I won’t lie, it’s been slightly strange seeing Wrexham all over the TV and news over the past year or so. When the news first broke that famous Canadian actor Ryan Reynolds was buying Wrexham Football Club, there was a lot of chatter about it in our family group chat. You see, my dad is from Wrexham. Born and bred. Through and through.
Like many young people from Wrexham, he left to go to University and never went back due to the lack of opportunities available there. He ended up living in the south of England and has stayed there ever since. But, we’ve always visited my grandma, who still lives in Wrexham, a few times a year, and my best friend and my god-daughter also live there.
I’ve written a few blog posts over the years about my trips there, but with an increase in visibility for the city, I thought it was about time I put together a proper guide. There isn’t a huge amount to do in Wrexham City Centre itself (you can make spend an afternoon or a day there) but it’s a great base from which to explore the surrounding area.
There’s so much beauty in this part of Wales, it’s nice to see it finally getting the attention it deserves, and hopefully more tourists will flock to the area soon and boost it even more.
So, ready to read through my bumper Wrexham & North Wales travel guide? Let’s go!
Things to do in Wrexham City Centre
Despite Wrexham being one of the oldest towns in Wales, with a fascinating history, like many towns and cities, Wrexham has seen a decline in its city centre over the past decade or two, so most of the best things to do in Wrexham are in the surrounding area rather than the centre.
These days there isn’t really enough to see and do in the centre for a full day, but there’s enough for a morning exploring the city and then an afternoon watching a football match!
Where to stay in central Wrexham: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Wrexham
Wrexham Cathedral
In the heart of Wrexham, stands the Cathedral Church of Our Lady of Sorrows, also known as St Mary’s Cathedral or Wrexham Cathedral. This majestic Roman Catholic cathedral was first built as a parish church in 1857, when architect Edward Welby Pugin embraced the 14th-century Decorated Gothic style. However, it’s the cathedral’s pièce de résistance that truly mesmerizes visitors – the stunning stained glass windows!
Parish Church of St Giles
One of the ‘Wonders of Wales’, the Parish Church of St Giles is a prominent part of the Wrexham skyline. The iconic 16th-century tower rises to a height of 136-feet and is a local landmark that can be seen for many miles around. For years I actually thought that St Giles was Wrexham Cathedral – it was only recently that I found out it isn’t! Oops.
The church is a Grade I listed building, and is know as one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Wales. The main body of the current church was actually built at the end of the 15th century, and it’s widely held to be among the greatest of the medieval buildings still standing in Wales.
Wrexham County Borough Museum
Located in a historic building on Regent Street, discover immersive displays and collections at Wrexham Museum, in three separate galleries that tell the stories of local communities, spanning from prehistory to the present day.
Gallery One unveils the archaeology and social history of Wrexham County Borough, Gallery Two showcases a fascinating array of cultural collections from Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales and the National Library of Wales, offering a glimpse into Wales’ rich heritage. And finally, Gallery Three presents a dynamic space for ever-changing programs and touring exhibitions, ensuring a fresh and exciting experience with each visit.
Prepare to leave with a profound appreciation for Wrexham’s captivating stories and treasures!
The Arc Sculpture
The Arc sculpture was unveiled on Lord Street in 1996, depicting a miner and a steelworker on brick plinths, feet astride 2 steel arcs. They are at full stretch, each trying to bend the arc to meet at the top. Coal mining is significant in the history of Wrexham as early as the 14th century, and when Bersham Colliery closed in 1986, and then the steelworks in 1990, these self-sufficient communities had to find a new role, with many people choosing to leave the area to find work further afield.
Strong communities were broken up and it’s taken a long time for them to recover, which is the main reason Wrexham has suffered so much in recent years, and why Wrexham AFC’s story is such an important one for the local community and the future of the city.
See a Game at Wrexham AFC
Wrexham Football Club is the third oldest professional football club in the world, having been founded in 1864. It’s also the shining star of the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series, which follows Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s purchase of the club and their attempt to get Wrexham higher in the football league.
If you visit Wrexham, you can’t leave without seeing a game and experiencing the atmosphere of the stadium (and a drink at The Turf, of course). Take a look at the fixtures list before you plan your trip, and see when there’s a home game on. Take the whole family and make an afternoon of it!
Xplore! Science Discovery Centre
If you’re visiting Wrexham with kids, you’ll definitely want to take them to the Xplore! Science Discovery Centre! Operated by North Wales Science, a charity wholly owned by Wrexham Glyndŵr Universit, the centre has been designed to meet the demands and needs of the diverse and varied people that make up the local communities.
This interactive attraction offers a hands-on approach to science, inviting visitors of all ages to actively participate in experiments and demonstrations.
With engaging exhibits and activities, Xplore! is a family-friendly destination that provides educational programs aligned with STEM education, making it ideal for learners of all ages. Visit Xplore! Science Discovery Centre for an immersive and inspiring experience.
