Chirk
A border town with a medieval Marcher castle on the hill and two great valley crossings, canal and railway, side by side below.
Chirk sits on the border between Wales and England, where the Ceiriog Valley meets the Dee. It has been a crossing point for centuries: the old Holyhead to London road ran through the town, and the canal and railway leap the valley here on two parallel structures. Above it all stands Chirk Castle, one of the finest days out in the Wrexham area.
Getting there
Chirk is roughly 10 miles south of Wrexham city centre, about 20 minutes by car via the A483. Chirk station is on the Shrewsbury to Chester line; from there it is about a quarter of a mile to the castle estate gates and around a mile and a half to the castle itself. Arriva's service 2 between Wrexham and Oswestry also stops in the town; check Traveline Cymru for current times.
Things to do
Chirk Castle
Now cared for by the National Trust, Chirk Castle was built in the late 13th century as one of the Marcher fortresses along the Welsh border and became home to the Myddelton family in the 1590s. Look out for the ornate wrought-iron gates made by the Davies brothers of Bersham early in the 18th century. Around the castle are about 5.5 acres of award-winning gardens and some 480 acres of parkland, including part of Offa's Dyke. Parking is free. Adult tickets cost around £19 to £21 in 2026, so check the National Trust website for current prices and opening times before you go.
Chirk Aqueduct and viaduct
William Jessop and Thomas Telford's Chirk Aqueduct opened in 1801, carrying the Llangollen Canal about 20 metres above the River Ceiriog on ten arches, with the England and Wales border running beneath it. Henry Robertson's railway viaduct runs alongside, and seeing the two together is a highlight. The aqueduct forms part of the Pontcysyllte World Heritage Site.
Chirk Tunnel
At the north end of the aqueduct the canal plunges into Chirk Tunnel, 421 metres long and opened in 1802. It has a towpath all the way through, so bring a torch and walk it if you are not put off by the dark.
St Mary's Church
The Grade I listed parish church has Norman origins and was dedicated to St Tysilio until around the late 15th or early 16th century. Check before you go if you want to look inside.
Food and drink
At the castle, the Courtyard Tearoom serves hot dishes, cakes and cream teas, and the Home Farm kiosk offers snacks in season. In town, the Hand Hotel on Church Street, an old coaching inn, serves lunch and evening meals and has rooms. Check times before you go, and browse our eat and drink guide for more.
Make a day of it
Follow the canal north to Cefn Mawr and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, or stop in Ruabon on the way back. Llangollen is close by; see llangollen.com. Find more attractions, events and places to stay.
Chirk: questions answered
Can I get to Chirk Castle by train?
Yes. Chirk station is on the Shrewsbury to Chester line. The National Trust says it is about a quarter of a mile from the station to the estate gates, then roughly a mile and a half in total to the castle, so allow time for the walk up through the parkland.
Are dogs allowed at Chirk Castle?
Dogs are welcome on the wider estate and, on a short lead, in the formal gardens and Pleasure Ground Wood. They are not allowed in the kitchen garden or play area, and only assistance dogs can go inside the castle rooms. Check the National Trust website for any seasonal changes before you go.
Can you walk through Chirk Tunnel?
Yes. The 421-metre tunnel, opened in 1802, has a towpath all the way through, so you can walk from the aqueduct end to the far side. It is dark and can be wet underfoot, so bring a torch, wear sensible shoes and give way to boats and other walkers.