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| Sculpture and street performers in the town centre, Wrexham, North Wales |
Wrexham is on the up! We’ve recently traded in our historical market town title for city status and there’s a real feeling of optimism and vibrancy here.
There can be few better examples of this than our local football team. Wrexham AFC has been acquired by famous actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny. They’ve become ambassadors for the city and helped welcome new fans internationally. Being the third oldest team in the world with the oldest ground, who’ve spent far too long outside the football league, the Red Dragons now have the potential to be the protagonists in a Hollywood-style underdog story. But don’t take my word for it - they’ve made a TV series. Welcome to Wrexham, released on Disney+ in Autumn 2022, has been a real hit. The excitement around the city is palpable and the support from the fans unprecedented.
If you're keen to get a piece of the action you can watch a home game live at The Racecourse Ground on a match day. Fixture information can be found on the Wrexham AFC website, where you can also purchase tickets. Who knows, you might even bump into Ryan and Rob!
More international recognition comes in the form of our critically acclaimed annual new-music conference FOCUS Wales. In early May, 15,000 music lovers descend on the city’s many music venues, to see performances by artists from all over Wales, and the world.
Tŷ Pawb (Everybody’s House) was once just an indoor market. Now it’s a vibrant community space and the cultural heart of the city. You’ll find here a wide variety of independent businesses, thoughtfully selected exhibitions in purpose-built galleries, a studio theatre and a food court boasting international fare and vegan options. It was selected as one of the five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022, the world's largest museum prize.
Just opposite Ty Pawb is XPLORE! Science Discovery Centre. Inside there’s an abundance of interactive games and contraptions which teach kids about the fun side of science and learning. There’s also a brand new outdoor area in Henblas Street that now features a versatile space for play, on the land where our beloved Hippodrome once stood.
Wrexham’s creative spirit is also on display in our Independent Quarter which is packed with interesting shops and galleries – an ideal spot to browse and shop.
Stepping back further in time, you’ll be enchanted by our 16th century gothic Parish Church of St Giles, the largest medieval church in Wales, whose bell tower dominates the skyline. Open year-round for visitors, you can even climb up to the church roof for a bird’s-eye view (must be booked in advance).
In fact we have all sorts of quirky history and we keep much of it safe at the Wrexham County Borough Museum (free entry - closed Sundays and Bank Holidays). Did you know that the very first Miss World came from here? How about that our famous Ruabon Red Brick Tiles were used in the restoration of the Taj Mahal? Or that Wrexham Lager – brewed since 1881- was reputedly served onboard the Titanic? (But you can enjoy a pint without worrying about icebergs in pubs around the city.)
Hidden away in Erddig’s surrounding forest is the site of a Norman castle. No structure remains, but the landscape gives a pleasing visual account of 12th century border conflicts. The water in the surrounding Motte (Clywedog) overflows from a reservoir hidden high up in the breathtaking Llandegla pine forest nearby. The forest is especially popular as a place for bikers to get their off-road kicks (bike hire available at Oneplanet Adventure).
A little further from town, Alyn Waters Country Park offers peaceful strolling alongside a burbling stream whilst Moss Valley Country Park combines reminders of our mining heritage with leafy walks and tranquil lakes.
Another fantastic walk for wildlife and history lovers alike, is at the Nant Mill Country Park alongside the river Clywedog. You can walk the whole of the 6.5 mile (10.5km) Clywedog Valley Trail - or just take a short walk from the car park to a beautiful waterfall.
Nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Students from Glyndwr University keep the high street bouncing, whilst cocktail bars and craft ale have firmly found a home here too. Visit The Parish for live music and The Drunk Monk in Overton Arcade for some Parisian alley café vibes. There’s even a piano.
Not far from Wrexham, in the beautiful Dee Valley, glamp in style in one of Plassey Holiday Park's luxury safari tents. While you're there, you can fish, putt, explore the woodlands or use their indoor swimming pool.
Search for more accommodation options.
You can find out more at the Wrexham Visitor Information Centre and the This is Wrexham website.
To find out what’s on check out the Wrexham Events Guide.
Source: Amelia, VisitBritain Australia's Press Team, amelia.robertson@visitbritain.org
There can be few better examples of this than our local football team. Wrexham AFC has been acquired by famous actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny. They’ve become ambassadors for the city and helped welcome new fans internationally. Being the third oldest team in the world with the oldest ground, who’ve spent far too long outside the football league, the Red Dragons now have the potential to be the protagonists in a Hollywood-style underdog story. But don’t take my word for it - they’ve made a TV series. Welcome to Wrexham, released on Disney+ in Autumn 2022, has been a real hit. The excitement around the city is palpable and the support from the fans unprecedented.