Things to do Around Wrexham
After a day in the city centre, head out to the surrounding area to get a real feel for the local communities and history of Wrexham. There’s so many beautiful places to see and fun things to do – there really is something for the whole family!
Where to stay in the surrounding area: The Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa
Erddig Hall – National Trust
Erddig is just down the road from my grandma’s house, and she used to volunteer there, so we know Erddig *very* well! One of her favourite memories was when the Squire was still living there before it became a National Trust property, and she suddenly saw him riding his Penny Farthing bycicle past her house, but all she could see was his head sticking up over her hedge as he went by!
These days Erddig is a National Trust property, and is the perfect day out for the whole family. The house itself is beautiful with lots of rooms to see, and the gardens are simply stunning.
Erddig Cup and Saucer
In the grounds of Erddig is the Cup and Saucer, an inflow to a hydraluic ram that powers Erddig’s fountains. The Cup and Saucer cascade was designed by William Emes in 1775. He designed the unusual ‘Cup and Saucer Waterfall’, The ‘cup’ being a hole in the middle of a large disc – the ‘saucer’ – into which a flowing stream disappears creating an internal cylindrical waterfall. The stream emerges a few yards away under a bridge-like arch.
It’s a really lovely walk to The Cup and Saucer, and interesting to see how it all works. As a child I remember thinking the cascade was absolutely huge, but it really isn’t haha.
Minera Mines
What I’ve always known as ‘Mount Minera’, is Minera Lead Mines and Country Park. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial past of Wrexham and there are still old abandoned mines that you can see. Situated at the head of the Clywedog Valley, Minera is a great starting point for accessing the beautiful surrounding countryside, including Minera Mountain for dedicated walkers.
Covering 53 acres of grassland, woodland and archaeological sites, Minera Country Park boasts a great variety of wildlife and endless opportunities to explore in peace and tranquillity. Horse riders and cyclists can use the path along the old railway line.
The Horseshoe Pass
The Horseshoe Pass is one of my favoruite places in Wrexham and the surrounding area. A mountain pass just outside Llangollen, it looks most spectacular in winter when there’s snow and frost on the ground. I’d recommend parking at the Ponderosa Cafe, and walking/running up to the top of the mountain from there to see the views over the mountains and valleys.
After your walk, head back down to the Ponderosa. The cafe is a proper 80s style transit cafe – very basic and unglam – but there’s honestly nothing better than sitting in there after a walk, sipping on an instant hot chocolate and (don’t judge me) dipping your hot chips into your cup of cocoa!
Llangollen Town
Llangollen (also known as Llan) – I dare you to try and pronounce it properly, because it took me about 20 years haha – is one of my favourite villages in North Wales. It’s SO pretty and it was mine and my grandma’s favourite place to visit whenever I stayed with her, before she had her stroke last year. We loved walking along the river and mooching around the little shops.
Summer is the best time for Llan, with the International Musical Eisteddfod taking place, the surrounding hills and mountains covered in lush green, and the boats being pulled up and down the canal by big Shire Horses (check out the horse drawn boat trips here). You can’t visit Llangollen without going to the old heritage railway station, and you can even take a steam train up into the hills if you have the time and book in advance.
Plas Newydd, Llangollen – National Trust
Plas Newydd sits just outside Llangollen and while I’ve only visited once, I really enjoyed it. It was home to the ‘Ladies of Llangollen’ – a lesbian couple – in the late 1700s who caused a huge scandal at the time when they eloped from Ireland to Llangollen, and set up house together, scandalising contemporary British society.
Today the house is a National Trust property, and not only is the architecture and design of the house fascinating, but the inside has an interesting exhibition and the grounds and gardens are really pretty.
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Now, I’m not a huge fan of heights, so I’ve never been able to completely walk across the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. But even if you’re like me and can’t walk across it, it’s still worth seeing. It’s a navigable aqueduct that carries the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee. The 18-arched stone and cast iron structure is for use by narrowboats and was completed in 1805.
If you’re brave enough, I’d definitely recommend taking a canal boat trip across the aqueduct to see it in all its glory!
Castell Dinas Brân / Crow Castle
Growing up, we always called Castell Dinas Brân, ‘Crow Castle’, which is its English name. A medieval castle built by the Princes of Powys Fadog, its ruins sit on a hilltop overlooking Llangollen.
It’s a really lovely walk up to the top, and the views are spectacular! It’s well worth the climb and effort, and my Grandma was still able to manage the walk into her late seventies, so it’s not too tricky. Here she is below taking a break on one of the benches they have dotted along the way!
Tŷ Mawr Country Park
Nestled just outside Llangollen lies Tŷ Mawr Country Park – a hidden gem within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Tŷ Mawr has been honored with the prestigious Green Flag Award since 2006, a testament to its exceptional beauty and commitment to environmental excellence.
