I climbed St Giles Church in Wrexham and this is how it went

The tours are taking place on the first Saturday of each month until September with two slots available at 11am or 12pm. 

So I climbed what is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales and here's how I got on. 

St Giles Church (Image: Newsquest)

I booked myself on the 12pm slot and was interested to see what the tour would include.  

The weather was dry enough (thankfully) and after arriving at the church at around 11.45am, I was welcomed by volunteers who told me what to expect and what we'd be getting up to. 

The tour began just after 12pm and we started climbing the narrow staircase up to the Ringing Room. 

Upon arrival we were given an insight into bellringing and the history of the bells at St Giles, which boasts the only peal of ten bells in North Wales. 

Then it was on to the main event of climbing the remaining stairs to the top of the famous tower. 

While the weather wasn't amazing, the views certainly were, being able to get a 360 degree view of Wrexham. 

You could spot the Racecourse Ground, Eagles Meadow and hills as far as the eye could see. 

We were up on the roof for around 10 minutes where you were free to take pictures or videos as you wish. 

The 135-foot climb certainly felt longer coming down with the narrow staircase and historic wooden steps making it a rather nervy descent. 

The views from St Giles church (Image: Newsquest)

The tour took just short of 50 minutes and was definitely worth doing as the views from the top of the church were pretty spectacular. 

They have been taking place for years, but have had a recent spike in popularity, with both May slots fully booked, as well as one slot in June already full. 

The vicar of St Giles, the Revd Canon Dr Jason Bray, said he has seen a real increase in tourism in recent years. He said: “Our Tower Climbs continue to be popular and add an exciting addition to what we offer here at St Giles Church.

St Giles Church, Wrexham (Image: Newsquest)

"The diversity of our visitors – from worshippers through to international tourists on almost a daily basis - never fails to amaze me and to be able to offer a warm welcome to Wrexham is very special for myself and all of our volunteers who work tirelessly.”

The Tower Climbs are open to anyone aged eight or over. Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. Climbers must be suitably fit and able to climb and descend.

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The climbs must be booked in advance with Wrexham Visitor Information Centre (tourism@wrexham.gov.uk or +44(0)1978 292015) and cost just £5.

There is a host of other events taking place at St Giles this week including several Focus Wales concerts, a social lunch and a service on top of the tower. 

More information can be found on St Giles website https://stgilesparishchurchwrexham.org.uk/.