Things to Do in Wrexham 2026: Football Museum, Castles and the Dee Valley

By the Wales.org Travel Team | Updated April 2026

Wrexham is having a moment. Wales’s newest city — granted city status in 2022 — has been propelled onto the global stage by the extraordinary rise of Wrexham AFC under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, documented in the Emmy-nominated Welcome to Wrexham series. In summer 2026, the city gains another landmark: the Football Museum of Wales, the country’s first national football museum, opening on Regent Street just half a mile from the STōK Cae Ras — the oldest international football stadium in the world still in use.

But Wrexham has always had substance beyond the headlines. Two of the finest National Trust properties in Wales — Erddig and Chirk Castle — sit within minutes of the city centre. St Giles’ Parish Church is listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The Dee Valley and Clwydian Range AONB offer outstanding walking and climbing. And a growing independent food scene has given Wrexham restaurants to rival much larger cities.

This guide covers everything worth doing in and around Wrexham in 2026.

Wrexham Attractions at a Glance

Heritage and History

Football Museum of Wales — Opening Summer 2026

The biggest new attraction in Wales for 2026, the Football Museum of Wales opens in the landmark County Buildings on Regent Street. Branded the “Museum of Two Halves,” it combines Wales’s first national football museum with redesigned Wrexham Museum galleries in one building. The football galleries house the Welsh Football Collection — the largest collection of Welsh football memorabilia in public ownership — including the original 1876 Wales v Scotland team sheet (Wales’s first international match), interactive “Great Wales Goals” exhibits, immersive films, and artefacts telling the story of Welsh football from grassroots clubs to the national teams.

The museum sits half a mile from the STōK Cae Ras and the Wynnstay Arms Hotel where the Football Association of Wales was founded in 1876. Wrexham is often called “the spiritual home of Welsh football” — this museum makes that claim tangible. The adjoining Wrexham Museum galleries cover the wider history of North East Wales, from the region’s mining and industrial heritage to its cultural story. A new wellbeing garden completes the visitor experience.

Erddig — Best National Trust Property Near Wrexham

Just 2 miles south of Wrexham city centre, Erddig is one of the most fascinating National Trust properties in Britain. What makes it unique is the eccentric Yorke family’s relationship with their servants — unlike their gentry contemporaries, they expressed their gratitude through an intimate collection of portraits and poems, giving visitors an unparalleled insight into the “below stairs” life of an 18th to 20th-century country house.

The fully restored 18th-century garden features herbaceous borders, rows of pleached limes, and a diverse ivy collection. Beyond the formal grounds, the 1,200-acre parkland is home to rivers, ancient earthworks, and peaceful picnic spots. National Trust members enter free; non-members pay admission. Allow at least half a day — the house, gardens, and parkland deserve unhurried exploration.

Chirk Castle — Best Medieval Castle Near Wrexham

Chirk Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches, 7 miles south of Wrexham. The building’s history is written in its architecture — a Neoclassical staircase hall, Tudor timber-framed walls, and Gothic Revival alterations layer centuries of occupation. The estate parkland sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with wildflower meadows that are stunning in summer. Look out for peregrine falcons and short-eared owls over the undisturbed countryside. The ornamental 17th-century wrought-iron gates at the entrance are among the finest in Britain. National Trust. See our castles in Wales guide for more.

St Giles’ Parish Church — One of the Seven Wonders of Wales

The Grade I listed St Giles’ Parish Church is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales. The imposing 16th-century bell tower — 41 metres tall — dominates the Wrexham skyline. Inside, precious stained glass windows and the original “Doom Painting” (depicting the Day of Judgement) reward careful looking. Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views across the city and surrounding countryside. The church also houses the tomb of Elihu Yale, the benefactor of Yale University — a connection that draws American visitors to this day. Free to visit.

Wrexham AFC and the Beautiful Game

Wrexham AFC at the STōK Cae Ras — Best Match Day Experience

Since Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took ownership in 2020, Wrexham AFC has become the most talked-about football club in the world. The Welcome to Wrexham documentary series (FX/Disney+) has brought global attention to the club, the city, and its community. The STōK Cae Ras (formerly the Racecourse Ground) is the oldest international football stadium in the world still in use — the first international match played here was Wales v Scotland in 1877.

Match days in Wrexham are electric. Demand for tickets is high, so book well in advance through the Wrexham AFC website. Even if you cannot get a match ticket, walking around the stadium area on a match day, visiting the club shop, and soaking up the atmosphere in the city’s pubs is an experience in itself. The new Football Museum of Wales, opening summer 2026, is a natural companion to a match day visit.

