Our Pick Of Things To Do In Wrexham
Close to the lush Dee Valley, Wrexham is surrounded by historic sites and scenic North Wales countryside. Formerly the area’s largest town, Wrexham was granted city status as part of Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee celebrations in 2022, and it’s in the running to be the UK’s City of Culture for 2029.
As the area’s major hub, there are plenty of things to do around the city. From UNESCO World Heritage sites to a lively science centre – plus a football team that’s become rather famous in recent years – here are our top picks for things to do in Wrexham and the surrounding area.
With so much lovely countryside around, this is a great place for an outdoor break that mixes up rural days with town visits. If you like the sound of that, take a look at Pitchup’s range of campsites near Wrexham – there’s something here for everyone, from simple farm sites to stylish glamping cabins.
Learn about Wrexham’s history
Did you know that the first Miss World came from Wrexham? Or that pints of Wrexham Lager were served aboard the Titanic? Once you leave the Wrexham County Borough Museum, your brain will be a treasure trove of fascinating facts like these, ranging from the Neolithic period to the present day.
The museum (free entry) is housed in an elegant 19th-century brick building in the town centre and also has a rather good café serving up local produce.
Get stuck into some science
It’s always wise to plan for a rainy day in Wales. Enter Xplore! Science Discovery Centre, where you can easily while away an afternoon or more. As many of the interactive exhibits, live science demos and workshops are aimed at kids, it’s a great pick for family days out – whatever the weather. Continue the learning by picking up a science experiment or two from the well-stocked museum shop.
Climb a medieval church
Built in the 16th century, the parish church of St Giles is the biggest medieval church in Wales. Its gorgeous ecclesiastical architecture means that it’s included as one of the ‘Seven Wonders of Wales’.
You’ll need to book your climb up the tower in advance, but those who plan ahead will be rewarded with a bird’s-eye view of the town and the surrounding hills. Look out for the grave of Elihu Yale in the church grounds – this well-known local philanthropist was the greatest benefactor of America’s Yale University, and gave the institution its name.
Stroll through Nant Mill Woods
Nant Mill Woods is an area of ancient woodland just outside Wrexham, criss-crossed with walking paths. From the Minera lead mines, walk up to Nant Wood and Plas Power Wood to catch a glimpse of historic Offa’s Dyke. If you’d like a longer jaunt, continue along the Clywedog Trail to pass through some of the region’s loveliest countryside.
Coming with kids? Head towards the old mill building for a big play area and giant reconstruction of a mole tunnel.
Check out Wrexham’s independent businesses
Don’t be swayed by the siren call of Eagles Meadow, where you’ll find a collection of the usual high-street shops and restaurants. Instead, check out the city’s pair of refurbished indoor markets, browse for local arts and crafts and grab something tasty to eat or drink from the range of characterful pubs, indie cafés and local restaurants scattered around.
Take in a football match
Wrexham AFC is the third-oldest football club in Wales, but until 2020 it had a fairly low-key reputation, having spent a good number of years playing non-league football. Everything changed when Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought the club – what followed was not only a series on Disney+ (and a huge amount of new international attention) but also a stratospheric rise through the leagues. In 2025, Wrexham AFC became the first club in the history of England’s top five divisions to achieve back-to-back promotions.
Needless to say, buying a ticket for a Wrexham AFC match is more competitive than ever, but it’s worth a try. If you’re not lucky, or not in town on the right day, you can get a taste of the club at The Turf – the pub where it all started is now covered in the club’s memorabilia.
Visit Chirk Castle
For medieval might, visit Chirk Castle, a 20-minute drive from Wrexham. The castle was completed in 1310 to bolster Edward I’s power in both England and Wales, and had a turbulent history throughout the Middle Ages – no fewer than five of its owners were executed for treason. As times grew more peaceful, so did the castle: it belonged to the Myddleton family for some 400 years, and slowly became a comfortable family home.
In 1981, Chirk Castle was acquired by the National Trust, and today it displays artwork and historical items from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century. Learn about the English Civil War, medieval garrisons and aristocratic life as you wander through everything from grand state rooms to dark dungeons. Roam through five acres of award-winning formal gardens, or pick up a treat at the farm shop or one of the two cafés.
Cross the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
You don’t have to walk along the Pontcysyllte (pronounced pont-ker-sulth-teh) aqueduct: you could kayak over it or take a boat ride. Go up it you must, however – an 18th-century engineering marvel that took 10 years to complete, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best things to see in the region.
It’s incredibly impressive from underneath, as well – this is, after all, the longest aqueduct in Great Britain and the highest canal aqueduct in the world, its 19 arches soaring 38 metres in the air. Several circular walking trails take in the view from below as well as incorporating the path across the aqueduct.
Explore Erddig
Fancy visiting one of Britain’s best stately homes? National Trust-run Erddig Hall and Garden has history galore, splendid architecture and 1,200 acres of grounds to explore.
In the Grade I-listed house, you can learn more about Elihu Yale and find out what life was like below stairs (unusually for the time, Erddig’s servants were preserved for posterity in portraits, photographs and documents), and see personal effects such as nursery toys, ornaments and artworks. In the grounds, you can visit one of Britain’s most important formal walled gardens, let off steam in the kids’ play areas or poke around the many and varied estate buildings.
Keen to explore more of this part of North Wales? You could start by getting out for one of our favourite scenic walks around Wrexham – and then relaxing among this fabulous countryside by staying at one of the area’s campsites. With prices starting from just £10 per night, this is a great way to book a break on a budget.