Things to do in Wrexham

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 that pre-dates the town's celebrity owners. Wrexham AFC, which was 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! 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! Now, with the backing of its film-star owners, the club is writing a new script having secured back to back promotions in the past two seasons to the delight of its loyal fanbase and new supporters from around the world!

 

Wrexham is on the up! We traded in our 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 our local football team. Wrexham AFC was promoted to the English Football League Two after 15 years of being in the National League. Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny continue to be Wrexham ambassadors and Welcome to Wrexham back on TV. 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!

Adding to the football scene in Wrexham, a Football Museum is in development 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 the 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 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. 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 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.

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.

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. 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 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 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? You can still enjoy a pint in pubs around the city but without worrying about icebergs!

This areas boast 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.

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.  

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.

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. 

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. 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.

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.