Honestly, if you’d walked through Wrexham city centre five years ago, you wouldn't have seen many Americans. You definitely wouldn't have seen tour buses filled with people from Arizona or Tokyo trying to find a specific pub called The Turf. But things change fast. Wrexham, North Wales, UK is currently sitting in this weird, beautiful intersection of Hollywood glamour and grit.
It’s not just about the football. Though, let’s be real, the football is the engine.
When Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham AFC, people thought it was a prank. It wasn't. Now, in early 2026, the club is battling it out in the EFL Championship. Just yesterday, they held Norwich City to a tense draw at the Racecourse Ground—which, by the way, is the oldest international football stadium in the world. People forget that. They think Wrexham is a "new" story, but it’s actually one of the oldest stories in the sport.
The City Status Shock
Wrexham isn't a town anymore. It officially became a city in 2022 during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. It’s the seventh city in Wales, joining the ranks of Cardiff and Swansea.
But does it feel like a city? Sorta.
It’s still got that tight-knit, post-industrial feel where everyone knows your business. The "Year of Wonders" is the big talk for 2026. It marks the 150th anniversary of 1876, a year when the Football Association of Wales was basically born right here. Locals are leanin' into it. There’s a massive £100m buzz around the area right now, partly because of the massive Wrexham Industrial Estate expansion and the fact that tourism spend has spiked to over £191 million a year.
Beyond the Racecourse: What’s Actually Worth Seeing?
If you only go to the stadium, you're missing the point. You've got to head a few miles out to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. Basically, it’s a "stream in the sky." You can literally take a canal boat 126 feet in the air across the River Dee. It’s terrifying if you hate heights, but the engineering is mind-blowing. No mortar was used; it’s just cast iron and oxen blood (supposedly) in the joints.
Then there’s St Giles’ Church. Its tower is one of the "Seven Wonders of Wales." If you’re into history, Elihu Yale—the guy Yale University is named after—is buried there.
Where to actually eat and hang out
Don't just stick to the chains. Wrexham's food scene is getting surprisingly diverse.
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- Tŷ Pawb: It means "Everybody’s House." It’s an old market turned into an arts hub. You can get vegan curry, craft beer, and see a contemporary art gallery in the same building.
- The Turf: Yes, it’s famous from the documentary. Yes, Wayne (the landlord) is a local legend. It’s still a proper pub.
- Wrexham Lager Brewery: This is a big deal. Their lager was allegedly on the Titanic. It’s crisp, local, and they finally have a proper visitor taproom experience that isn't just for locals.
The "Rob and Ryan" Effect
The impact of the owners is hard to overstate. It’s not just the money; it’s the respect. They’ve actually tried to learn Welsh. They push "Cymru am byth" (Wales forever) on a global stage. In 2026, the club is looking at redesigning the Kop stand to host the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
There’s even talk of an eventual 55,000-seater stadium. That sounds insane for a city of this size, but in Wrexham, "insane" has become the baseline.
Realities of the Trip
Is it all sunshine and Hollywood stars? No. It’s North Wales. It rains. A lot.
The A483 junction 4 is still a nightmare for traffic. If you're driving in for a match day, prepare to be stuck for a bit. Also, hotel space is still tight. While projects like Boutique 33 and the Old Registry aparthotel have opened up more beds, you still need to book months in advance if there's a home game.
2026 Practical Next Steps
If you’re planning a visit this year, here’s the smart way to do it:
- Check the 150th Anniversary Calendar: The "Year of Wonders" events are scattered throughout 2026. Look for the National Eisteddfod-style celebrations and the opening of the new Football Museum for Wales on Regent Street.
- Stori Brymbo: This is the "new" big thing for 2026. It’s a 300-million-year-old fossil forest discovered at an old steelworks. It’s weird, niche, and very "Wrexham."
- Transport Tip: Take the train if you can. Wrexham General is right next to the stadium. It saves you the headache of parking in a city that wasn't built for 15,000 extra people every fortnight.
- Llangollen Day Trip: It’s only 20 minutes away. If Wrexham feels too busy, Llangollen gives you that classic Welsh mountain valley vibe with whitewater rafting on the Dee.
Wrexham has stopped being a "hidden gem" and has become a global destination. It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s finally getting the investment it should have had thirty years ago. Just remember to bring a raincoat and don't call it a town—they're a city now.