Best days out near Wrexham: Attractions and lunch at The Boat Erbistock

Whether you’re planning a relaxed weekend escape or looking ahead to filling the school holidays with memorable days out, North Wales and the surrounding area offer plenty of inspiration. Many of these activities can be perfectly paired with a visit to The Boat at Erbistock, a welcoming riverside pub known for its great food, refreshing drinks, and idyllic setting.

Make the most of a day exploring the outdoors

The Pontcysyllte Aqueduct is a world-famous local attraction, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an unforgettable place to visit. Stretching high above the River Dee, it offers breathtaking views whether you choose to walk across, cycle along the towpath, or take a canal boat trip. It even featured in the recent Peaky Blinders film! A trip to the aqueduct is a brilliant way to soak up the scenery of North Wales. After enjoying the views, The Boat at Erbistock is just a short drive away, making it the ideal spot to relax after a busy day: https://www.pontcysyllte-aqueduct.co.uk/

Discover history and get back to nature

If you’re looking for something a little more tranquil, Erddig, a stunning National Trust property near Wrexham, is well worth a visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/erddig

You can explore the beautifully preserved 18th-century house, stroll through peaceful gardens, and wander through the surrounding estate.

Chirk Castle, another beautiful National Trust property, is also in easy reach of The Boat. Discover fascinating history in the 13th-century castle, wander through its award-winning gardens and acres of parkland and play areas: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/chirk-castle

Erddig and Chirk offer the perfect day out for those who enjoy history and nature. After a few hours exploring, heading to The Boat offers the perfect contrast, a great chance to unwind by the river with delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere.

A day at the races in Bangor-on-Dee

For something a little different, Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse provides an exciting day out. Whether you’re a seasoned racegoer or just looking for a fun experience, the races offer great entertainment.

Completing the day with a visit to The Boat at Erbistock is an ideal way to wind down in its peaceful riverside setting and enjoy a delicious meal or just a drink: https://www.bangorondeeraces.co.uk/

 Why choose The Boat at Erbistock?

The Boat at Erbistock suits any occasion. From an informal lunch to a hearty evening meal, or just a refreshing drink after exploring, you’ll find delicious food with something for everyone, a wide selection of beers and wines, and a wonderful atmosphere, all set in a  beautiful riverside location.

Plan your visit

By combining some of the area’s best attractions with a visit to The Boat at Erbistock, you can turn a simple outing into a memorable day. Whether it’s walking across the aqueduct, exploring historic grounds, or enjoying a day at the races, there’s something for everyone nearby.

A proper country pub, not just a great place to eat

We hope that everyone who is local to our country pub is aware of our reputation as one of the most picturesque venues for any occasion. When you think of what it takes to make a perfect sunny afternoon, one of the most relaxing ways to spend time with friends or family is a visit to a country pub – for a drink or a bite to eat. That’s why so many people choose The Boat as a venue for commemorations and the moments in their lives they want to celebrate.

A proper watering hole

But we don’t stand on ceremony, and although we host a few modest events and pride ourselves on the best in food and drink, we are still true to our roots. Dating back to at least the mid-17th century – and probably much earlier – our beautiful riverside inn has been welcoming locals and refuelling weary travellers for centuries, and the same is true today.

Whether it’s a pint after a hard day at work, or a glass of wine whilst walking the dog, everyone needs to unwind. And The Boat is the perfect place to do this. We welcome everyone from sore-footed hikers to people who have spent the day enjoying water sports on the Dee or countryside pursuits in the fields. There’s nothing quite like popping in for a drink after a day out in the fresh air and if you love walking, there’s a network of great footpaths in the vicinity, on both sides of the river.

Part of the community

When it comes to hosting your special occasion, while we don’t tend to ‘do functions’, we are always happy to host small gatherings of 14/16 in our private dining room. We can also cater for wakes and post-christening events with a buffet in our River room or outside on the covered back terrace.

But where we really shine, is with our warm welcome and beautiful setting – be it outside, taking in the river views and open-air alfresco dining when the sun shines or our cosy beamed interior, with fireplaces and warmth for those winter nights in.

With an extensive, locally-sourced menu and beverages to quench any thirst, The Boat is the perfect spot for any celebration – even if it’s simply the end of a long walk! So, on foot or on wheels, why not come along and sit beside the river in the sunshine – where you can relax and drink in the history of this beautiful building and its surroundings. Take a look at our website to find out more.

The perfect Sunday: riverside walks and Sunday lunch at The Boat at Erbistock

If you’re looking for the perfect way to slow down and enjoy your weekend, a riverside walk along the River Dee followed by Sunday lunch at The Boat at Erbistock could be just what you need. Whether you’re heading out with family, catching up with friends, or simply enjoying some quiet time, this combination offers something for everyone.

Waterside walks around Erbistock for all abilities

The area around Erbistock is full of scenic walking routes, from gentle lakeside strolls to more adventurous countryside hikes. The riverbank paths along the River Dee by The Boat at Erbistock offer gentle, picturesque strolling routes where you can enjoy the sounds of the water and spot local wildlife.

For those looking for a leisurely pace, Colemere Lake , just 20 minutes away, is a great option. This peaceful circular walk takes less than an hour and is ideal for young children or anyone wanting a relaxed Sunday stroll. Surrounded by woodland and wildlife, it’s a calm and scenic spot where you can take your time before heading to The Boat for lunch.

