With an international music festival in full swing, the streets of Wrexham were buzzing. People wandering from venue to venue, speaking in a number of different languages, there was a cosmopolitan feel and great atmosphere. Of course, Wales’ newest city has seen its name catapulted onto the world stage recently thanks to the purchase of Wrexham AFC by Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. But what is it really like? I decided to visit for a few days, to get a feel for the place and explore the best things to do in Wrexham.
Located close to the border of North Wales and England, Wrexham (or Wrecsam in Welsh) is Wales’ newest city, awarded city status as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in 2022. I’d been meaning to spend some time in Wrexham for a while, especially with the enhanced media interest. Having had my eye on the Focus Wales music festival line up over the past few years, I decided to buy a ticket and base myself in the city for a few days.
Having reached the latter stages of a city of culture bid for 2025, pipped by Bradford at the final hurdle, Wrexham’s bid focused on trade, innovation, football, the Welsh language and heritage, all with the community at the heart of the bid. With regeneration projects ongoing, along with the aforementioned boost for the football club, there’s clearly a sense of pride in the city amongst its people.
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THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN WREXHAM
With three days to spend in Wrexham for the music festival, I had the chance to head out to explore the city’s attractions and to experience the best independent dining and drinking spots in town, in between seeing great sets from awesome international music acts. Wandering the streets, it was clear to see that new developments sat comfortably amongst the historic buildings of the centre. Beautiful old market halls and pretty arcades popped up around every corner, alongside cool bars and cafes and some wonderful street art. With impressive architecture, a huge emphasis on football (both local and national) and real sense of community, here’s a look at the best things to do in Wrexham, for visitors wanting to spend a few days in the city.
EXPLORE ST. GILES CHURCH AND CLIMB THE TOWER
Dominating the city skyline, the 15th century St. Giles Church takes centre stage with a 135 foot high tower overlooking the area. Set in beautiful church grounds, this stunning church is known as one of the ‘Wonders of Wales’ and the stunning interior is a joy to explore. Marvel at the magnificent stained glass windows, both old and new, including the most recently installed window in 1989 – celebrating three hundred years of the Royal Welch Fusiliers. The church has played host to a number of memorable events and commemorations, such as a Poppy Display to mark Armistice 100 and a Mouse Festival, featuring 500 knitted mice, some of which you’ll still find dotted around the church. These types of events, along with fundraisers, assist in the upkeep and repair costs of the building.
A new addition available to visitors in the summer of 2023, is the opportunity to climb the tower of St. Giles. With 149 steps up a winding narrow staircase, the climb provides the opportunity to learn about the art of bellringing by visiting the Ringing Room. Further on, there’s the opportunity to take a look at the peal of ten bells, which are almost 300 hundred years old. Climbing further, arriving to to the roof of the tower, the external viewing platform allows visitors to the get a close up look at the medieval pinnacles and stunning carvings at high level. On a clear day, the views stretch for miles past the city outskirts towards the Clwydian Range AONB and the Berwyn Mountains to the south.
St. Giles Church Tower tours last one hour and are generally available on the last Saturday of the month from April to September, weather permitting.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKING, CLICK THROUGH TO THE NATIONAL CHURCHES TRUST PAGE
VISIT THE COMMUNITY HUB OF TY PAWB
Opened in 2018, Tŷ Pawb is a must visit place in the heart of Wrexham. Translated from the Welsh ‘everybody’s house‘, the development of the old market hall was commissioned by Wrexham Borough Council with investment from the Arts Council and Welsh Government. TY PAWB, a fabulous community space, is home to gallery and performance spaces alongside a food court, bar and market area featuring more than 30 independent local businesses.
With an open plan design and industrial feel, a large central food court is the hub and heart of Tŷ Pawb. Large rectangular tables with benches fill the space, where people can meet, gather and socialise. With quirky and interesting food offerings, there’s a diverse range of culinary delights to suit all tastes that can be washed down by local beers from Bar Sgwâr.
Stepping away from the food court, the gallery spaces feature temporary exhibitions while the theatre spaces hold regular events, many of which, once again, have the community at the heart of them. The market stalls are a joy to explore where local small business owners create and sell handmade crafts, gifts and collectibles.
