If you’re like me, I love to explore historic houses, stately homes and gardens when on staycation. If you are wondering what to do in Wrexham in North Wales, a visit to Erddig should be top of your list. The much-loved home and gardens are filled with stories of a family and their servants.
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What a wonderful place to wander. I was expecting a short stop on our travels, but ideally, you would need at least two hours to enjoy what the Erddig estate has to offer. When I got there, I expected the usual cafe, book store and shop, but was surprised that beyond the courtyard was an extensive garden and huge mansion house with three floors to discover.
It’s hard to believe that 40 years ago, Erddig in Wrexham was on the brink of ruin. The house was handed over to the National Trust in 1973 as spiralling costs were too much for the owner Philip Yorke III.
Exploring Erddig Gardens
As someone who hates tending to their very low-maintenance garden, it won’t shock you to know that I don’t know the name of plants or trees. However, I appreciate well-manicured lawns, rows of trees and colourful blooms.
It is clear that a lot of work has gone into restoring the Grade I listed gardens, which were heavily researched, using plans from 1680. As a result, the ravages of time were stripped back, and the impressive walled garden is now a special place.
I only strolled through but was pleased to see families picnicking on the lawns, skimming stones in the pond and children playing games amongst the trees. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed into this area, as Ivan would have loved it. But I’m guessing irresponsible dog owners are the reason why.
Country Park
Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to explore the 1,200-acre parkland at Erddig National Trust, but I hope to later in the year when we travel to Manchester. It is the ideal halfway stop-off point to stretch our legs. Since 1779 the estate has welcome visitors to explore the walks. At the time, Philip Yorke I put a notice at the entrance which read,
“Mr Yorke having at great Expense, and at the labour of many Years, finished the Ground and Wood Walks about Erthig, desires to acquaint his Neighbours, that they are extremely welcome to walk in the same for their Health and Amusement.”
Families will love the short circular walk where you discover a secret meadow, formally the bailey where Erddig castle would have been. It was built by Hugh de Avranches, the earl of Chester, in the 12th Century. Or stop by the Wolf’s Den, the Erddig play area. There are balance beams and rope swings.
Upstairs Downstairs
If anyone has seen Downtown Abbey, they will be able to experience the era inside Erddig Manor House. The celebrated collection has paintings and photographs of the people who worked below stairs, including the housekeeper, kitchen porter, gardener and gamekeeper. Extensive records and detailed 18th Century census returns were kept, giving a complete picture of the Erddig Hall servants.
Upstairs, the Yorke family owned the house since 1733 through inheritance. Erddig was owned by the Yorke’s for 240 years, with each successive owner being called Simon or Philip. Influential marriages brought top dowries, which helped finance changes to Erddig, including renovations and furnishings.
The tour of the house takes you across all three floors. The Yorke family hardly ever threw anything out, and there are over 30,000 objects that tell the story of the family and servants. This is the second largest collection in the National Trust. Several times I got dizzy trying to take everything in as I zig-zagged from room to room. The Chinese silk curtains were impressive, and the library had thousands of books begging to be read.
Is Erddig Dog Friendly?
Regular readers of my blog will know that I need our places to visit to be dog friendly. Ivan is our adventure dog, and he travels everywhere with us. Erddig offers plenty of opportunities for bounding, jumping, sniffing and splashing.
I knew it was a great place to visit when we were offered dog biscuits and a big bowl of water waiting for us on arrival. The walks in the country park are ideal for Erddig dogs. However, there are limited areas elsewhere. Dogs can’t go in the gardens or Erddig House. So, you will need to go with another human or members of the family. You’ll have to swap over looking after the dog if you want to see it all. This shouldn’t be a problem if you are making a day of it.
Erddig Events
So many exciting events happen throughout the year at Erddig National Trust. During the summer, families will enjoy storytelling and an outdoor cinema. There are also beginners’ photography courses. Erddig at Christmas is also exciting, from winter strolls to celebrating old traditions. Father Christmas even stops by at the weekend.
Every Saturday at 9am, the Errdig Parkrun takes place. You can walk, jog or run the weekly 5k. On average, 220 people take part each week. Each week you can try to edit your personal best.
Erddig Disabled Access
There is a short and easy walk from the car park compared with other National Trust properties. The whole garden area is relatively flat; there is step-free access to almost all of it, though loose gravel with larger stones scattered through it makes some other paths not so manageable for some. A reasonable number of seats can be found throughout the gardens and cobbled courtyard, where you’ll find the tearoom. Ground floor access to the house and servants’ quarters and a virtual tour of the upper floors are available.