You’ll encounter a delightful array of farm animals, from sheep and pigs to goats, and you can even befriend their free-range chickens and ducks – it really is perfect for taking the kids. Tŷ Mawr takes pride in its sustainable practices, refraining from the use of chemicals and pesticides, which has fostered a thriving ecosystem of diverse flora and fauna.
The Plassey
A very small but quirky place to visit, is The Plassey. The best reason to visit is the cafe there does *the* best Carrot Cake I have ever tasted. And you can enjoy it sitting in the garden overlooking the field on a sunny day. There are also lots of craft shops, a kids playground, and there’s a small holiday park there too.
Chirk Castle – National Trust
Another National Trust property in the area around Wrexham, Chirk Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches. Chirk is a 13th-century Marcher castle, that from 1595 became the home of the Myddelton family for over 400 years.
As well as the homely house, there’s also 5.5 acres of award-winning garden, including manicured lawns, clipped yews, and stunning views. If you’re searching for somewhere to walk the dogs, there’s 480 acres of working parkland and important nature habitats, including ancient veteran trees, wildflower meadows and part of Offa’s Dyke.
Day Trips from Wrexham
It’s super easy to get out to the parts of North Wales that are a bit further away from Wrexham. Most places within North Wales are within a 2-hour drive of Wrexham, so you can easily do a few day-trips to make your visit to Wrexham even more rewarding and worthwhile.
Black Rock Sands Beach
One of the best beaches in North Wales, if not THE best beach, Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog is a wide glistening stretch of golden sand on the West Coast of Wales. It’s dog-friendly all year round, and you can even drive directly onto the beach!
As kids my dad used to let us practice driving on the beach, as soon as our feet could touch the pedals we were allowed to have a go. So all you have to do is take a picnic, park up on the beach, unload the car, and you can easily spend an entire sun-filled day on the beach. Spend your time building sandcastles, playing cricket and bat-and-ball etc, and just have a proper cheap-n-easy fun day out.
Llandudno
Llandudno is a traditional Welsh Victorian seaside town. Think fish-and-chips and donuts on the pier, arcade games, and funfair rides. But that’s not all there is to do in Llandudno – there’s plenty to do for the whole family, including the famous Conwy Castle which was built between 1277 and 1307.
You can also explore a maze of copper mines that date back to the Bronze Age, or slide down the longest toboggan ride in Wales. Ride the Great Orme tramway and Llandudno cable car, visit Haulfre Gardens, or visit Happy Valley botanical gardens, which is home to two miniature golf courses, a putting green, a popular open-air theatre and extensive lawns.
Portmeirion Italianate Village
Within the Snowdonia National Park is Portmeirion, an Italianate tourist village built by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis between 1925 and 1975 in the style of an Italian village, and now owned by a charitable trust. To get a true Italian experience you’ll need to visit on a sunny day – like most places, it looks a bit grim in the rain haha.
Snowdonia National Park
If you’re not a hiker, don’t panic – Snowdonia isn’t just for hikers! You can drive through the mountain range and see the mountains from places such as Llanberis Pass and Llyn Ogwen.
If you do want to climb the most famous mountain in the mountain range, you’ll want to climb Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), which is Eryri’s highest peak. You’ll need a very high level of fitness for this, and please do a lot of research as it is dangerous – people have gone missing and died on the mountain.
Alternatively, you can get the train to the summit. It only runs in the summer months, and the journey time to the Summit is around 1-hour. You’ll have a 30-minute stop-over at the summit station and then you have to return on the same train – the service represents a 2.5-hour experience overall so factor this timing into your day trip.
Chester
Now, this is the only place in this list that is located in England. But you can’t really visit Wrexham without visiting Chester. It’s a beautiful Roman city that still has Roman city walls that you can walk around – they’re some of the best-preserved in the country and have Grade I listed status.
Chester is a big but beautiful city with lots of shops and restaurants, but it also has a number of medieval buildings, as well as Victorian restorations, originating from the Black-and-white Revival movement. If you’re a history and architecture buff, you really need to visit Chester!
Welcome to Wrexham: A Diamond in the Rough
Over the past couple of decades Wrexham has received a really bad reputation, and with the decline of the city centre it’s easy to see why. But if you delve deeper below the surface of the (rather empty) city centre, you’ll see a real gem that’s worth visiting and spending time in.
You can easily spend a week here exploring the area and visiting all of the places included in this list. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenery, friendly locals, and plenty to see and do. And to be really honest, your tourist cash will help make a difference to this struggling area that’s still trying to find its feet since the closure of the mines.
Catherine Lux is a veteran travel blogger by night and the Head of SEO at Havas Media Group by day. Originally from Surrey, she spent four years living in Australia (2007-2009, and 2016-2018), and now lives in London. An ex-party girl sometimes prone to relapses, she loves nothing more than sharing her fine dining and luxury travel experiences with her loyal readers.
