The Hand Hotel

A historic coaching inn in the heart of Chirk, near Wrexham, with a restaurant, bar and beer garden

The Hand Hotel is one of the oldest inns in Wales, a characterful coaching house said to date from 1610, standing on Church Street in the middle of Chirk on the southern edge of Wrexham county. Generations of travellers have paused here on the old road between England and Wales, and today it makes a friendly, good-value base for anyone exploring the borderlands — close to a castle, an aqueduct, a canal and some of the loveliest walking country in the north-east of Wales. Period features and open fires downstairs give it real character, while the bedrooms have been brought comfortably up to date.

With its own restaurant, bar and beer garden, and a warm, unfussy welcome, it suits couples on a short break, families, walkers and business travellers alike — and selected rooms welcome dogs, so the four-legged members of the family need not miss out.

The rooms

The Hand offers a range of en-suite rooms and suites to suit different parties, from Classic Doubles ideal for couples or solo travellers, through Deluxe Kings and Triples, to Family Rooms and a self-contained Studio Suite. Rooms are individually styled and thoughtfully appointed, with complimentary tea and coffee, a Smart TV, a work desk and a toiletry set as standard, and en-suite bathrooms with a bath or shower. Many look out over Chirk’s historic street scene or across to the greenery beyond the village.

Downstairs, guests can settle into the lounge with its leather chesterfield sofas beside a brick fireplace, or enjoy a drink in the traditional bar before dinner.

At a glance

• Historic coaching inn dating from 1610, in the centre of Chirk near Wrexham
• A range of en-suite rooms — Classic Doubles, Deluxe Kings, Triples, Family Rooms and a Studio Suite
• Rooms with a Smart TV, tea and coffee, work desk and toiletries
• The Coachhouse Restaurant & Grill, plus a bar and café
• Guest lounge with chesterfield sofas and a brick fireplace
• Beer garden with picnic tables for warmer days
• Free WiFi and free parking
• Dogs welcome in selected rooms

Eating, drinking and days out from Chirk

You can eat well without leaving the building: the Coachhouse Restaurant & Grill serves hearty, freshly cooked food, with the bar and café rounding out the day from morning coffee to an evening pint. When you do head out, Chirk packs a lot into a small area. Towering above the village is Chirk Castle, a magnificent 700-year-old Marcher fortress in the care of the National Trust, with award-winning gardens and long views into both Wales and Shropshire.

A short walk away, the Llangollen Canal is carried high across the valley on the great stone arches of Chirk Aqueduct, running alongside the railway viaduct — and a little further on lies the even more spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The quiet Ceiriog Valley leads west into the hills for walkers and cyclists, while Llangollen, with its steam railway and horse-drawn canal boats, and the market town of Oswestry are both close by. Wrexham itself, with its shops, market and much-talked-about football club, is around eight miles to the north. There are more ideas on our Wrexham accommodation pages.

Good to know

The Hand sits right in the village, so shops, the church and the railway station are all within a short stroll, and free on-site parking makes it easy to come and go. Because the building is historic, rooms vary in size and layout, which is part of its charm. Dogs are welcome in selected rooms — it is worth mentioning your pet when you book so the right room can be arranged.

Frequently asked questions

Is The Hand Hotel dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome in selected rooms. Please mention your dog when booking so a suitable room can be allocated.

Is there a restaurant?
Yes — the Coachhouse Restaurant & Grill serves freshly cooked food, and there is also a bar and café on site.

Is there parking?
Yes, the hotel offers free parking for guests.

Where exactly is the hotel?
It is on Church Street in the centre of Chirk, near Wrexham, within walking distance of Chirk Castle and the aqueduct.

What types of room are available?
There is a choice of Classic Doubles, Deluxe Kings, Triples, Family Rooms and a Studio Suite, all en-suite.