This Welsh town has evolved from its coal-mining roots into a cultural center with historic museums, traditional pubs, and the UK's first legal casino.
In Wrexham, Wales's newest city, you can watch a football match at the world's oldest international stadium, climb the 135-foot tower of St Giles Church, or walk across the 126-foot-high Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. The city's streets follow medieval layouts, leading you to Victorian markets, art galleries, and green spaces that stretch from the center to the Welsh countryside.
Getting Around Wrexham
You'll find two railway stations in Wrexham - General and Central - with direct connections to Liverpool, Birmingham, and Cardiff. Walk easily through the pedestrianized city center, where the Shopmobility service at Eagles Meadow provides free wheelchairs and scooters for visitors who need them.
Football Culture at the Racecourse Ground
Watch Wrexham AFC play at the Racecourse Ground, which has hosted football matches since 1864. The stadium holds 10,771 spectators and continues to host international matches. Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership in 2021, bringing new energy to the club. Stop by the Turf Hotel - the club's birthplace - where fans gather before and after matches.
Exploring the City Center
Walk the narrow streets around St Giles Church, built in 1472 with its 135-foot tower visible across the city. Inside, you can see the tomb of Elihu Yale, who funded America's Yale University. Shop at two Victorian-era covered markets: the Butchers Market sells local meats and cheese, while the General Market houses independent traders selling everything from books to Welsh crafts.
Arts and Culture
Browse contemporary art exhibitions at Tŷ Pawb, set in a converted market building. The center includes artist studios, market stalls, and a café. Each May, FOCUS Wales brings 250+ music performances to venues throughout the city. At XPLORE! Science Discovery Centre, try experiments in the lab zones and learn about space in the planetarium.
Parks and Natural Areas
Walk through Erddig Hall's 18th-century walled gardens, where fruit trees grow against traditional brick walls. The surrounding 1,200-acre estate includes woodland paths and a Victorian garden railway. Follow the riverside trail at Alyn Waters Country Park, or explore the lakes and forest paths of Moss Valley Country Park, built on former coal mining land.
Food and Evening Activities
Find Welsh produce at independent restaurants in the city center, particularly around Bank Street and High Street. The city's student population keeps the evening atmosphere lively, with several craft beer bars and cocktail spots concentrated in the Independent Quarter, where local businesses occupy restored Victorian buildings.
