GLAMPING IN WREXHAM

Think Wrexham. Think football. And there’s a good chance little else will immediately spring to mind. But Wrexham and its surrounds have much more to offer (as if a Hollywood star and its own hugely popular TV series weren’t enough!)

Just four hours from London, less than two from Birmingham and only four and a half from Edinburgh, this north Wales city is the perfect staycation location; far enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere, but not so far that you spend the entire day travelling.

So, perfectly situated, but what can you do when you get there? In this article I am going to focus on the area around Wrexham, rather than on the city itself.

We stayed at Lady Margaret’s Park Club Campsite in Chirk, which was perfect for exploring the local countryside and feeling immersed in nature and history.  It’s an Experience Freedom site from the Caravan and Motorhome Club and offers a range of accommodation options from bringing your own caravan or motorhome, to staying in one of their deluxe glamping pods, a superior glamping cabin or even a luxurious safari tent. The latter sounded exciting, so we opted for that – and loved it.

The tent was big enough to sleep up to four adults and two children, with a comfy double bed, two bunk beds, and then a cute ‘loft’ bedroom suitable for children (I’d have struggled to get up the ladder and climb in – much as the kid in me wanted to!) There’s a bathroom with a shower cubicle (water was hot and strong), a kitchenette with hob, microwave, fridge-freezer, and even a dishwasher, plus dining area, TV and sofa, and a large deck outside with comfy chairs and evening fairy lights. Oh yes, and there’s a BBQ too.

We were there during the July heatwave and the tent was pleasantly cool. But if you’re there in the colder weather, don’t worry, there is a wood burning stove (and electric heaters) to keep you cosy.

This accommodation is certainly more glam than camping. I’ve been lucky enough to stay in some wonderfully luxurious safari tents in Africa, but even they didn’t have a kitchen, wood burner, hot shower and electric sockets. So, if the idea of staying in a tent is making you nervous (my partner wasn’t convinced when I told him we’d be glamping), push your misgivings aside as you definitely won’t be roughing it.

When booking be sure to fill in your car number plate as this will allow you to drive straight up to the barrier and find your accommodation without having to check in at reception. Although popping in is worthwhile as they can give you a map of the Park, and you can pick up an essentials you may have forgotten.

Once you’re settled in, it’s time to think about what you’d like to see or do locally, so here are some suggestions:

1. Explore Chirk Castle and its grounds

This is right on your doorstep – you don’t even the car to get there. This National Trust castle is one of Edward I’s Welsh border castles and is still lived in today. The gardens, shady woodland walks, ancient trees, and formal grounds are excellent for birds, butterflies, and peaceful wandering.

Cake stop: The National Trust café is ideal for a cream tea or large slice of cake.

2.  Walk in the Ceiriog Valley
This beautiful valley is often overshadowed by nearby Snowdonia, which is exactly why many walkers love it. Expect rolling hills, rivers, woodlands, sheep-filled meadows and plenty of birdlife.

3. Walk across Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

A short drive from the Park, this is one of Britain’s most spectacular engineering landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s plenty of (paid) parking and visitor centre. Walking the towpath high above the River Dee gives magnificent views and plenty of opportunities to spot swifts, swallows and river wildlife. There are even barges selling coffee cake, perfect for a stop during your walk.  For me this was one of the highlights of the trip.

Cake stop: stop at one of the barges moored alongside the canal and treat yourself to an open air coffee and a slice of cake.

4. Take a steam train from Llangollen
The heritage railway follows the Dee Valley through some stunning countryside. It’s a wonderful combination of history, engineering and scenery.

Cake stop: Llangollen has numerous independent cafés and bakeries.

5. Visit Chirk Aqueduct and Chirk Tunnel

Less famous than Pontcysyllte but equally atmospheric. You can walk beside both the canal aqueduct and railway viaduct and enjoy beautiful scenery with relatively few crowds. At one end of the aqueduct you’re in England and at the other you’re in Wales. On the Welsh side, there’s the tunnel where you can walk through in total darkness, listening to the water gently lapping and the disembodied voices of other walkers in the distance. Well worth visiting.

6. Spend a day at Erddig

Frequently regarded as one of Britain’s finest historic houses, Erddig combines fascinating social history with extensive parkland, a walled garden, ponds and woodland full of wildlife.

Cake stop: Excellent National Trust café.

7. Walk Offa’s Dyke Path
Several sections are accessible from the area around Chirk. You’ll get superb border-country views and a fascinating sense of the history between England and Wales.

8. Visit Pistyll Rhaeadr Waterfall

One of the highest waterfalls in Wales and a glorious spot for nature lovers. Woodland trails around the falls can reward you with sightings of woodland birds and plenty of botanical interest. The falls themselves are beautiful. Kick off your shoes and paddle in the cool water. And for those who thought ahead and brought a swimsuit and towel, wade across the pond and immerse yourself in the waterfall itself, letting the rushing water pummel your shoulders. There is parking (paid, around £5) very close to the waterfall.

Cake stop: There is a small tea room in the parking area, with a pretty garden behind it.

9. Enjoy wildlife watching along the River Dee
The Dee Valley offers opportunities to see grey wagtails, dippers, herons, kingfishers (if lucky), and a variety of woodland birds. Early morning or evening are particularly rewarding for wildlife watching.

10. If I were choosing the perfect wildlife-and-cake day…
Early walk around Chirk Castle grounds.
Walk to Chirk Aqueduct.
Lunch and cake in Chirk.
Afternoon at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.
Finish with an evening riverside walk in the Dee Valley.

That would give you history, engineering, wildlife, scenery and at least two opportunities for excellent cake in a single day. Perfect!

Then back to your safari tent for a some food, a nightcap on the deck and a good nights sleep in a comfy bed.

 

FACT BOX 
experiencefreedom.co.uk
experiencefreedom.co.uk/lady-margarets-park
caravanclub.co.uk
www.caravanclub.co.uk/lady-margarets-park

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Chantal Cooke is an award-winning journalist and broadcaster and co-founder of PASSION for the PLANET. Chantal is passionate about tourism being used as a force for good.

You can follow her adventures on Facebook (@chantal.cooke) and on Instagram (@Chantaldcooke)