There’s something for everyone here in our slice of North Wales – that old chestnut!
But that might just actually be the case. We’ve been having a think about what sorts of people might just want to come and spend a weekend in Wrexham, and we’re pretty sure we can cater for most and offer great things to do!
So if you’re thinking of packing for a couple of nights away, we might be worth some consideration.
Family Weekend
Not sure there’ll be enough to keep the kids happy? Think again…
Stay at the The Plassey Holiday Park for the weekend and you might just feel that you don’t want to leave the place all weekend. Choose from either a touring pitch, or one of the ‘rural retreat’ holiday homes, enjoy the indoor heated swimming pool, restaurant, coffee shop, retail village, and most-importantly for the kids, the Welsh Castle themed play area.
Whilst there’s plenty to capture the imagination at the Plassey, it would be a shame to miss out on the rest of what Wrexham can offer a family.
Take a drive to the beautifully situated Ty Mawr Country Park, in Cefn Mawr, where the little ones can visit and feed the rabbits and guinea pigs, see the goats, donkeys and even alpacas. Stroll down to the River Dee, and enjoy the views of the viaduct, take a picnic and just enjoy being outdoors.
If the weather isn’t kind, Techniquest Glyndwr will capture the imagination of kids of all ages. Wrexham’s science discovery centre has plenty of interactive exhibits to keep you all occupied and amused. They also do great interactive shows, and even toddler days.
If a sweet treat is in order, head to Emz Cakes on Chester street for some cupcake decorating – they do a great afternoon tea too! Or Wrexham has plenty of family friendly eateries to keep you going all weekend.
More Mature Family Weekend
Both the young and the young at heart will find plenty to occupy in Wrexham.
We’re spoilt with not just one but 2 National Trust properties, so you could spend you weekend exploring some of the region heritage.
Located 2 miles from the town centre, Erddig is an ‘upstairs downstairs’ property, showcasing the life of a family and their servants. Stroll through immaculate gardens, visit the carefully preserved rooms, see unique servant portraits from early 20th century life. Erddig is a unique experience in a really beautiful spot on the Clywedog River.
Chirk Castle, completed in 1310 during the reign of Edward I, is the last castle of this period still part lived in today. There are lavish interiors and grand state rooms to explore. Fantastically manicured gardens perfect for whiling away time exploring, and you can’t fail to be impressed by the magnificent view over the Cheshire and Salop plains. The estate has acres of parkland and is situated in an Area of Outstanding natural beauty. Perfect!
Back in the town centre you’ll find Wrexham Museum, telling the story of Wrexham County Borough and its people, from pre-history to present day. The museum packs a great deal in, has some really interesting exhibits, and a cracking coffee shop to boot!
No visit to Wrexham could truly be complete without taking in our spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. That and the 11 mile stretch of canal and countryside which surrounds it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s obvious why! Built by Thomas Telford and Williams Jessop and completed in 1805, it stands proud at 38 metres above the River Dee – you can take a boat trip across it, or just stroll at your own pace along the tow path – the views are breath-taking and a camera is an absolute necessity. A truly unforgettable experience in Wrexham.
Student Weekend
If you’re staying in Wrexham to study, don’t forget to escape the halls and the students union and see what else Wrexham as a county has to offer.
Hop on a bus to Chirk and find TNS Coaching – if you fancy trying your hand at archery, rifle shooting or even axe throwing these are your guys. They can also take you for a paddle over the magnificent Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or if you don’t have a head for heights, maybe through the spooky ‘Darkie’ tunnel.
If you’ve never tried Segway, you could experience that on the same trip to Chirk. Segtrek operates from the grounds of Chirk Castle, and after a little instructions, you can be exploring the beautiful estate and parklands with your Segway buddies. What an experience!
If you’d rather kick back and relax with friends, Wrexham town centre offers enough for all tastes, from Odeon Cinema, Ten Pin Bowling, an array of restaurants and bars. Finish the night off in newly refurbished Atik nightclub if you’ve got the energy!
Another thing worth knowing if you’re a student in Wrexham, you can get discounted tickets to Bangor on Dee Racecourse with your Glyndwr ID. What a brilliant day-out, and there’s usually a free bus from the train station!
Keep an eye at Glyndwr for touring comedians and bands too – Wrexham seems to be attracting bigger names all the times. From Jimmy Carr to Jason Manford, Olly Murs to the Stereophonics – we definitely seem to be on the agents radar now!
A Foodie Weekend
Wrexham’s status in the food ranks is really rocketing at the moment. Indeed two of the county’s restaurants are featured in the 2018 Michelin Guide. The Hand in Llanarmon, in the beautiful Ceiriog Valley, is enjoying this success for the second year running. Passionate about their stylish menu and local produce, the charm and genuine passion for what they do make the Hand a must-visit on a weekend break to the county. Enjoy the scenery as you drive towards it through the Ceiriog Valley – as Lloyd George once described it, “a little piece of heaven on earth”.
The Machine House in Rossett, just a couple of miles out for the town centre, is the second well-deserved entry into the Michelin Guide. Take a trip there for dinner and you’ll see how their combination of creativity and quality are pulling in visitors from far and wide.
If you’re staying in the town centre and don’t fancy a trip out, there are still some great places to keep you well-fed for your stay. Wrexham’s newest eatery The Fat Boar is following on from its sister restaurant’s success (The Fat Boar Mold, Flintshire), and is always lively and welcoming. Not far away on Grosvenor road, The Lemon Tree also serves great food, great afternoon teas and has some lovely rooms for your stay too.
No weekend away would be complete without the odd coffee-stop or two – and that coffee need can be satisfied with King Street, now featured in the North and North Wales Independent Coffee guide, no-mean feat in itself. The brainchild of Wrexham brothers Andy and Phil Gallanders, this great little coffee shop serves its own unique blend, along with speciality teas, lunches and fantastic cakes!
If you fancy taking some of Wrexham’s great produce home with you after your stay, there’s a couple of places which are must-visits during your weekend. Lewis Farm shop in Eyton sell high-quality local meats, pies and home-baked cakes. Bellis Brothers Farm shop in Holt also boasts a great butchers counters, along with a whole load of delicious local produce. So why not take a piece of Wrexham home with you?
