Top 20 Things To Do In And Around Wrexham, North Wales

Wonder how to best spend your time in the Welsh market town (which now has city status) of Wrexham? Explore the city centre to learn about the history and people of Wrexham, then drive outside to explore some of the most beautiful nature spots North Wales has to offer! And if you’re looking to grab a bite in between all the fun, there’s a bonus section at the end for the best places to eat in Wrexham!

What To Do In Wrexham? Top 20 Attractions

Wrexham is a small market town in North Wales situated right on the border between Wales and England (known as Offa’s Dyke Path). Famous for its Lager and football club, there’s a lot more to Wrexham! This is a list for you if:

• You live in or nearby Wrexham and are stuck for ideas on what to do in your local area over the weekend. Revisit some of the places or discover something new!
• If you are staying here for a couple of days and wonder what the best attractions in Wrexham are.

What To Do In Wrexham Town Centre?

1. St Giles Parish Church

Located right in the heart of Wrexham city centre, St Giles Parish Church is an iconic symbol of the town. Grade I listed and known as an ecclesiastical architecture masterpiece, some parts of the church have been built as early as the 15th century. A majestic 136 tower of St Giles church is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. You can even climb the tower on the selected days (check the dates here). It is an active Christian church, but visitors are welcome Monday – Saturday 10 am-4 pm.

For more information, visit the St Giles Parish Church website.

2. Wrexham County Borough Museum and Archives

A small but fun museum to explore, if you are visiting Wrexham to discover the rich history and culture of this North Welsh market town. The museum has recently been redesigned and offers a modern and interactive experience. What is more, there is a small gift shop and a cafe to relax after visiting the museum! Oh, and it’s admission free! Definitely worth a visit!

For more information, visit: Home – Wrexham Heritage

3. Ty Pawb

Recently brought back to life, Ty Pawb is a cultural community centre that offers a great all-in-one space. You can find a food course with various restaurants, exhibitions and sole pieces of art dotted around the space, as well as shops! It is not uncommon to see street singers and buskers entertaining the crowds there too! Check out the events happening in this central social centre, including comedy, concerts, exhibitions and more.

For more information, visit Home – Tŷ Pawb (typawb.wales).

4. Xplore! Science Discovery

An educational experience suited both the children and adults alike! Open to the public Friday-Sunday, this is a great place to visit if you like interactive science exhibits and live talks. The team make it very interesting to absorb lots of scientific information and learn by having fun!

Finish your visit with a quick browse in a gift shop and a cup of coffee and a snack in the cafe!

For more information, visit Xplore! Science Discovery Centre (xplorescience.co.uk)

5. Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre

If you are looking for a bit of retail therapy or like to have traditional urban entertainment, Eagles Meadow is the place to be! Featuring a bunch of clothing, jewellery and stationery shops, it is a modern shopping centre to spend a couple of hours at! With a bunch of restaurants, 24 bowling-lane space (Tenpin) and a cinema (Odeon) you are sure not to get bored here.

For more information, visit Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre – Great restaurants, shopping and leisure all in one place.

6. Fee a Football Match

Visit Wrexham’s Racecourse Grounds on a match day to see a good game and all the dedicated Wrexham FC fans dressed in red! Founded in 1864, the Wrexham Football club is the oldest in Wales and has more recently become even more famous for its world-renowned owner. None other but Ryan Raynolds is on the board of directors of the club!

For more information, visit Wrexham AFC.

7. Waterworld Leisure and Activity Centre

Keep active in Wrexham and have fun along the way by visiting Waterworld Leisure and Activity Centre which features a 6-lane, 25-meter swimming pool with rapids and flume! If swimming is not your thing, you can work out in a state-of-the-art gym or do one of many group exercise classes that Waterworld offers to both the members and on a pay-as-you-go basis. Relax in an in-house Costa Coffee after your workout!

For more information, visit Waterworld Leisure & Activity Centre | Wrexham | Freedom Leisure.

