{"id":332579,"date":"2025-08-10T07:35:13","date_gmt":"2025-08-10T07:35:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/332579\/"},"modified":"2025-08-10T07:35:13","modified_gmt":"2025-08-10T07:35:13","slug":"visit-wales-names-wrexham-afcs-stadium-as-top-must-see-in-2025-heres-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/332579\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit Wales Names Wrexham AFC\u2019s Stadium as Top Must-See in 2025 \u2013 Here\u2019s What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Home<\/a> \u00bb SPORTS TOURISM<\/a> \u00bb Visit Wales Names Wrexham AFC\u2019s Stadium as Top Must-See in 2025 \u2013 Here\u2019s What You Need to Know <\/p>\n

Published on
\nAugust 10, 2025 |<\/p>\n

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Wrexham<\/a>, once a quiet town in North Wales, is now making waves globally, thanks to its football club, Wrexham AFC. Visit Wales has named the club\u2019s historic stadium, ST\u014dK Cae Ras, as the top place for tourists to visit in 2025. This is a significant shift in focus for Welsh tourism, which previously highlighted landmarks such as the World Heritage castles in Conwy, Caernarfon, and Harlech. Wrexham\u2019s rise to prominence was sparked by a fairy tale journey, from non-league football to the Championship, and it\u2019s drawing visitors from around the world.<\/p>\n

The transformation of Wrexham AFC was catapulted by the 2021 Hollywood takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Their involvement, coupled with the success of the Disney+ documentary series Welcome to Wrexham, has brought the town\u2014and its historic football club\u2014into the international spotlight. As the world\u2019s oldest international football venue, ST\u014dK Cae Ras now holds a special place in football history, and with it, a growing number of tourists.<\/p>\n

Wrexham\u2019s Impact on Tourism and Business<\/strong><\/p>\n

The rise in tourism to Wrexham, thanks to the football club\u2019s newfound fame, is undeniable. According to reports, the city has experienced a 20% year-on-year increase in visitors. These tourists come from all over the world\u2014Asia, North and South America, Australia, and Europe\u2014all eager to experience the history of Wrexham AFC, its culture, and the vibrant football atmosphere. This influx of visitors is having a positive impact on the local economy, boosting hospitality, retail, and tourism-related businesses.<\/p>\n

The growth in visitors is not just due to football fans. Wrexham has seen a rise in business travel as well. Corporate events, conferences, and collaborations linked to the club\u2019s success have further contributed to the region\u2019s appeal. This shift in tourism trends is being explored by the UK Parliament\u2019s Welsh Affairs Committee, which is investigating how the \u201cRyan and Rob effect\u201d can be replicated in other parts of Wales.<\/p>\n

ST\u014dK Cae Ras \u2013 A Unique Blend of Football and History<\/strong><\/p>\n

ST\u014dK Cae Ras, home to Wrexham AFC, is not just a football stadium but a piece of living history. As the world\u2019s third-oldest football club, Wrexham AFC has a rich and storied past, and the stadium is a symbol of that legacy. With the return of second-tier football to the stadium after 43 years, the atmosphere at the games is electric, especially during night matches. The floodlights, the roar of the crowd, and the passion on display create a magical environment for both football fans and tourists alike.<\/p>\n

While the stadium\u2019s facilities may be showing signs of age, the charm of the site is undeniable. Fans visiting from overseas often share their love for the authenticity of the venue, though some suggest adding historical exhibits, such as storyboards or statues of famous players, to better highlight the club\u2019s rich history. The club is addressing these concerns and has submitted plans for a new Kop Stand, which will increase the stadium\u2019s capacity to 18,000. The new design also incorporates elements of the club\u2019s heritage, such as the dragons from its crest, which will be prominently featured on the brick fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n

Other Top Welsh Destinations for 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

While Wrexham\u2019s football heritage is a major draw, Visit Wales\u2019 updated \u201c25 in 25\u201d campaign features several other breathtaking destinations that tourists can explore in 2025. The diversity of attractions across the country means there is something for every type of traveler. From stunning coastal views to cultural festivals, Wales offers a wide array of experiences for all. Some of the highlights include:<\/p>\n