Things to do in Wrexham

Wrexham and the surrounding area is a great base from which to explore some of Wales’ best nature and outdoor activities. You'll find an array of outdoor activities, catering to both thrill-seekers and those seeking peace and relaxation. From exhilarating hikes and scenic cycling routes, to tranquil spots perfect for unwinding in nature, the great outdoors in this region offers something for everyone.

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.

A little further from town, Alyn Waters Country Park offers peaceful strolling alongside a burbling stream, whilst Moss Valley Country Park combines reminders of the 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. 

Carrying the Llangollen Canal high over the verdant Dee Valley, Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, around 8 miles/13km from Wrexham, is one of the four UNESCO Heritage sites in Wales. You can travel over it by canal boat, canoe, or even walk over it, if you have a good head for heights! Walk along the canal from Llangollen Wharf, or take a relaxing narrow boat cruise to see the aqueduct.

Nearby Llangollen is a beautiful place to visit, offering a delightful mix of history, nature, and adventure. The historic town has many independent shops and cafes to wander round. There are some lovely spots alongside the pretty River Dee to go for a walk or have a picnic. Explore historic Plas Newydd, a 14th-century country house with lush gardens and fascinating stories about the Ladies of Llangollen. Enjoy a ride on the heritage Llangollen Railway all the way to Corwen, following the River Dee as it meanders through the countryside.

If you feel energetic, take a hike up to Castell Dinas Bran's impressive ruins or follow the Llangollen History Trail, and gawp at the panoramic views over the Dee Valley.

Wrexham traded in it's historical market town title for city status in 2022, and there’s a real feeling of optimism and vibrancy here. There can be few better examples of this than the local football team.

Hollywood's Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney may have put Wrexham on the map when they bought the football club, but the town has a rich sporting pedigree pre-dating the town's celebrity owners. Wrexham AFC, founded in 1864, is the third oldest football club in the UK and the oldest in Wales. Its home, the iconic Racecourse Ground is said to be the oldest international stadium in the world!

Wrexham AFC was promoted to the English Football League Two after 15 years of being in the National League, followed by promotion to EFL League One in 2024 and to EFL Championship in 2025. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny continue to be Wrexham ambassadors through the hit Welcome to Wrexham, TV series on Disney+. Big European nights, major FA Cup scalps and now a takeover by two of Tinseltown’s finest - it’s been quite a fairy tale for Wrexham!

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. Find fixture information on the Wrexham AFC website, where you can also buy tickets. Who knows, you might even bump into Ryan and Rob!

Adding to the football scene in Wrexham, a new Football Museum is in development as part of Wrexham County Borough Museum, and is expected to open in 2026, celebrating Welsh football highlighting Wrexham's historic achievements in the sport and the area’s rich heritage. The 'Museum of Two Halves' is a project that will transform Wrexham Museum into a fully refurbished venue, featuring a brand new Football Museum for Wales. The museum will celebrate Welsh football, from grassroots clubs to national teams, and highlight Wrexham's historic achievements in the sport. It will also showcase the rich history and culture of the local area.

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 its cultural communities a chance to shine.

More international recognition comes in the form of the critically acclaimed annual new-music conference FOCUS Wales. In early May, over 20,000 music lovers descend on the city’s many music venues, to see performances by artists from all over Wales and the world. Expect over 300 live music sets, film showings, and an interactive music conference featuring seminars and speakers from all over 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. Here you’ll find 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 Tŷ 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 features a versatile space for play, on the land where the beloved Hippodrome once stood.

Wrexham’s creative spirit is also on display in the Independent Quarter which is packed with interesting shops and galleries – an ideal spot to browse and shop. Wrexham's independent boutiques, like Siop Y Siswrn, provide charming handcrafted gifts and local crafts. The town's rich market tradition continues with the Wrexham General Market, where stalls brim with fresh produce, artisanal foods, and vintage treasures, creating a lively shopping experience that blends the traditional with the contemporary. Overton is a quaint arcade that is home to a delightful mix of independent shops, offering a range of goods from handcrafted items and boutique fashion to speciality foods and unique gifts.

You'll find lots of historic things to do in Wrexham associated with the Industrial Revolution. You can still see stately Victorian viaducts across the city. Some are even in use today, only now, like Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, they are listed by UNESCO as protected World Heritage sites. These impressive viaducts showcase the region’s industrial heritage and architectural skill and a glimpse into the area’s rich past. 

Stepping back further in time, you’ll be enchanted by the 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).

There are all sorts of quirky history kept safe at the Wrexham County Borough Museum (currently closed for the development of the 'Museum of Two Halves'). Did you know that the very first Miss World came from here? How about that Wrexham's 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? You can still enjoy a pint in pubs around the city but without worrying about icebergs!

Wrexham has a variety of food, drink, and entertainment options for different tastes and interests. Its gastronomic scene is varied and rich, with cozy cafes, classic pubs, and elegant restaurants offering dishes from Welsh specialties to global flavours. The town's lively nightlife features many bars and clubs, each with its own ambiance and choice of craft beers, cocktails, and live music. Here are some must-visit spots.

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. Check out Reggie’s Artisan Bakery for freshly baked delicacies to eat in or take away. 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 Wrexham 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.

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 The Lemon Tree Restaurant with Rooms on Rhosddu Road.

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.

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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.