8. See Wrexham Symphony Orchestra

One of my personal favourite things to do on a weekend in Wrexham is to go and see Wrexham Symphony Orchestra perform beautiful classical music at William Aston Hall on the Glyndwr University grounds or one of the churches in and around Wrexham. The orchestra performs 5-7 times a year, so make sure to catch them if you’re in Wrexham on the day of one of their concerts.

For more information, visit WSO Concerts and Home | William Aston Hall.

Things To Do Near Wrexham

1. A Drive To World’s End

If you’re looking for beautiful scenery and a relaxing drive, go to the World’s End! Situated in a narrow vane between Wrexham and Llangollen, World’s End is a raw and almost untouched nature spot with a single-track road leading through it. Drive through, cycle or take a relaxing stroll through the heather-covered moorland. A well-known spot for bird-watchers, you can also occasionally see an adder here (although in 8 years of walking there, we’ve only seen one so far!)

For more information, visit View Britain – Worlds End.

2. Horseshoe Pass

If you’re going to drive anywhere around Wrexham, Horseshoe Pass is THE PLACE to go! A beautiful mountain pass with majestic scenery and new and exhilarating landscapes opening up at every turn, you will be in awe of the spectacular nature of North Wales! A popular place with cyclists and bikers, a narrow road will take you to a Ponderosa cafe, situated at the highest point where you can sit down, relax and take in the views! Note that the road may be closed in snowy weather. Don’t miss the Castell Dinas Brân as you go past it!

For more information, visit Llangollen – Horseshoe Pass.

3. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct has been built in 1805 as part of the Llangollen Canal and is still operational today, taking narrow boats across River Dee. You can also walk across it if you’re not scared of rights. But if you don’t want to enjoy the views from the top of it, it is just as impressive from underneath. Featuring 18-arches, towering 38 meters above the river, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is the highest canal aqueduct in the world (and the longest in Great Britain too). You can make a day off it and hire a private narrow boat or even have dinner or afternoon tea on the canal trip that takes you across the aqueduct.

For more information, visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct & Canal World Heritage Site.

4. Ty Mawr and Cefn Viaduct

A 3-mile walk away from Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, you will find a Cefn Viaduct, that is just as impressive. With regular trains going across the River Dee, the viaduct is a majestic structure, built in 1848 and still operational to this day. Situated in a beautiful Ty Mawr country park, this place near Wrexham is a great activity for a couple of hours. Go for a circular walk around the park, see some farmyard animals and birds near the visitors centre and spot some lamas grazing in the fields. The route takes you past the viaduct, then down to the River Dee and back up the hill to the car park. Or you can take a detour, and walk along the river to the Aqueduct.

For more information, visit Tŷ Mawr Country Park | Wrexham County Borough Council.

5. Plassey

If you are looking to stay in beautiful surroundings, with all the fun attractions and plenty of restaurants around, Plassey Holiday Park is for you. With plenty of quirky independent shops, food outlets and a huge gold course, you will not get bored. You can also choose to camp or glamp here!

For more information, visit Plassey Leisure Park.

6. Llandegla & One Planet Adventure

Mountain biking, forest walks, train running – it’s all there at the One Planet Adventure. Beautiful Coed Llandegla Forest walking routes are perfect for a relaxing walk if you want to calm your mind and connect with nature. But if you are into adrenalin, bring your mountain bike (or hire one) and go for the most exhilarating bike trail! You can also get lessons, if you are new to the sport! Relax and have some lunch at a cafe near the car park.

Nearly, there’s a Llandegla Fishery where you can have a lovely camping/ glamping experience too.

For more information, visit OnePlanet Adventure and Llandegla Fishery.

7. Nant Mill and Plast Power Wood

Take a walk and explore the forest and countryside in the Clywedog Valley. Strolling along River Clywedog, you are sure to spot some amazing old and quirky trees and woodland creatures, arriving at a small but beautiful waterfall. If you fancy a longer walk, take a Nant Mill Circular Walk that takes you to Bronwylfa Hall and Cae Glas (here’s a good route to follow: Nant Mill Circular Walk.

For more information, visit Plas Power Woods – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust and Nant Mill Visitor Centre | Wrexham County Borough Council.

