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.