Families, Science, and Entertainment

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre — Best Rainy Day in Wrexham

Xplore! Science Discovery Centre reopened in 2020 with a new and improved hub offering over 80 interactive science exhibits, demonstrations, baby and toddler sensory sessions, and (for adults only) gin tasting evenings under a planetarium. One of the most engaging family attractions in North East Wales — and an excellent all-weather option.

Grove Park Theatre — Best Evening Entertainment

Grove Park Theatre is Wrexham’s oldest amateur theatre, hosting comedy, drama, thrillers, and the famous Christmas pantomime. A charming way to round off a day in the city.

Bedlam Paintball — Best Adventure Activity

Bedlam Paintball offers purpose-built zones with realistic scenarios, plus outdoor laser tag and low-velocity options for younger players. Good for groups, birthday parties, and anyone who needs to burn off energy.

Walking, Climbing, and the Dee Valley

Wrexham sits between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley, making it an excellent base for walking and climbing. The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB is one of five AONBs in Wales, with ancient hillforts, dramatic limestone escarpments, and long-distance walking routes. Castell Dinas Brân and Trevor Rocks attract climbers, while gentler multi-day walks and navigation courses are available through local guides.

Llangollen is just 12 miles south-west — the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Llangollen Railway, and white water rafting on the River Dee are all within easy reach. See our Llangollen guide for full details.

Where to Eat in Wrexham

The Bank Wine Bar and Bistro — an independent, family-run establishment since 2009 serving home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. Try the maple-glazed gammon with quails egg or goats cheese with hazelnut and pickled beets. Wrexham Lager on draft.

Anise — Wrexham’s finest Indian restaurant, with knowledgeable staff, tandoor-grilled meats, tequila and coriander marinated king prawns, and an extensive vegan menu. Book ahead for weekends.

For more Welsh food and drink recommendations, see our national guide.

Getting to Wrexham and Where to Stay

By train: Wrexham General has services from Birmingham (1.5 hours), Shrewsbury (30 minutes), and Chester (15 minutes). Wrexham Central connects via the Borderlands Line to Bidston.

By car: On the A483 — approximately 40 minutes from Chester, 1.5 hours from Manchester, 2.5 hours from Birmingham. The A55 North Wales Expressway is 20 minutes north.

Where to stay: Browse hotels and holiday cottages near Wrexham. For a luxury stay, consider the Wild Pheasant Hotel & Spa in nearby Llangollen or book a room at Erddig’s surrounding B&Bs.

Day trips from Wrexham: Llangollen (12 miles, UNESCO aqueduct, steam railway), Chester (12 miles, Roman walls, shopping), Eryri (Snowdonia) within an hour, and the Clwydian Range AONB immediately west.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Wrexham

What is there to do in Wrexham?

Football Museum of Wales (opening summer 2026), Erddig (National Trust), Chirk Castle (National Trust), Wrexham AFC at the STōK Cae Ras, St Giles’ Parish Church, Xplore! Science Centre, Dee Valley walking, and excellent restaurants.

When does the Football Museum of Wales open?

Summer 2026. On Regent Street, Wrexham city centre. Wales’s first national football museum, housing the Welsh Football Collection. Check the Wrexham Heritage website for confirmed opening dates.

Can you watch Wrexham AFC play?

Yes. The STōK Cae Ras is the oldest international football stadium still in use. Tickets sell fast — book via the Wrexham AFC website well in advance.

Is Wrexham worth visiting?

Yes. City status since 2022, two National Trust properties, the new Football Museum, a Seven Wonders church, a science centre, and the Dee Valley AONB. Wrexham is experiencing a genuine cultural renaissance.

What is near Wrexham?

Erddig (2 miles), Chirk Castle (7 miles), Llangollen (12 miles, UNESCO aqueduct), Chester (12 miles), and Eryri within an hour.

How do I get to Wrexham?

Two railway stations: Wrexham General (Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Chester) and Wrexham Central (Borderlands Line). By car: A483, 40 min from Chester, 1.5 hrs from Manchester.

Nick

Nick, your trusted guide to Wales travel and exploration, shares a deep passion for this enchanting land. With years of exploration, Nick offers expert insights into the best of Wales. Join him on a journey through its captivating history, culture, and hidden gems, as he inspires you to create unforgettable Welsh travel experiences.