Here are just a few of our favourites:
1. The Lemon Tree
2. Golly Farm Cottages
3. Plassey Leisure Park 4. Rossett Hall Hotel
Boutique 33 6. The Old Registry 7. The Hand at Llanarmon 8. Hotel Wrexham
9. Clays Touring Park 10. Rackery Retreat
The Ramada Plaza Wrexham
The Little Yurt Meadow Glamping
THIS IS COMMUNITY
Let the good times roll
Wrexham hosts many exciting festivals throughout the year. From crafts and literary festivals, to carnivals, sailing regattas and walking festivals. With so many festivals, there is bound to be something that fires your imagination
FOCUS Wales
“ FOCUS WALES WAS LAUNCHED IN
2011 TO CREATE A SPOTLIGHT EVENT FOR THE WELSH MUSIC INDUSTRY “
We are proud to be Welsh but we love to celebrate talent worldwide
Music and more FOCUS Wales is one of the highlights of Wrexham’s annual festival calendar. It is an international multi-venue showcase festival, which takes place within Wrexham. Welcoming over 20,000 people to the city each year, it is a jam-packed weekend of events, showcasing over 250 artists, across 20 stages, and hosting a full schedule of interactive industry sessions, arts events, and film screenings.
WrexFest
WrexFest is a multi-cultural community festival, which is aimed at the regeneration of Wrexham through the Arts. It combines the arts, theatre, spoken word, the Welsh Language and the people of Wrexham, but retains a grassroots ethos and sets out to be distinct and original.
Dickens! It’s Christmas
A key date in November is the Victorian Christmas Market. It has over 100 stalls selling a host of festive goodies and gifts alongside Victorian Street entertainers and a traditional carousel. The festival stretches from Queens Square to St Giles’ Church, and is always a festive treat.
THIS IS INDULGENCE
The heart of Wrexham’s evolving cultural quarter
City centre shopping
In Wrexham you will find a number of shopping retail outlets, including Plas Coch, Island Green and Eagles Meadow where you will find many high street names. Also in the city centre is Tŷ Pawb, which is full of independent retailers, selling a wide range of goods.
Indulge yourself
Wrexham boasts three indoor markets, a weekly Monday market and a regular rota of monthly markets in the city centre. There is also the high street and a number of shopping retail outlets
Farm shops and markets
Further afield
Outside of Wrexham you will find a variety of shopping havens including the Plassey Shopping Village. The original Edwardian buildings house over 20 different outlets and are home to a unique retail experience, boasting boutiques, homemade crafts, jewellery, hair and beauty salons, ladies’ fashion, and outlets selling special gifts for you or family and friends.
There are also numerous farm shops including the recently opened and family-run Rackery Farm Shop in Llay and Bellis Brothers Farm Shop and Garden Centre in Holt. These both offer unique shopping experiences and excellent cafes. Another farm shop worth visiting is Lewis’ Farm Shop in Eyton. Lewis’s was established in 2006, originally to sell fresh lamb directly from the family farm. The shop now stocks a greater selection of high quality, local produce.
In addition to the farm shops, there are a number of local markets selling fresh produce to explore, including the Butchers’ Market, The Central Market and regular artisan markets each month.
Visitor Information Centre
Wrexham Visitor Information Centre can be found in the city centre. As well as providing a host of information on the local area, you will find a fascinating selection of local food and drink produce, as well as other Wrexham memorabilia, Welsh crafts and gifts.
Accommodation
Clays Touring Park, Bryn Estyn Road, Wrexham LL13 9UB claystouringpark.co.uk
Glamping at Commonwood Leisure, Buck Road, Holt LL13 9TF commonwoodleisure.com
Glamping at Hafod Las, Hafod Las, Cae Glas Lane, Minera, Wrexham LL11 3DB hafod-las.co.uk/glamping
We welcome group travel bookings to experience our tours, days out and overnight stays.
To help navigate your visit, we have a group of official white and green badge guides on hand to plan your visit to ensure you see the best sights whilst you’re here.
From the mighty roar at SToK Cae Ras when Wrexham AFC play at home, to the tranquil serenity of our 11-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, our county has something for everyone.
We have a range of exciting tours, including the Wrexham Lager ‘Taster Tour’ (taking in Wrexham Lager’s famous brewery, St Giles Paris Church and local ales and dishes freshly prepared enroute in places like The Bank and Vault 33). We also have regular City Centre guided walking tours. For football fans, our ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ and ‘Wrexham City Tours’ take in the iconic spots featured in the Disney+ ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ docu-series, whilst foodies can enjoy our regular Wrexham Food Walking tour with prior booking!
Further afield, we can also support you with private driver guides from Wrexham Chauffeurs and a number of bespoke tours, including National Trust properties Chirk Castle and Erddig Hall Click here for more information
THIS IS WREXHAM IN PICTURES
Top 10 Insta-worthy locations in Wrexham
1. Follow the City Centre mural trail and track each of the stops with photographic evidence
2. No trip to Wrexham would be complete without a photo outside the grounds of the iconic Wrexham AFC
3. On top the world – or at least the top of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
4. Trackside at Bangor-on-Dee races
5. Get your photo taken having a pint in The Turf – and if you are lucky, Wayne might be there too!
6. Wild swimming at Bersham
7. Climb the 149 steps up the tower in St Giles and get a photo from the top of one of the seven wonders of Wales
8. Fit for a King? Chirk Castle boasts plenty of insta-worthy spots
9. Join the miner and the steelworker at The Arc 10. Tea with sheep – yes, really!