8. Minera Lead Mines

A lovely Country Park on the outskirts of Wrexham situated in the historic Lead Mines, dating back to 1296. Explore the lead processing areas for the 18th century, tour the engine house, and take in the views from the top. Then take a stroll in the quiet woods surrounding the area, following the old railway line and spotting the old sleepers.

For more information, visit Minera Lead Mines – Wrexham Heritage.

9. Park In The Past

A beautiful nature spot on the outskirts of Wexham will have you relax, learn and keep active all in one place. Take a walk in the Fagl Lane Quarry and see if you can spot an owl or a kingfisher. Go fishing in the natural Past Lake, or choose a more exhilarating activity, like Stand-Up-Paddleboarding, Kayaking or Canoeing. You can even choose to go wild swimming if you’re not afraid of cold water!

For more information, visit Park In The Past – A unique community and heritage project set in the stunning, ancient Welsh landscape.

10. Hope Mountain

A beautiful landscape, stunning views and plenty of routes to choose from based on desired activity levels, Hope mountains is a wonderful place to visit on a sunny clear day! There are no cafes or restaurants on the mountain, so make sure to pack a picnic and make a day of it taking in the beautiful views!

11. Chirk Castle

A Grade I listed castle with its beautiful gardens, peaceful woodlands and long-stretching meadows, Chirk Castle is a perfect activity for a sunny afternoon. Explore the 13th-century Mortimer’s Fortress, relax in the picture-perfect landscaped gardens or take a long walk in the woods. There is a Courtyard Cafe and a small gift shop too!

For more information, visit Chirk Castle | National Trust.

12. Llangollen

Llangollen deserves an article for itself. A small picturesque town situated on River Dee has a lot to offer. Take a family trip on a Steam Railway starting and finishing your journey from the centre of the town. Visit the Llangollen Museum and the Motor Museum. Then go up the hill to Plas Newydd & The Ladies of Llangollen to explore beautiful rose gardens and peaceful woodlands.

Take a stroll down by the river and finish your day with dinner with a view at one of the riverside cafes or pubs!

For more information, visit The official website for Llangollen – where Wales welcomes the World.

BONUS: Top 5 Best Places To Eat In Wrexham

1. Lemon Tree

AA Rosette award winner, Lemon Tree is one of the best restaurants in Wrexham. Serving delicious lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, the team is very warm and welcoming! If you can, visit the restaurant for dinner and go for a full 3-course meal! The menu changes regularly, but we have never been disappointed with anything we’ve ordered there!

For more information, visit Book a Table – The Lemon Tree Restaurant Wrexham.

2. The Fat Boar

A lovely pub in the heart of Wrexham that offers delicious elevated pub-style food! This is a great place to enjoy a drink (real ales, cocktails and an extensive wine menu) in their outside space!

For more information, visit Wrecsam’s leading independent restaurant and bar | The Fat Boar Wrecsam.

3. Anise

A multi-award winner, Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant offers authentic food at decent prices (you can get a 3-course set menu every Wednesday for £14.40 (price in 2022). Try their onion bhajis if you go! They offer both restaurant dining and takeaway options!

For more information, visit Anise Indian Restaurant – Wrexham | A Unique Bangladeshi and Indian Dining Experience.

4. Pant-yr-Ochain

One of the best pubs just outside Wrexham, offering high-quality pub food in rather generous portions. With beautiful surroundings and plenty of outside space to enjoy on a warm day, it is a great option for a Sunday Roast or an afternoon drink! There is also a miniature railway for children to enjoy!

For more information, visit Fresh Food & Cask Ales – The Pant-yr-Ochain, Gresford.

5. Harvest Vegetarian Kitchen (Pre-Order and Take-Away Only)

If you live in Wrexham or are staying here for a couple of days and want to taste the best Vegan Chinese Food you’ve ever had, go to the Harvest Vegetarian Kitchen! This is honestly the biggest discovery for us on the food scene of Wrexham. We highly recommend ordering Salt & Pepper Veggie Ribs and Crispy Chilli Veggie Beef – you will be blown away! Please note, that you need to pre-order and they do not take walk-in orders. It is a takeaway only!

For more information, visit Harvest Vegetarian Kitchen.