Ellesmere

The Mere, Ellesmere — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Meres

Ellesmere sits at the centre of a group of nine natural lakes — the Shropshire Meres — formed at the end of the last Ice Age around 10,000 years ago when retreating glaciers left behind hollows that filled with water. The largest of these, simply called The Mere, lies immediately to the south-west of the town centre and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its clear, relatively shallow water supports important populations of aquatic plants and provides habitat for great crested grebes, herons, kingfishers, and large flocks of wintering waterfowl.

The Mere is surrounded by public parkland and the lakeside walks are among the most pleasant in north Shropshire. The reflections of St Mary’s Church and the surrounding trees in the calm water make for a genuinely picturesque scene, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. Coarse fishing is available by permit, and rowing boats can be hired in season. Other meres in the area — including Blakemere, Cole Mere, and White Mere — are accessible by footpath and offer quieter alternatives.

The Llangollen Canal

Ellesmere sits on the Llangollen Canal, the famous narrow-boat waterway that runs from Llangollen in north Wales to the Shropshire Union Canal at Hurleston in Cheshire. The canal wharf at Ellesmere is a popular mooring point and the canalside is pleasant for walking. The town gives its name to the original company that built the canal: the Ellesmere Canal Company, formed in 1793, which planned an ambitious trans-Wales waterway before settling on the more modest Shropshire and north Wales route that was actually built.

From Ellesmere, the canal winds northwards through attractive border countryside toward Whitchurch and south-westwards toward the spectacular Pontcysyllte Aqueduct near Llangollen — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the great engineering achievements of the canal age. Day boat hire from Ellesmere makes a section of this route accessible without a full boating holiday. See our dedicated Llangollen Canal page for the full story of the canal and its remarkable aqueducts.

The Town

Ellesmere itself is a compact and attractive market town with a good selection of independent shops, cafés, and pubs centred on its market square. The large medieval church of St Mary the Virgin, with its 14th-century tower, dominates the town and is worth visiting for its stonework and stained glass. The town has strong literary associations: Eglantyne Jebb, founder of Save the Children, was born at Ellesmere in 1876.

The town holds a regular market and remains a modest commercial centre for the surrounding agricultural area. It is about 6 miles north of Oswestry on the A528, a pleasant drive through Shropshire farmland.

Getting There

Ellesmere is 6 miles north of Oswestry on the A528. There is car parking near the town centre and lakeside. Bus services connect Ellesmere with Oswestry and Shrewsbury. Getting to Oswestry from further afield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hire a rowing boat on The Mere at Ellesmere?

Yes. Rowing boats are available for hire on The Mere during the summer season.

Is fishing permitted on The Mere?

Fishing is available by permit on The Mere. Contact Ellesmere Angling Club for current permit information.

How far is Ellesmere from Oswestry?

Ellesmere is approximately 6 miles north of Oswestry on the A528, about 12 minutes by car.

What wildlife can I see at Ellesmere Meres?

The Mere and surrounding meres are a Site of Special Scientific Interest supporting great crested grebes, herons, kingfishers, and large flocks of wintering wildfowl. Great crested grebes display on The Mere in spring.