12 Best Things To Do In Ellesmere, Shropshire

Sleepy little Ellesmere in Shropshire (not the much bigger and better-known Ellesmere Port), wasn’t my first choice for a weekend break with my dog Bertie.

I’ll freely admit that I doubted there would be many things to do in Ellesmere, but I could not have been more wrong. I soon discovered why it’s known as the “Shropshire Lake District” and rated by the Sunday Times as one of the eight best places to live in the Midlands!

The picturesque landscape and welcoming community in this hidden gem (and yes, it is miles from anywhere) enchanted me from the moment I arrived and I loved the eclectic mix of small independent shops, cafes, and pubs.

It’s very dog-friendly too! Bertie loved it!

I only spent a weekend in the town and I wish I’d been able to extend my stay and go on all the walks. To help you plan your own trip, I’m sharing some of the best things to do in Ellesmere.

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Discover The Best Things To Do In Ellesmere

1. Stroll Around the Mere

Visiting The Mere lake at Ellesmere is one of the best things to do in Ellesmere Shropshire — The stunning Mere that gives Ellesmere its name.

One of nine glacial lakes in the north of Shropshire, the Mere is the jewel in Ellesmere’s crown and it has captivated generations of visitors.

I wrapped up warmly and took Bertie 🐶 to the promenade to watch the ducks and swans. While he was desperate to jump in the Mere for a swim (or more likely, to paddle after the ducks), I took heed of a sign that alerted swimmers and dog owners to the dangers of the toxic “algal bloom” in the waters.

Instead, we explored the formal flower beds, specimen trees, and the circular garden walk. Bertie liked the ducks more than the flowers 🐶🦆

Wildfowl at the Mere Ellesmere — Bertie was fascinated by all the ducks, swans and geese on the Promenade at the Mere.

2. Discover Sculpture on the Ellesmere Sculpture Trail

With stiff legs after the long drive to Ellesmere from North Yorkshire, a walk through the Ellesmere Sculpture Trail was just what I needed.

I didn’t expect the variety of stone and wood sculptures, all crafted by international contemporary artists. We wandered through the Jebb Garden (at the entrance to the Cremorne Gardens), and it was the perfect place to decompress 🙂

Beautiful trees against a perfect blue sky in Ellesmere Sculpture Trail

My favourite piece was the tall and striking Nick Eames concrete sculpture, “The Two Sisters“. I love how it overlooks the Mere, with the wood-effect concrete blending in perfectly with the surrounding trees.

3. Go Rowing or Canoeing

Ellesmere Mereside view — Boating on the Mere is one of the most fun things to do in Ellesmere

Boating on the Mere was something I’d love to have done, but you can only hire a rowing boat during the summer season. I’m not sure I would have risked taking a wriggly Spaniel out in a small boat anyway!

Instead, we watched the few hardy souls gliding by in their own kayaks. I was green with envy 🚣‍♀️

4. Ellesmere Boathouse

Blue painted building with the words The Boathouse — The Boathouse Restaurant

Speaking of boats, I visited the Ellesmere Boathouse for a cheeky hot chocolate laden with cream, marshmallows, and a flake! 😘 🧋I’d love to have indulged in their afternoon tea 🍰🍮, but I found I should have ordered it 24 hours in advance 🙁 Next time!

View of the Mere from the Boathouse — The view of the Mere from the Boathouse made up for missing out on afternoon tea

Inside, the restaurant is beautifully decorated, but the deck, with its sweeping views across the Mere, is the most popular spot. Watching the swans slowly gliding by as I sipped my hot drink was heavenly.

📍 The Mereside, Ellesmere SY12 0PA

5. Visit Medieval St. Mary’s Church

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a massive history nerd who loves poking around old churches. And medieval St. Mary’s Church in Ellesmere is stunning.

After fighting with the ancient wooden door to enter the church (it said “push hard” and I certainly had to) the stained glass windows captivated me with their vibrant colours and storytelling.

The Nave inside medieval St Mary's church, with high ceiling and wooden pews

The beautiful nave, lined with ancient wooden pews is a tranquil space. I loved the carved wooden choirstalls and the mighty pipes of the church organ soaring upwards behind them, while the carved wooden ceiling is a thing of beauty.

Top Tip: When you visit, look out for the board with the names of the vicars of Ellesmere – dating all the way back to 1085!! There’s even one who died, almost 700 years ago, due to “pestilence”!

Fun fact: The most popular name for vicars over the years was John. I counted 13 of them, although I think the best name was Astruc!

👀 As you leave the church, take a moment to look up and admire the magnificent square central tower, as it’s one of only nine central church towers in England.

Carved wooden choir stalls in medieval church — The intricately carved wooden choir stalls

It’s also the bell tower and you can clearly see two stages to the tower. As a regular church bellringer, I can share that the first stage houses the “ringing room”, where the bellringers pull the ropes to ring the bells.

The second stage, which has pairs of two-light perpendicular bell openings, is the bell chamber, housing the eight large 18th-century church bells. Right at the top of the tower, you’ll see gargoyles, battlements, and eight towering sandstone pinnacles!

📍 Church Hill, Ellesmere SY12 0PA

6. Wander Around the Town Centre

Ellesmere Old Town Hall is now a local estate agent

Ellesmere’s town centre, with its bustling streets and quaint shops, is a charming place to explore and discover the 19th-century Old Town Hall, unique boutiques and quaint tearooms.

Plenty of friendly locals were eager to share the town’s history and secrets 🙂

I had so many recommendations to visit Vermeulen’s deli and bakery, and it was a great tip! The cakes looked amazing, but OMG – the home-baked pie I had was the business.

7. See the Work of the Yarn Bombers

Local crafters, known as the Ellesmere Yarn Bombers, love to cheer up the town with random knitted or crocheted yarn decorations – especially at Easter and Christmas.