How to get there
Please enter the Erddig National Trust Postcode: LL13 0YT, or follow the brown signs, or you will be taken to a housing estate.
What Three Words:
///executive.deployed.aced
Erddig Opening Times
The house is open for a few hours daily, generally between 11:30 and 15:30, but I recommend you check the website before you go. The garden is open from 10:00 until 16:00, and the car park an hour before and after.
What are the Erddig Prices?
You can expect to pay £9.90 per adult, £5 per child and £24.80 for a family for the gardens only. Or £15.40 per adult, £7.70 per child and £38.50 per family for the whole property.
Is Erddig free for National Trust Members?
Yes, entry is free for National Trust Members.
Not sure if membership is right for you? I’ve done the leg work for you in National Trust Vs English Heritage.
With your National Trust Membership, you can visit over 500 houses, gardens, parks and castles in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. You can also use your card in 14 other countries with the International National Trusts Organisation, including Italy, Canada, Netherlands, New Zealand, Jersey, Guernsey and Australia. Membership includes:
- Unlimited free entry to all of the properties.
- Essential companion card where you can bring up to two carers if you have a disability. These can be different people; the card is in your name.
- Free parking at the majority of car parks. Some National Trust car parks are in other natural areas like beaches and countryside walks. You can save money just by using their car parks.
- Annually you’ll be sent a handbook full of information about the properties. However, the website is easy to navigate, finding places to visit by area or postcode.
- Regular members magazine, sent three times a year.
- Regular e-newsletters.
- Join by direct debit and get a £10 gift card to spend in the National Trust shops or café.
2025 Membership Prices
- Adult Membership (age 26 plus) = £96 a year (£8 per month)
- Joint Membership (2 adults) = £160.80 a year (£13.40 per month)
- Young Person Membership (age 18-25) = £48 a year (£4 per month)
- Junior Membership (age 6-17, under 5’s are free) = £12 a year
- Family Membership (f2 adults) = £168.60 a year (£14.05 per month)
- Family Membership (1 adult) = £103.80 a year (£8.65 per month)
- Senior Membership (1 adult) = £72 a year (£6 per month)
- Joint Senior Membership (2 adults) = £102.60 a year (£10.05 per month)
Use Top Cash Back when purchasing your membership
I’ve been a member of TopCashBack UK for several years and, to date, have earned over £1000 from it. Trust me, it’s a no-brainer, and you can make extra money by shopping online. Currently, you can get 3% back on your National Trust membership.
What National Trust properties can you see nearby?
Chirk Castle is only a 20-minute drive from Erddig. Others nearby include Powis Castle, or across the border in Liverpool; Speke Hall, Attingham Park Estate, The Beatles’ Childhood Homes and The Hardmans’ House.
What are other visitors saying?
If you want to read Erddig reviews, head to Erddig TripAdvisor. Or see what’s on via their social media: Erddig Facebook, Erddig Twitter, Erddig Instagram.
Where to stay in Wrexham
There are camping and glamping sites, caravan parks, guest houses, inns, homestays and bed and breakfasts throughout Wrexham. There are three National Trust Holiday cottages in North Wales on the grounds of Chirk Castle. A short drive from Errddig. Sleeping 4-5 guests, they have everything you could possibly need, including gardens to relax in during warmer evenings.
National Trust Holiday Promo Code
Get 15% off selected cottages for bookings made and taken by 31 May 2024. Use discount code NTAF.
Or, get 35% off when booking 10 nights or more in Cornwall, Devon, Wales and Northern Ireland. Bookings are for stays between 1 October and 30 November 2024 and 1 January to 28 February 2025. Use discount code 10NAF.
Sykes Cottages
Sykes Cottages has over 17,500 holiday cottages to rent across the UK, including in Wrexham and the surrounding areas. There are pet-friendly cottages, large holiday homes and even houses with hot tubs. They’ve been operating for over 30 years, so you know you’re booking is in good hands.
Llyndir Hall Hotel
The Best Western Llyndir Hall Hotel is in the prestigious Signature Collection. The hotel is surrounded by stunning countryside. With gardens, a swimming pool, gym and beauty salon. There’s high-speed free WiFi and free parking. Pets are welcome too.
The surrounding areas
Don’t be afraid of staying out of Wrexham. The Radisson Blu in Liverpool is less than an hour away. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Get 50% off food in Wrexham
After visiting Erddig National Trust, refuel up with Tastecard. You get 50% off the food bill or two meals for the price of one. There are over six thousand participating restaurants across the UK. Get a 60-day free trial here:
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