The acquisition of Wrexham Football Club by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, and the subsequent TV series Welcome to Wrexham, has not only put Wrexham in north east Wales on the map for soccer fans, but it’s also encouraging many more people to visit the city and its beautiful surroundings. Here’s an overview of just some of the fascinating things to do, as well as (or instead of) going to a match!

Wrexham Football Club is the third oldest association football club in the world, founded in 1864, but by the 2010s it was struggling. When American actor Rob MElhenney set his sights on buying a football club in the UK, along with Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds, Wrexham was an obvious choice. The pair had no previous experience of managing a sports team, so this was an opportunity to document their efforts to transform the fortunes of the club and to support the local community.

The Racecourse Ground, home of Wrexham Football Club

The takeover was completed in 2021 and since then there have been two series of Emmy award winning Welcome to Wrexham (broadcast on FX in the US and Disney+ in the UK), and Wrexham Football Club has been promoted to EFL League Two, after a 15-year absence. The huge publicity has led to the club acquiring a new global fanbase and dedicated coverage from global sporting media around the world.

Ryan and Rob celebrating Wrexham Football Club’s promotion to EFL League Two in 2023

Reynolds and McElhenny are now ambassadors for the city of Wrexham and can be spotted at matches from time to time throughout the season. Visitors and fans can enjoy watching a home game at The Racecourse Ground by purchasing their own tickets or, if you would like to go to a match as part of a tailor-made tour of Wales or the United Kingdom, please do contact us.

Adding to the football scene in Wrexham, a new Football Museum celebrating Welsh football and Wrexham’s historic achievements, is set to open in 2026.

Of course, Wrexham isn’t all about football and there are several other attractions in the city which are not to be missed.

St Giles Church, Wrexham

The 16th century gothic Parish Church of St Giles is the largest medieval church in Wales and is recognised as one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Wales. The richly decorated tower dominates the city’s skyline. Visitors from all over the world, and especially North America, are drawn to St Giles’ churchyard to see the tomb of Elihu Yale, the primary benefactor of Yale University in the USA. In recognition of the Yale connection, the 'Wrexham Tower' of Saybrook College at the university was modelled on the tower of St Giles.

The tomb of Elihu Yale

Wrexham County Borough Museum tells the story of the city and its surroundings and their place in Wales and the wider world from prehistory up to the present day. Visitors to the museum can discover a wealth of fascinating facts, for example, local Ruabon Red Brick Tiles were used in the restoration of the Taj Mahal in India and Wrexham Lager – brewed in the city since 1881 and popular across Wales – was reputedly served onboard the Titanic.

Wrexham County Borough Museum

Wrexham (or Wrecsam in Welsh) was a finalist for UK City of Culture in 2025 and it’s no surprise as the city has always been a hub of creativity. FOCUS Wales, an annual music festival which takes place in May, sees thousands of music-lovers gathering in the city.

Wrexham – Wales’s newest city

Tŷ Pawb (Everybody’s House) is a vibrant community space and the cultural heart of the city. Once an indoor market, now visitors can find a wide variety of independent businesses, art exhibitions in purpose-built galleries, a studio theatre and a food court. Just opposite Tŷ Pawb is XPLORE! Science Discovery Centre, which is full of incredible science experiences for the whole family.

Wrexham Lager – reputedly served on the Titanic

Wrexham is surrounded by glorious countryside and there are lots of places just a stone’s throw away that are well worth visiting.

Erddig is an incredibly well preserved 18th century house, garden and estate just two miles from the city centre, which tells the story of a wealthy family and their servants. The 1,200-acre landscaped gardens are bursting with fabulous flowers and shrubs and provide a haven of peace and natural beauty. 

National Trust Erddig

On the site of an important 18th century industrial complex and ironworks, Bersham Heritage Centre, in the heart of the attractive Clywedog Valley just outside of Wrexham, is a centre for industrial heritage. The Clywedog Trail, which follows the river, links Bersham with a number of former industrial sites, including Minera Lead Mines, once one of the busiest mining centres in Wales where it is believed the Romans first began mining lead; Minera Quarry, a limestone quarry which is now a nature reserve, and Nant Mill, once used for milling corn.

Bersham Heritage Centre

Just a little further away from Wrexham is the incredible Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the breathtaking Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall – the tallest waterfall in Wales – and the pretty town of Llangollen, famous for its annual International Eisteddfod music festival. Wrexham is also an ideal base for exploring the neighbouring English county of Cheshire, famous for its gardens, or as a stop-off on the way to the dramatic landscape of Snowdonia (Eryri) in north west Wales.

Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made visit to north east Wales and the city of Wrexham, to watch the football or to explore the city and its surrounding area, please do contact our friendly team today. As well as arranging tickets for the football and an itinerary to suit your interests, we can arrange accommodation to meet your budget and delicious meals for all tastes.

All photos © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales.