Ruabon
Once nicknamed Terracottapolis, this well-connected village mixes a Grade I church, Wynnstay estate history and red brick heritage.
Ruabon grew up beside Wynnstay, seat of the powerful Williams-Wynn family, and later boomed on the local Etruria Marl clay, which fires to a deep red. From the mid-19th century its bricks and terracotta were shipped to Liverpool, Birmingham, London and beyond, earning the area the nickname "Terracottapolis". It is a handy base too, with a mainline station and quick access to the Dee Valley.
Getting there
Ruabon is roughly 5 miles south-west of Wrexham city centre, about 12 minutes' drive via the A483. Ruabon station is on the Shrewsbury to Chester line, with Transport for Wales trains to Wrexham, Chester, Shrewsbury and beyond. Arriva's service 2 between Wrexham and Oswestry stops in the village; check Traveline Cymru for current times.
Things to do
St Mary's Church
The Grade I listed parish church stands between Bridge Street and Church Street. Monks of Valle Crucis Abbey rebuilt it in the late 13th century, and inside you will find a late 15th-century wall painting, 16th-century effigies and fine Wynn family memorials, including works by the sculptors Rysbrack and Nollekens. The 1919 lychgate doubles as the war memorial. Check before you go if you want to see inside.
Terracotta and brick heritage
Look closely at the village and you will spot Ruabon's red brick everywhere. J.C. Edwards grew into the largest terracotta firm in Britain, supplying work for Cardiff's Pierhead building and tiles at Oxford Circus Underground station. The Dennis works at Hafod, the last brick and tile works in north Wales, closed in 2008, though Ruabon-branded tiles are still made on the site.
The Wynnstay Arms and Welsh football
The Grade II listed Wynnstay Arms began as an 18th-century coaching inn. In 1876 a meeting in Ruabon called by local solicitor Llewelyn Kenrick agreed the name and constitution of the Football Association of Wales, which makes this a small pilgrimage for football fans.
Offa's Dyke
Substantial remains of the 8th-century earthwork that once marked the boundary between Mercia and Wales lie on the western outskirts of the village, a reminder of just how long this has been border country.
Food and drink
The Wynnstay Arms on the High Street is now a Robinsons pub and hotel with a restaurant, serving food lunchtime and evening. On Bridge Street, the small Vaults is a lively village local next to an old domed lock-up, good for a drink and live music on many Saturdays. Check times before you go, and see our eat and drink guide for more.
Make a day of it
Ruabon pairs naturally with Cefn Mawr and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or take the train one stop to Chirk. Llangollen is a short drive west; see llangollen.com. Explore more attractions, upcoming events and places to stay.
Ruabon: questions answered
Why was Ruabon called Terracottapolis?
Local Etruria Marl clay fires to a rich red, and from the mid-19th century the district's brick and terracotta works supplied cities across Britain. J.C. Edwards became the largest terracotta company in the country, with products used on Cardiff's Pierhead building and at Oxford Circus station.
Is the Football Association of Wales connected to Ruabon?
Yes. After the idea was raised in Wrexham in February 1876, a meeting in Ruabon that May, called by local solicitor Llewelyn Kenrick, agreed the association's name and constitution. The meeting was held at the Wynnstay Arms, and Kenrick became the FAW's first president.
Can I reach Ruabon by train?
Yes. Ruabon station is on the Shrewsbury to Chester line, served by Transport for Wales, so it is a quick hop from Wrexham General and a useful base for the Dee Valley. The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a short taxi or bus ride away, or a longer walk via Cefn Mawr.