Ellesmere is a charming market town nestled in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, celebrated for its stunning Mere, rich history, and warm, welcoming community. A thriving destination, Ellesmere blends natural beauty with heritage and character — where historic buildings and canals sit alongside independent shops, bustling market, and cosy cafés. Whether you’re exploring the tranquil waterside, browsing local boutiques, or soaking up the town’s unique atmosphere, Ellesmere offers something special for every visitor.
Ellesmere is a charming market town nestled in the heart of the Shropshire countryside, celebrated for its stunning Mere, rich history, and warm, welcoming community. A thriving destination, Ellesmere blends natural beauty with heritage and character — where historic buildings and canals sit alongside independent shops, bustling market, and cosy cafés. Whether you're exploring the tranquil waterside, browsing local boutiques, or soaking up the town’s unique atmosphere, Ellesmere offers something special for every visitor.
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The HUB at Ellesmere The Heart of Your Community – Connect, Discover, Relax Welcome to The HUB at Ellesmere – your friendly community space where everyone can feel at home. Whether you’re here to find local information, grow your business, or simply catch up over coffee and cake, The HUB has something for everyone. Located […]
We can thank the retreating glaciers of the last ice age for North Shropshire’s many ‘Meres and Mosses’. The Mere at Ellesmere is the largest of them all and offers a great location to explore the mainly flat trails. Take in the views of the mere, the ancient Motte and Bailey, pleasure gardens and nineteenth […]
Explore the hidden gardens and grounds of Oteley, Ellesmere. 10acres of gardens to investigate at your leisure, which includes a boathouse, walled garden, tower, swiss cottage and stunning views across the mere. Open on Saturday 11th September and 9th October 10am to 5pm with local market. The 2,000-acre estate has remained in the same family […]
About Gadlas Park, Ellesmere Nestled peacefully in the wonderful Shropshire countryside, this exclusive cluster of luxury lodges offers the perfect escape for couples or families looking to kick back and relax in an idyllic location. Situated within close proximity Ellesmere, home to its glistening mere and traditional country pubs, each accommodation has been carefully positioned […]
Set in the heart of rural Shropshire, The Shropshire Distillery is a family-run, Multi award-winning craft distillery offering hands-on experiences, tastings, and beautifully made small-batch spirits and liqueurs. Led by husband-and-wife team Emma and Gareth Glynn, the distillery is home to traditional copper pot stills Jean and Anne. Emma, our Lead Alchemist, oversees every batch […]
Is a captivating natural landmark in Shropshire, right at the edge of town, offering a blend of scenic beauty, rich history, and recreational activities. Formed over 12,000 years ago during the last Ice Age, this 46-hectare glacial lake is the largest of the nine meres in the region. Its tranquil waters and surrounding landscapes provide a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to observe herons, wildfowl, and other species
Visitors can explore the picturesque Cremorne Gardens, which feature formal flower beds, specimen trees, and children’s play areas.
Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll along the promenade and woodland walk, enjoying a boat ride, or simply soaking in the serene atmosphere, The Mere at Ellesmere provides a delightful experience for all ages just a short walk from the Town Centre.
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Step inside Ellesmere’s historic market hall and explore a vibrant mix of local life. From fresh produce and artisan bakes to unique gifts, crafts, and everyday essentials, every visit offers something new.
We’re open every Tuesday (8am – 2pm) for an early-morning bustle of fresh goods, Friday (10am – 3pm) for a full day of shopping and browsing, and Saturday (10am – 3pm) for a weekend treat. Whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time, you’ll find friendly faces, great finds, and the warm community spirit Ellesmere is known for.
Ellesmere Market Hall is at the heart of the town’s celebrations – from seasonal markets and craft fairs to live music, food festivals, and community events. We’re proud to be part of Ellesmere’s vibrant calendar, hosting and supporting festivals that bring locals and visitors together all year round.