If you're keen to get a piece of the action you can watch a home game live at The Racecourse Ground on a match day. Fixture information can be found on the Wrexham AFC website, where you can also purchase tickets. Who knows, you might even bump into Ryan and Rob!
More international recognition comes in the form of our critically acclaimed annual new-music conference FOCUS Wales. In early May, 15,000 music lovers descend on the city’s many music venues, to see performances by artists from all over Wales, and the world.
City of culture
Wrexham (or Wrecsam if you're using the Welsh spelling) was also a finalist for UK City of Culture in 2025 and it’s no surprise. The city has always been a hub of creativity, but the bid really gave all aspects of our cultural communities a chance to shine.Tŷ Pawb (Everybody’s House) was once just an indoor market. Now it’s a vibrant community space and the cultural heart of the city. You’ll find here a wide variety of independent businesses, thoughtfully selected exhibitions in purpose-built galleries, a studio theatre and a food court boasting international fare and vegan options. It was selected as one of the five finalists for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2022, the world's largest museum prize.
Just opposite Ty Pawb is XPLORE! Science Discovery Centre. Inside there’s an abundance of interactive games and contraptions which teach kids about the fun side of science and learning. There’s also a brand new outdoor area in Henblas Street that now features a versatile space for play, on the land where our beloved Hippodrome once stood.
Wrexham’s creative spirit is also on display in our Independent Quarter which is packed with interesting shops and galleries – an ideal spot to browse and shop.
Heaps of history
You'll find lots of historic things to do in Wrexham – particularly associated with the Industrial Revolution. You can still see stately Victorian viaducts across the city. Some are even in use today, only now they are listed by UNESCO as protected World Heritage sites. |
| St. Giles Church, Wrexham, North Wales |
In fact we have all sorts of quirky history and we keep much of it safe at the Wrexham County Borough Museum (free entry - closed Sundays and Bank Holidays). Did you know that the very first Miss World came from here? How about that our famous Ruabon Red Brick Tiles were used in the restoration of the Taj Mahal? Or that Wrexham Lager – brewed since 1881- was reputedly served onboard the Titanic? (But you can enjoy a pint without worrying about icebergs in pubs around the city.)
Enjoy the great outdoors
Within a walkable distance from the city centre you can find yourself in 1,200 acres of National Trust land. Here you can wander the grand chambers or the 18th century walled gardens of the nation’s favourite historic house, Erddig. You’ll discover an immaculately maintained stately home, a special play and explore area for kids called Wolf’s Den and a landscaped park with an unusual ‘cup and saucer’ waterfall.Hidden away in Erddig’s surrounding forest is the site of a Norman castle. No structure remains, but the landscape gives a pleasing visual account of 12th century border conflicts. The water in the surrounding Motte (Clywedog) overflows from a reservoir hidden high up in the breathtaking Llandegla pine forest nearby. The forest is especially popular as a place for bikers to get their off-road kicks (bike hire available at Oneplanet Adventure).
A little further from town, Alyn Waters Country Park offers peaceful strolling alongside a burbling stream whilst Moss Valley Country Park combines reminders of our mining heritage with leafy walks and tranquil lakes.
Another fantastic walk for wildlife and history lovers alike, is at the Nant Mill Country Park alongside the river Clywedog. You can walk the whole of the 6.5 mile (10.5km) Clywedog Valley Trail - or just take a short walk from the car park to a beautiful waterfall.
Eat drink and be merry
Food is having a real renaissance too. Funky indie restaurant The Fat Boar serves fine local produce across three floors of stylish comfort and a generous terrace. And LOT 11 Café + Hideout, is a hip brunch bar with pavement-side seating during the warmer months. And there’s a host of cafés, home to award-winning baristas who do battle for best coffee accolades.Nightlife is vibrant and diverse. Students from Glyndwr University keep the high street bouncing, whilst cocktail bars and craft ale have firmly found a home here too. Visit The Parish for live music and The Drunk Monk in Overton Arcade for some Parisian alley café vibes. There’s even a piano.
Rest and recharge
Fancy staying a few nights? The number of hotels here has tripled in the last few years and you’ll find the usual chains like Premier Inn, Ramada and Travelodge. To crash out in character, try the Grade II listed neo-gothic Lemon Tree Restaurant with Rooms on Rhosddu Road. |
| Wrexham County Borough Museum, North Wales |
Search for more accommodation options.
You can find out more at the Wrexham Visitor Information Centre and the This is Wrexham website.
To find out what’s on check out the Wrexham Events Guide.
Source: Amelia, VisitBritain Australia's Press Team, amelia.robertson@visitbritain.org
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