If you’re looking for something slightly longer, the Tinkers Brook walk, from the pub car park, takes around an hour and provides beautiful walking routes. You’ll find peaceful surroundings and plenty of opportunities to pause and enjoy the scenery along the way. For those ready to stretch their legs further, the two-hour walking route around Pen-y-Lan offers more challenging terrain.

No matter which route you choose, they all have one thing in common: they position you perfectly for a warm welcome at The Boat after your walk.

A Sunday lunch worth the walk

There is nothing better than sitting down to a proper Sunday lunch. The Boat at Erbistock delivers it in style. If you are craving a traditional roast, there are plenty of options to enjoy, from a half roast chicken, a roast topside of beef to perfectly cooked roast belly pork. Or why not try something a little different, such as chargrilled guinea fowl?

Lighter bites

If you have a smaller appetite, there is still plenty of choice. How about a hog roast bap or the now famous Boatman’s lunch, which includes rabbit pork pie, wild boar sausage roll, marmalade glazed ham hock terrine, and Black Bomber cheddar along with a selection of pickles and chutneys.

Save a space for dessert

If you have a sweet tooth, you could choose a classic dish like Bakewell tart or sticky toffee pudding, or indulge yourself with a velvet chocolate torte, served with cherries, cherry brandy gel, and cherry cream.

A walk along the River Dee gives you the chance to unwind and enjoy the outdoors, and a visit to The Boat at Erbistock brings you honest but interesting fresh food and a welcoming atmosphere, all in a beautiful riverside setting. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a catch-up with friends, or a quiet Sunday escape, this is a perfect day out.

Mixing it up this Summer: The cocktails trending across the UK right now – and The Boat's take on them

From spritz culture to sour revivals, we look at the cocktails trending across the UK right now – and how The Boat's own list stacks up beautifully. Summer is almost upon us, and if the ripples across the UK's bar scene are anything to go by, 2026 is shaping up to be a very fine year to be a cocktail drinker. From the continued reign of the Aperol Spritz to the triumphant comeback of the Cosmopolitan, the trends this season are a glorious mix of the familiar, the nostalgic, and the freshly invigorating.

Here at The Boat at Erbistock, we'd been a little bit behind the curve, thinking cocktails were more for city bars, not riverside inns. However, last October, we took the plunge, researching, testing, training and developing a modest but decent cocktail list. We have been really pleased with the uptake. The philosophy that has emerged is that: “The classics don't need reinventing – they just need doing properly”.

Trending now

Aperol Spritz and Hugo Spritz: Aperol · Prosecco · Soda  |  St Germain Elderflower · Prosecco · Soda

Spritz culture shows no sign of retreating and with both the Aperol Spritz and the Hugo Spritz sitting in the top five of all our cocktails sold, ever, it's the defining drink of the summer aperitif hour. The Aperol is the classic: bittersweet, orange-hued, and reliably wonderful. But its floral Italian cousin, the Hugo Spritz, is rising fast. If you love sparkling elderflower, this will make your afternoon.

Tequila season

 Margarita: El Jimador Reposado Tequila · Cointreau · Agave Syrup · Lime Juice

Tequila has shed its ‘night out’ reputation and bartenders everywhere are calling the Margarita the category leader of 2026. Ours uses El Jimador Reposado – properly barrel-rested – giving it a beautiful depth alongside that classic sweet, sour, and salty balance. Push back the metaphorical sombrero and savour.

Still reigning

 Espresso Martini: Smirnoff Vodka · Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur · Double Espresso

After the most epic comeback in cocktail history, the Espresso Martini simply refuses to leave. Ours is dark, smooth and indulgent – a cold coffee with serious intent and a tight foamy top. The perfect full stop to a long lunch, or the ideal opening statement of an evening.

‘90s revival

 Cosmopolitan: Smirnoff Vodka · Cointreau · Cranberry Juice · Lime Juice

Everything ‘90s is new again, and the vibrant pink Cosmo is leading the charge. Ours is tangy, sweet, tart, and dangerously moreish.

Bitter Is Better

 Negroni: Spirit of Erbistock Gin · Campari · Cocchi Vermouth di Torino

Bitter, complex flavour profiles are a major 2026 trend – and nothing delivers that better than a Negroni. Ours is made with our very own Spirit of Erbistock Gin, giving this Italian classic a genuinely local heart. Bitter, herbal, and sweet in perfect balance.

 Mindful drinking

One of the most significant shifts in UK drinking culture right now is the surge in demand for quality non-alcoholic options. Industry research suggests that one in three pub visits now involves at least one non-alcoholic choice – and today's non-drinkers and designated drivers rightly expect something far more considered than a lemonade and a sympathetic smile.

The no-and-low category has never been better, and at The Boat by far the most popular options are our Seedlip 0% ABV gins in the following order of popularity:

1st place – Spice (aromatic)

2nd place – Garden (herbal)

3rd place – Grove (citrus).

After the gins, the Virgin Mary is popular. It follows the same steps as our Bloody Mary recipe sans the alcohol. And, we also do the odd Grenadine Sunrise. Of course, there is also a range of low and no alcohol beers: Guinness 0.0%, San Miguel 0.0%, Warsteiner – Alcohol Free.

Glass half full

The beauty of a great cocktail list isn't just what's in the glass – it’s where you're drinking it. Whether you're here for an Aperol on the terrace, an Espresso Martini after Sunday lunch, or simply a cold elderflower tonic and the sound of the Dee, we'd love to see you. The cocktail menu is waiting. So is the river.

Find out more at www.theboataterbistock.co.uk