Our last market day before Christmas 2025 will be Tuesday 23rd December. We’ll be taking a little festive break and look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday 20th January 2026!
Ellesmere, boasts a rich canal heritage centred around the historic Ellesmere Yard. Established in 1806, this canal maintenance yard was integral to the operation of the Ellesmere Canal, a project envisioned to connect the rivers Mersey and Severn, facilitating trade between Liverpool and the industrial regions of the West Midlands. Ellesmere Yard remains one of the UK's few operational canal maintenance sites, preserving traditional skills such as blacksmithing and joinery. The site includes historic buildings like Beech House, once the office of renowned engineer Thomas Telford, who played a significant role in the canal's development. Today, the yard continues to serve as a maintenance hub while also offering visitors a glimpse into the region's industrial past with escorted tours available
Ellesmere is the perfect base for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Shropshire. Try your hand at paddle boarding along the tranquil Llangollen Canal, or hire a bike and enjoy scenic cycling routes through the rolling countryside. The town offers access to a variety of walking trails, from gentle canal towpaths to more challenging routes with breathtaking views. For those drawn to the water, sailing at Colemere offers a peaceful yet invigorating way to experience the area’s stunning landscape. Whether on two wheels, on foot, or afloat, Ellesmere invites you to discover its wild side.
Ellesmere offers a delightful independent shopping experience, (all but two shops are independent) with a variety of locally owned boutiques, artisan stores, and a traditional market 3 days per week. From unique gifts and handcrafted goods to fresh local produce. Ellesmere is the perfect destination for those who enjoy discovering hidden gems and supporting small businesses. To take advantage of local offers download ‘Ellesmere Pulse’ the digital town app from your mobile app store.
Spend a relaxed afternoon or lively evening exploring Ellesmere’s welcoming pubs—each with its own character and story to tell. From a historic inn dating back to the Jacobean era to a hidden gem nestled beneath the Old Town Hall in a brick-vaulted cellar, there’s something to suit every taste. Many offer live music, beer gardens, and generous portions of hearty pub fare. If a quieter pace is more your style, Ellesmere is also home to a variety of charming cafés, restaurants and even a farm café with shop and gardens—perfect spots to plan your next adventure or simply watch the world go by. Most are dog-friendly too, so your four-legged companion is always welcome.
Ellesmere is bursting with community spirit, and our calendar is packed with free events that offer a true taste of local life. From the lively Summer Festival in July to the traditional Carnival in August, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Don’t miss the exciting Rotary Bell Boat Regatta on the Mere, or the thrill of not one but two triathlons – the UK and Shropshire events. As the year winds down, the town comes alive once more with the magical Winter Festival at the end of November. No matter when you visit, Ellesmere offers an unforgettable experience full of local charm, celebration, and community connection.
After a day of exploring, Ellesmere offers a wide range of places to rest your head, no matter your travel style or budget. From award-winning caravan parks, camping sites, and glamping pods for the adventurous, to cosy Airbnbs, welcoming hotels, and indulgent luxury lodges, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for rustic charm under the stars or a touch of comfort and elegance with hot tub. Ellesmere provides the perfect base for a peaceful night’s sleep.
With Shrewsbury’s urban centre only a stone’s throw away, Ellesmere is easy to reach – however you like to travel.
Ellesmere is easy to reach by road via the A5, A495 or A528. You’ll find several car parks that put you close to the town centre and its amenities.
Regular bus services run from Shrewsbury, Oswestry to the centre of Ellesmere.
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Ellesmere’s closest railway station is in the nearby village of Gobowen. It’s served by regular services from Shrewsbury, Wrexham and Chester.
Keen to explore? Don’t miss out on North Shropshire’s charming market towns, each as characterful as the next. You’ll discover plenty of opportunities for rest, relaxation and good Shropshire food and beer.
Take a trip to the engineering marvel of Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and follow the winding canals as you explore this lesser-known part of Shropshire’s rural landscape.