TAKE A STADIUM TOUR OF THE RACECOURSE, AND STOP AT THE TURF FOR A PINT
As the oldest football team in Wales, and the third oldest in the world, there’s a lot of history when it comes to Wrexham AFC. Once thing that had stood the test of time is the passion and support of the fans, through good times and bad. Spending time in Wrexham, there was a feel that the prominence of the football club was the heart and soul of the city. I’m not sure anyone knew what to expect when in 2020 the club was bought by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. An unlikely and surprising move, but what would it bring? Uninterested rich owners throwing their money around, without having any passion for the club or the beautiful game?
What actually happened was completely the opposite. Once again, as with many things in Wrexham, community was key. Ryan and Rob injected passion and funds into the club, creating not only a huge amount of media interest, but learning and becoming integrated into the heart and soul of the club, the city and the people. The Emmy nominated FX / Disney+ documentary Welcome to Wrexham TV show followed the club and its owners through the football season of 2021 – 2022 at the STōK Racecourse stadium (STōK Cae Ras), providing a real insight into the takeover, the club and the community of fans.
The Racecourse stadium is on the outskirts of the centre of Wrexham, a twenty minute walk and very near the Wrexham General railway station. Stadium tours are being trialled through July 2023, with these likely becoming a regular fixture and an opportunity for fans to get behind the scenes of the home of their team. Whether it’s a stadium tour, or just a stroll up to see it from the outside, its also worth stopping off at The Turf pub outside the grounds. Featured heavily in the documentary, this fan favourite drinking spot has a host of Wrexham AFC memorabilia including a signed wall by the fans and new owners.
VISIT THE WREXHAM AFC WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING STADIUM TOURS
VISIT WREXHAM MUSEUM AND THE WELSH FOOTBALL SHIRT EXHIBITION
To delve back into the history of the city, one of the best things to do in Wrexham is to visit the WREXHAM MUSEUM. The museum, housed at the stunning County Buildings takes you on a journey through the history of Wrexham from the mining heritage, to the story of the Wrexham Lager brewery via a number of exhibitions, displays and videos. Once again, for football fans (a running theme here), the Shirt Stories exhibition features a shirt by shirt history of the national Welsh football team from the late 1800’s to the modern day. The forecourt of the building is also home to a photography exhibition – Up The Town – The Fans of Wrexham AFC, providing a representative insight into the fans of the team.
TAKE A LOOK AT THE WREXHAM MUSEUM WEBSITE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CALL INTO THE WREXHAM LAGER BREWERY SHOP
With a history dating back to the late 1800’s, Wrexham Lager Brewing Company saw much success in the early 20th century, including being the first lager being imported to countries such as India, South Africa, Australia and the Americas. It’s also said to the only lager stocked on the ill fated Titanic. Skipping through the years and several acquisitions ending up with being owned by Carlsberg UK, production at the Wrexham brewery came to an end in 2000, with the brewery demolished. With a passion for the brand and product, a local MP and ex employee negotiated to buy the ownership of Wrexham Lager Brewing Company for £1.
Cue a chance meeting with a local business owning family who were keen to set up a micro-brewery, the WREXHAM LAGER brand was revived in 2011 and can now be found on tap and bottles in many local and regional pubs. The central location of the new compact brewery means it’s not really suitable for brewery tours, but there is a Brewery Shop on site selling beers and merchandise which is open Monday to Friday. Call in on a Friday afternoon and you might be treated to a beer while you browse. It’s a great opportunity to chat with the employees and get to know a little bit more about the brand.
FOCUS WALES INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE
For music fans considering a trip to Wrexham, be sure to tie in your visit with the annual FOCUS WALES INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE. This fantastic music, film and conference festival opens it’s doors across three days with over 200 artists across 20 stages. From a big top set up in the centrally located Llwyn Isaf park, to stages dotted around in a number of venues of all sizes, the festival provides the opportunity to jump from venue to venue, finding your favourite new up and coming acts. You’ll find established bands playing on the larger stages, including St. Giles Church with its fabulous acoustics. Ty Pawb is the hub of the festival, the perfect gathering space where artists and ticket holders can mingle.
Focus Wales, as well as introducing international acts, has a heavy focus on Welsh language artists. Over three days, I saw a number of Welsh language acts play across a number of venues including the folk stalwart Dafydd Iwan belting out his hits including the newly popular Yma o Hyd, the anthem for the Welsh national football team during the 2022 World Cup, to a rapturous and lively crowd. Focus Wales is now definitely in my diary going forward.
