The bustling market town of Wrexham in north Wales was founded in the 11th century. By the 1500s it was the largest town in Wales, going on to play a pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, thanks to the region’s coal and lead industry.

Today the town is a popular visitor destination, and its proximity to Eryri National Park, makes it a good base for exploring the area. With a wide range of accommodation - from cosy holiday cottages to luxury hotels, and numerous family-friendly attractions both in and around Wrexham, if you’re looking to get away from it all, the charming town of Wrexham is a great choice.

Wrexham Viaduct

 

1. Explore Xplore! Science Discovery Centre

In the very heart of Wrexham, the Xplore Science Discovery Centre provides a fully interactive, utterly exciting way to learn about science. Adults and children will have their eyes opened to the world around them and leave with brains buzzing.

Encouraging imagination, critical thinking and investigation, Xplore brings science to life for families, but it also provides a great opportunity for the local schools and colleges. Even toddlers have their own science sessions, there are special sensory days and the workshops are open to all. The Science Centre is where learning becomes mind-bending fun. The shop and on-site cafe are then great places to relax and absorb all your newfound knowledge. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by James Wilson (@chilterndad)

 

2. Go Wild at Tŷ Mawr Country Park

Lying on the banks of the picturesque River Dee, the Ty Mawr Country Park is perfect for a day filled with family fun. Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the park provides access to the best scenery Wales has to offer. Dominating the view is the elegant Cefn Viaduct. Constructed in 1848 to carry trains across the turbulent waters of the Dee, it stands 147ft (45m) and is 1508ft (466m) in length, and 15 gracefully curved arches.

Ty Mawr has been awarded the Green Flag every year since 2006 acknowledging its good management and accessibility, and as you meander along the marked trails, you could spot the rare breed farm animals, the llamas that guard lambs from hungry foxes, or even salmon leaping in the Dee. With the park’s organic policy, there are numerous species of wildflowers, insects and animals, while the summer sun brings a riot of colour to the meadows. 

 

3. Discover the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Designed to carry the Llangollen Canal across the River Dee, the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct was constructed in 1805, and has been recognised as a Grade I listed building and awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status along with 11 miles of the Llangollen Canal. 

At 12 ft (3.7 metres) wide, and 336 yds (307 m) long, it’s the longest in Great Britain, and with a height of 126 ft (38 m), is the highest in the world. Its 18 arches are elegantly designed to provide the ultimate in strength and durability, yet look beautiful, and UNESCO has described the aqueduct, built by Thomas Telford and William Jessop,  as ‘a masterpiece of creative genius’. 

Take a tour of the region, try your hand at steering a barge, and meet the horses as they walk the towpath beside the canal, towing the barges. There’s lots to see and do at the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct. 

 

4. Enjoy the great outdoors at Alyn Waters Country Park

Alyn Waters Country Park is set within the beautiful Alyn Valley and is the largest country park in the Wrexham area. As a Green Flag Award accredited site, there are a variety of woodland, grassland and riverside walks throughout the park. 
With a visitor centre, café and gift shop, Alyn Waters Country Park is a beautiful spot to visit at any time of year. 

 

5. Chirk Castle

A magnificent medieval fortress of the Welsh Marches, Chirk Castle is steeped in 700 years of history. With 5.5 acres of award-winning gardens, two-level dungeons and murder holes, Chirk Castle has 480 acres of parklands to explore. Importantly, there’s plenty of space for the little ones to run around and play. There’s also an activity room where little ones can play games, try on costumes and learn about the fascinating past of the castle. 

  • Ideal for history lovers 
  • 480 acres of beautiful gardens and spooky dungeons
  • Chirk Castle website
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