Fireworks display over Wrexham
There’s certainly more to Wrexham than meets the eye. And there’s definitely enough adventure to see us through the Year of Adventure. Whether it’s a food journey, a day at the races, or a spot of retail therapy, Wrexham is waiting to welcome visitors with enough variety to suit every taste.
Wrexham is home to its very own UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal, 11 miles of beautiful canal and the breath-taking aqueduct designed by Thomas Telford. We can also boast the famous Bangor on Dee Racecourse, 2 glorious National Trust properties, off road motoring adventures, and a fantastic range of accommodation, restaurants and cafes.
The countryside takes some beating too – for example the beautiful Ceiriog Valley lends itself to the most stunning walks, or even a pony trek should the mood take you.
The natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Ruabon and Esclusham Mountain, the Dee Valley and Chirk Castle have been formally recognized by their inclusion within the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). It just goes to show that Wrexham really can boast some of the finest landscapes in the UK.
Something for everyone, we like to think. A visit to North East Wales would certainly not be complete without action and adventure, however gentle or adrenaline-fueled, in Wrexham!
If shopping is your thing, then make sure you give Wrexham town centre a try. The big names live at Eagles Meadow, where you’ll not only find the best of the high street brands, but also a cinema, ten pin bowling, a host of restaurants and cafes and plenty of parking.
Wrexham also is home to a number of markets, and smaller individual shops, so you’re sure to find that special something if there’s a gift you’re after.
Wrexham museum is the place to discover the eventful history of the region, and where you can meet Brymbo Man, our very own Bronze Age resident. There’s also a great café there too!
With numerous rail and bus links, it’s really easy to pay Wrexham town centre a visit. And while you’re there, pop into the Tourist Information Centre – they always know the very best of local events and up to date goings on! The Tourist Information Centre is located on Lambpit Street, or call 01978 292015.
In the south of Wrexham County Borough, sits the beautiful Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. Part of 11 miles of UNESCO World Heritage site which also takes in the Llangollen Canal and Chirk Aqueduct. Located between the villages of Trevor and Froncystlle, the awe-inspiring structure stands at 38 metres off the ground, and carries the Llangollen Canal over the River Dee.
You can cross by foot, or hop on a narrowboat – either way the views over the valley are dramatic, and the height you’re at, breathtaking. Don’t forget your camera, you’ll not want to miss this photo opportunity.
If a gentle float takes your fancy, you can take a narrowbaot trip or even hire your own boat for a day or a longer break. Surely we could all benefit from slowing the pace down every now and then, and there’s no better place to do it.
If cycling’s your thing, you can hire bikes from Trevor Basin to explore the canal (look out for the lovely artwork in Reeds Yard carpark and there you’ll find HireCycles2Go) – and either head to Llangollen to sample all the historic town can offer, or brave the ‘Darkie’ tunnel in the other direction and end up at Chirk.
To find out more about this jewel in our crown, visit www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk
For a small town, Chirk has a lot to offer, in its very own beautiful aqueduct by Thomas Telford (yes, Wrexham has 2 aqueducts very close together. Lucky aren’t we). Plus a viaduct by Henry Robinson, which runs alongside it – remember to give the train passengers a wave as they pass you by!
Chirk is not merely a gateway to England. It offers easy access to Offa’s Dyke National Trail and to one of the most beautiful valleys in Wales – the Ceiriog Valley.
Sitting just above the village is Chirk Castle, a National Trust gem built by Edward I. This magnificent medieval fortress is the perfect place for brave knights to explore courtyards and dungeons, intrepid explorers to wander the grounds and parkland in search of hideaways and vantage points or to simply take in the lavishly styled family rooms and opulent surroundings. For those seeking an alternative way to see the parkland, Chirk Castle is home to Segtrek, which allows you to whizz your way around by means of a segway!
Chirk itself has a great little selection of businesses, including gift shops, cafes, florists and butchers, and the beautiful churches of St Marys and the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
Stunningly set on the River Dee, Bangor-on-Dee is reached by a hump-backed medieval stone bridge.
There’s fishing on the river, golf nearby, and horse racing just a few hundred yards from the village centre. Plus a few great places to eat or stop off for a refreshing drink.
Not far away is the Plassey Holiday Park and Retail Village. Not only is this an awarding winning touring site, it offers a great selection of shops, restaurants, cafes and play facilities, and is well worth a visit
Well, it’s not exactly Checkpoint Charlie. But stroll from Holt across the Old Dee Bridge and you’ll be in another country – England. Other remarkable ancient structures include the ruins of Holt castle and St Chad’s church, one of the few surviving examples of medieval design gone seriously wrong. Its sandstone is dotted with impurities, its windows are too big and one of its buttresses is misplaced. It still looks lovely, though, and there’s a great view of it from the beer garden of the Peal O’ Bells pub.
Holt is also the home to a fantasic garden centre and restaurant, where if you choose the right month, the ‘pick-your-own’ offer is great fun!