Alyn Waters Country Park - Wrexham
If you’re looking for an easy, family-friendly day out in North Wales, Alyn Waters Country Park in Wrexham is a brilliant choice.
With peaceful woodland walks, a fun playground, a welcoming café, and plenty of open space for little ones to run wild, it’s the perfect spot for a family-friendly adventure.
Whether you’re based locally or exploring North Wales on holiday, Alyn Waters offers a great mix of nature, play, and relaxation – all in one place.
Where Is Alyn Waters Country Park?
Alyn Waters Country Park is located between the villages of Llay and Gwersyllt, Wrexham, and is managed by Wrexham County Borough Council.
The park is actually split into two, either side of the River Alyn.
The Gwersyllt entrance features a convenient car park, a welcoming visitor centre with a café, gift shop, and toilet facilities (including baby changing). Inside, you’ll also find a permanent exhibition showcasing the park’s rich history and local wildlife, along with well-equipped meeting and conference rooms.
Over on the Llay side, there’s a spacious car park, a fantastic children’s play area, and access to a peaceful local nature reserve — perfect for a family stroll.
Gwersyllt Entrance
Postcode: LL11 4AG
Directions: To get to the visitor centre, follow the A541 Wrexham to Mold road just beyond Gwersyllt and watch for the brown and white tourist signs.
Opening times: 8:30am - 4:30pm, 7 days a week
Parking: £1 per car. Pay-and-display machines are conveniently located throughout the car park, accepting both cash and card payments.
Llay Entrance
Postcode: LL12 0PU
Directions: Take the B5425 from Wrexham towards Llay and keep an eye out for the same brown and white signs before you reach the village.
Opening times: 8:30am - 4:30pm, 7 days a week
Parking: £1 per car. Pay-and-display machines. Cash only.
Alyn Waters Country Park Walks
There are several gentle walks at Alyn Waters Country Park, making it a great option for families with toddlers, pushchairs or grandparents in tow. Most paths are flat and well-surfaced, so you can easily explore with little legs or a buggy.
Pick up an Alyn Waters Country Park map from the visitor centre or download one online before you go – it’ll help you choose the right route for your family.
Gwersyllt Side Walks
Follow the coloured footprint routes starting near the visitor centre:
Yellow Trail (¾ mile): A short, gentle walk through woodland and wildflower meadows to the river, with benches for rest stops along the way.
Green Trail (1 mile): Extends the yellow route through open grassland and Skylark Meadow, where you might spot these rare birds and the park’s striking steel “Metamorphosis” sculptures.
Orange Trail (1½ miles): A peaceful riverside route lined with oak and horse chestnut trees. Keep an eye out for kingfishers, dippers, and dragonflies as you wander back via the woodland path.
Llay Side Trails
The Llay entrance offers equally scenic walks starting from the main car park:
Blue Trail (¾ mile): A short loop around willow and birch woodland, passing the impressive cloud sculpture before circling back.
Red Trail (2 miles): A longer woodland route ideal for wildlife spotting — look out for woodpeckers and marble egg sculptures hidden among the trees.
Purple Trail (2 miles): A circular walk through the nature reserve and past the golf course, featuring mining-themed sculptures along the way.
All trails are well signposted, family-friendly, and great for a relaxed day outdoors.
Alyn Waters Circular Walk Map
Here’s a map of my favourite loop at Alyn Waters Country Park. It’s an easy, toddler-friendly (and pushchair-friendly!) walk that takes you through peaceful woodland, along the river where little ones can stop to splash and explore, and finishes perfectly at the playground - a great reward after your family adventure.
Alyn Waters Country Park Playground and Café
The Alyn Waters playground is a big hit with kids of all ages. It’s well-equipped with climbing frames, slides, swings, and plenty of space to play.
After a good walk or a play in the park, Caffi Cyfle is the perfect place to stop and refuel. It’s a lovely, welcoming spot that serves fresh, seasonal food - think hearty soups, homemade cakes, and a great cup of coffee. What I really love about it is the meaning behind the name: Caffi Cyfle means “Café of Opportunity,” and it’s all about giving people from the local community the chance to gain experience through work and volunteering.
Whether you’re grabbing a post-walk coffee or sitting down for lunch with the family, Caffi Cyfle has that friendly, community feel that makes Alyn Waters such a special place to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alyn Waters Good for Kids?
Absolutely! Alyn Waters is one of the most family-friendly parks in Wrexham. The walks are easy, the facilities are great, and there’s so much open space for kids to enjoy. The park is also dog-friendly, so it’s a lovely place for families who want to bring their four-legged friends along.
If you’re after a relaxed day outdoors without too much travel or uphill walking, Alyn Waters is a great choice.
Are There Picnic Areas at Alyn Waters?
Yes – there are plenty of picnic areas scattered around the park, including near the main car park and along the woodland trails. On warm days, you’ll see families relaxing on the grass with picnics and ice creams. There are also benches and tables for those who prefer not to sit on the ground.
Is there Much Wildlife at Alyn Waters?
Alyn Waters is home to a surprising amount of wildlife. Keep an eye out for grey herons along the River Alyn, woodpeckers in the trees, and plenty of butterflies and dragonflies in summer. If you visit early in the morning, you might even spot rabbits and squirrels darting across the paths.
It’s a fantastic spot to encourage kids to get interested in nature and wildlife spotting.
Where to Stay Nearby
After exploring the trails at Alyn Waters Country Park, why not make a weekend of it? Wrexham and the surrounding area offer plenty of great places to stay - from family-friendly cottages to cosy countryside retreats.
*Contains affiliate links – I may earn a small commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
The Lodge at Cross Cottage
The Lodge at Cross Cottage in Wrexham is a cosy one-bedroom retreat, complete with modern amenities, a spacious garden, and free on-site parking. Perfectly located near Chester and Delamere Forest, it’s an ideal base for couples looking to relax or explore North Wales and beyond.
Grosvenor Pulford Hotel & Spa
Just a short drive from Chester’s historic centre, the Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa offers elegant rooms, beautiful grounds, and relaxing facilities including a spa, pool, and gym. With its peaceful setting near the Welsh border, it’s a popular choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway or weekend retreat.
Whether you’re local to Wrexham or exploring North Wales with your family, Alyn Waters Country Park is a wonderful spot for an easy walk, a play in the park, or a relaxed picnic surrounded by nature. It’s the kind of place you’ll find yourself returning to time and again – especially if you’ve got kids who love being outdoors.
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