I didn’t see any of them in action (they are apparently a secretive bunch), but I loved their work on a town centre postbox for Halloween 🙂 👻

8. Dine or Stay in a Traditional Local Pub

Ellesmere is blessed with gorgeous traditional pubs, where you’re guaranteed a friendly welcome. These historic “public houses” are well worth dropping into – for a drink or a meal.

The White Hart Inn

The popular White Hart pub is set in an attractive early Jacobean (early 17th century) building with a wealth of exposed timber. It’s popular with boaters moored up in the marina which is on the Llangollen Canal just down the road.

The Red Lion

Cosy pub in a rural village — The cosy bar in the Red Lion Inn, Ellesmere

Bertie and I stayed in this lovely 16th-century pub and I can recommend both the huge breakfast and the excellent restaurant. The Red Lion is located just 350 yards from the town centre, and close to lovely walks.

Full English Breakfast — The very filling full English breakfast at the Red Lion Coaching Inn

➡️ Check price and availability at the Red Lion Inn here.

More Things to Do in Ellesmere

Of course, you can’t do everything in a short weekend break – especially with an excitable doggo in tow. When I chatted with local folk, I discovered a host of other attractions and things to do in Ellesmere that I’ve saved for my next visit.

9. Take a Boat Trip Along the Ellesmere Canal

Green and yellow traditional narrowboat on the canal at Ellesmere — A narrowboat trip on the canal is one of the best things to do in Ellesmere. Photo: Thomas Marchhart

A narrowboat trip on the Llangollen Canal is one of the best things to do in Ellesmere. One of the most scenic trips takes you across the soaring “Stream in the Sky” or Pontcysyllte Aqueduct towards the charming town of Llangollen.

10. Spot a Working Convent

I was fascinated to discover that there’s a working convent tucked away in this rural part of Shropshire! The Poor Clare Colettines order lives and works moment from the Mere in Ellesmere. And they have limited guest rooms for people seeking a contemplative retreat.

📍 Poor Clare Colettines, Monastery of Our Lady and St Joseph, Ellesmere, Shropshire SY12 0PA

11. Browse the Gallery at Number 3

Sadly, this well-regarded independent gallery was closed when I walked past. In its defence, it was late on a Sunday afternoon!

I’m keen to return to see the wide range of work from local Shropshire artists, including handmade leather bags, ceramics, glass, wood, original and limited edition prints, solid silver handmade jewellery, enamels, felt work and cards.

📍 3 St. Johns Hill, Ellesmere SY12 0EY

12. Have a Tipple at the Shropshire Distillery

As I love a good gin distillery tour (and a G&T), going on the tour here would have been one of my favourite things to do in Ellesmere! Research purposes only, of course 🙂

Psst – They make Frankincense and Myrrh gin, which sounds like an essential purchase for Christmas 🍸 (hint, hint)

Special Events in Ellesmere

If you’re itching to visit the town after finding out all the best things to do in Ellesmere, here are some of the best annual events in the town you could enjoy during your visit:

Springtime

The Easter Trail in the Cremorne Gardens is a fun family day out, while in May, the gorgeous gardens at Oteley are open to visit as part of the National Garden scheme.

Summer

June brings both the Ellesmere Food and Drink Festival and the Ellesmere College Art Exhibition
July entertains locals and visitors alike with the Ellesmere Rotary Regatta on the Mere and the Classic Car Show in the Cremorne Gardens
In August, the Ellesmere Carnival parade takes over the town and runners of all abilities take part in the Ellesmere 10k Race.

Autumn/Winter

As the nights start to draw in, the Shropshire Triathlon takes place at the Mere, with the Christmas Winter Festival and Tree of Light offering singing, entertainment and late-night shopping in November.

The year winds up with incredible atmospheric Carols by Candlelight in Ellesmere College Chapel.

Psst! Ellesmere will be very busy during these events. You’ll want to book your accommodation quickly to make sure you don’t miss out 🙂

Is Ellesmere in Wales or England?

If you’re wondering, “Where is Ellesmere?” you might be surprised to hear that it’s just within the English border but moments away from Wales.

How to Get to Ellesmere

Getting to Ellesmere couldn’t be easier. Depending on where you are coming from and your preferred mode of transportation, there are a few ways to get to the town quickly.

✈️ By Plane

Ellesmere is a long way from London! The nearest airports are

The nearest international airport to Ellesmere are Birmingham International Airport (77 miles), Manchester Airport (60 miles), and Liverpool Airport (52 miles). From each airport, you could rent a car or take a train (then a bus or Uber) to Ellesmere.

🚆 By Train

Ellesmere does not have a train station. The nearest local station, Gobowen, is only eight miles away. Journey times to Gobowen from London Euston via Birmingham start from just over 3 hours.

🚆 Find the best rates for your UK train journey here (including deals and discounts).

🚗 By Private Car

Ellesmere is easily accessible by car from other parts of the UK and Europe.

If you don’t have a car, renting a car from one of the nearby airports or collecting your rental at Gobowen station is easy.

🚗 Find the best rates for rental cars here.

🚤 By Canal Barge

For something a bit different, you can also hire an old-fashioned canal barge and travel from Llangollen to Ellesmere, which is slow and leisurely!

Tours Near Ellesmere

Book these experiences to see what the area has to offer.

Final Words About Visiting Ellesmere, Shropshire

Ellesmere is more than just a dot on the map. It’s a charming destination where time seems to slow down, and life’s simple pleasures come into sharp focus.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, there’s lots to keep you busy in Ellesmere, and when you’re ready to look further afield, there are plenty of things to do near Ellesmere too. Shropshire is a glorious county, well worth adding to your UK itinerary.