Overton-on-Dee
A handsome border village whose ring of ancient churchyard yews earned it a place among the Seven Wonders of Wales.
Overton-on-Dee sits high above a loop of the River Dee in the rural Maelor, close to the English border. Edward I granted it a market and fair in 1279 and made it a borough by royal charter in 1292, and the wide high street still has the feel of a small market town. Most visitors come for one thing, the yews of St Mary's churchyard, and stay for the walks and the river.
Getting there
Overton is roughly 8 miles south-east of Wrexham city centre by road, about 20 minutes' drive via Marchwiel. There is no station in the village; the nearest is Wrexham General. Pat's Coaches service 146 between Wrexham and Whitchurch calls in Overton several times a day, Monday to Saturday, but check Traveline Cymru for current times.
Things to do
The Overton yew trees
"Overton yew trees" appear in the old rhyme listing the Seven Wonders of Wales, alongside Wrexham steeple and Gresford bells. Twenty-one yews ring the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, a red sandstone church whose earliest stonework is probably Norman. The oldest trees are thought to be older than the church itself, and the churchyard is on Cadw's register of historic parks and gardens.
St Mary's Church
The church dominates the high street and has been altered and extended since the late 12th century, with a major restoration in the late 19th century. Treat it as a working parish church and check before you go if you want to see inside.
Overton and the River Dee walk
Wrexham Council publishes a waymarked circular walk of about 5 miles starting from the car park next to the church. It crosses rolling meadows, drops through Llan-y-Cefn Woods to the Dee and passes a 17th-century timber-framed barn. Expect stiles and gates; it is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs. The longer Maelor Way also passes through the village.
Overton Bridge
West of the village, the A528 crosses the Dee at Overton Bridge, a Grade II listed two-arched stone bridge built in 1814. It is a lovely spot to see the river in full flow.
Food and drink
The Cross Foxes at Overton Bridge dates from 1748 and has a terrace and dining room looking over the Dee. A little further on, signed from the A528 just over a mile west of Overton, the Boat at Erbistock is a 17th-century riverside inn named after an old chain ferry. Both serve lunch and evening meals; check opening times before you go. More ideas are in our eat and drink guide.
Make a day of it
Combine Overton with Holt and its medieval Dee bridge, or head west to Chirk for a castle visit. See more attractions around Wrexham, check our events listings, and browse places to stay. For the wider region, try northwales.com.
Overton-on-Dee: questions answered
Why are the Overton yew trees one of the Seven Wonders of Wales?
They feature in a traditional rhyme naming seven wonders of north Wales: Pistyll Rhaeadr, Wrexham steeple, Snowdon, Overton yew trees, St Winefride's Well, Llangollen bridge and Gresford bells. Twenty-one yews ring St Mary's churchyard, and the oldest is thought to predate the Norman church beside it.
Can you get to Overton-on-Dee by bus from Wrexham?
Yes. Pat's Coaches service 146 runs between Wrexham and Whitchurch via Marchwiel, Penley and Overton, Monday to Saturday, with several journeys a day rather than a regular interval. Timetables change, so check Traveline Cymru before you travel. There is no railway station in Overton itself.
Is there a good walk from Overton village?
Wrexham Council's Overton and the River Dee walk is about 5 miles, starting and finishing at the car park next to the church. It follows meadows and lanes, drops through Llan-y-Cefn Woods to the river and is waymarked with yellow arrows. Expect stiles, so it is not suitable for buggies or wheelchairs.