Village Life

The River Dee twists its way through the beautiful Maelor and passes through Wrexham's surrounding countryside. This stunning part of North Wales shares a border with Cheshire and is scattered with picturesque villages and interesting landmarks. Take some precious time out to explore the village life in this peaceful landscape. Here's just a taster of the wonderful villages in Wrexham and its Borderlands...

Holt

Visitors to the charming village of Holt can view the ruins of Holt Castle (also known as Lion's Castle), built in the 13th century in a beautiful location on the banks of the River Dee to protect a nearby strategic crossing. Just a stones throw from the castle is one of Wales' most important bridges built of red sandstone in the 15th or 16th century spanning the English-Welsh border at Farndon. Rossett A walk around the picturesque village of Rossett will reveal the village's most famous landmark - the medieval water mill sketched by Joseph Turner (1775-1851). There are also many other interesting landmarks around the village including Christ Church with the grave of the unknown soldier, the village water pump and Cook's Bridge. The village also features several charming inns and pubs that are well worth a visit.

Gresford

The village of Gresford has a good range of local shops and several charming village pubs as well as some great local walking routes. Most notably, though, the village is home to All Saints' Church, one of the finest and most beautiful churches in the whole of Wales. The church is also home to one of the Seven Wonders of Wales - The Gresford Bells. For more information to the Seven Wonders of Wales, a booklet is available from Wrexham Tourist Information Centre.

Bangor-on-Dee

The picturesque village of Bangor-on- Dee is set in glorious countryside but is surprisingly undiscovered on the tourist route. The village is approached via an outstanding Medieval bridge and is within easy reach of many excellent facilities including nearby golf courses, fishing on the beautiful River Dee with visiting anglers welcome by arrangement, attractive country walking routes, excellent accommodation, and the Plassey Leisure Park and Bangor Racecourse both nearby. Visitors can enjoy the village sights from a pleasant circular walk that stretches from the church along the riverside.

Overton-on-Dee

The delightful village of Overton is situated on the River Dee and enjoys magnificent views towards Llangollen. The village centre is a conservation area and features many interesting historical listed buildings, a number of small shops, places to get a bite to eat and an excellent public house. Overton is also home to St Mary's Church which is well known for its ancient churchyard yew trees which are one of the 'Seven Wonders of Wales'. There is a picnic area adjacent to the church where visitors can join the Maelor Way, a 25 mile long footpath, or enjoy some of the 40 miles of public footpaths that run through the surrounding countryside.

Erbistock

Among Erbistock's finest landmarks is the impressive Georgian country mansion, Erbistock Hall, which is located near to the River Dee and features superb formal gardens and topiary and an 18th century dovecote. The village of Erbistock is situated within an idyllic conservation area close to the banks of the river.

Hanmer

Visitors to the historic village of Hanmer can enjoy the beautiful mere, one of Shropshire's nine glacial lakes and the picturesque open church of St. Chad which overlooks the water and is situated within a conservation area. The village enjoys many outstanding country walks, as well as excellent fly-fishing available just a short distance away and several village shops. The village of Hanmer is the ideal location for a peaceful break away from it all.