CHECK OUT THE FOCUS WALES WEBSITE AND BUY TICKETS FOR THE NEXT FESTIVAL
VENTURE OUT OF TOWN TO THE STUNNING ERDDIG NATIONAL TRUST
Finally, and particularly suited to drivers, one of the best things to do in Wrexham is to visit the fabulous ERDDIG NATIONAL TRUST property, located just under three miles from the centre. I love exploring National Trust properties, whether it’s to marvel at the historical buildings or to wander around their well manicured grounds, before stopping for coffee and cake in the tea room.
Erddig does not disappoint. The stunning red bricked 17th century property sits in beautiful grounds including a walled garden, Victorian Parterre, manicured lawns and a large decorative lake. There are plenty of places to escape on busy days with woodland walks and further walks on the wider estate. Having earned a cake or lunch break, there a tea garden, a courtyard restaurant and a number of popup hospitality kiosks and vans dotted around the property during peak season.
HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A NATIONAL TRUST MEMBERSHIP? HEAD OVER THE NATIONAL TRUST WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS
EATING AND DRINKING IN WREXHAM
Wrexham has developed something of a reputation for a great food and drink scene in recent times. Wandering the city centre streets, there’s a seemingly endless amount of pubs and bars to choose, from historic pubs such at the Horse and Jockey or the Nags Head, to craft beer joints and stylish wine bars. For foodies, there are a variety of fabulous independent cafes and restaurants to sample. Whether it’s brunch, lunch, coffee and cake or a tasty evening meal, Wrexham has some awesome options.
THE FAT BOAR | A superb independent restaurant and bar in the city centre, whether it’s drinking or dining, everyone is welcome. This stylish property, across two floors with a lovely outdoor terrace to the rear has a great a la carte menu with a wide variety of dishes. One of the more popular destinations in the centre, pre booking is advised.
THE LEMON TREE | A short walk from the centre, The Lemon Tree serves fabulous AA rosette award winning dishes in its stylish and contemporary restaurant, set within the historic building. With a new chef recently taking over the kitchen, there’s a focus on locally sourced produce, which is beautifully served and presented.
THE BANK WINE BAR AND BISTRO | Located on the High Street near the entrance to St. Giles, The Bank Wine Bar and Bistro is a fabulous spot for a bite to eat, or to grab a few cocktails on a night out. Located within a renovated old bank, the contemporary decor and furnishings create the perfect and relaxed ambience for a great night out. There’s a fabulous small plates menu, one again with a heavy focus on locally sourced produce, which are perfect to share.
BANK ST. SOCIAL | Wherever I visit, I am always on the lookout for great coffee, and or local beers. The wonderful Bank St. Social combines these two perfectly in a cool little space tucked away on Bank Street. This awesome Craft Beer & Coffee Shop offers super friendly service, great barista style coffees and fridges packed full of awesome craft beers with many local options available. Open daytimes only, be sure to stop in for a latte or a Pale Ale, whichever works best.
TO^ST | A great little breakfast or lunch spot, To^st Cafe & Deli is a cute little independent cafe and deli located on Charles Street. Even on a busy Saturday lunchtime, the friendly staff managed to squeeze me in for one of their famed grilled cheese sandwiches.
WHERE TO STAY TO EXPERIENCE THE BEST THINGS IN WREXHAM
Visiting Wrexham during the Focus Wales festival, accommodation was fairly limited so I was lucky to secure a room THE LEMON TREE. A short walk of ten minutes to the city centre, The Lemon Tree includes 18 en-suite rooms, some of which are housed in the original neo-gothic Grade II listed building. During my stay, I actually stayed in two different rooms – the first being in the new extension wing to the side of the main building and the second within the original building. Whilst both were similarly decorated in earthy and plum tones, the room in the original building featured the original ornate arched windows. From a personal perspective, I found the newer room to be more suited to me thanks to the double glazing and location set away from the main road.
Dating back to the late 1800’s, the striking building was designed as a private residence, before being utilised as office space and then becoming a hotel in the 1970’s. The building was completely refurbished in 2010 and renamed The Lemon Tree. The arched doorways and windows, along with Victorian floor tiling and wooden stairways retain a sense of charm and character within the building. With a small bar area leading through to the award winning restaurant, The Lemon Tree offers breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner options. The breakfast and lunch options were delicious and the staff couldn’t be more friendly.
SEARCH WREXHAM ACCOMMODATION ON BOOKING.COM
This post was featured by Twinkl in their UK Days Out Blog
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For further information about Wrexham city and the surrounding county, take a look at the THIS IS WREXHAM tourism website, which is packed full of information for visitors.
Looking to extend your North Wales stay? Clock through on the image below for a detailed guide to North Wales, and some of my personal highlights.
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