Welcome to Ellesmere, North Shropshire

Ellesmere has always been an important settlement ever since those clever ancient Britons found that the magnificent glacial Mere was an ideal place for some genuine rest and relaxation. You know the sort of thing – a spot of fishing, gentle boating and gazing at the views and wildlife.

Ellesmere still draws people in today for exactly the same reasons, although there’s much more to do today than simply standing and staring at the Mere, spectacular though it is. Take a look at this illustrated map of Ellesmere (click on the image to get a larger view) to see how easy it is to visit the town from  the Mere.

Over the centuries Ellesmere has developed into a vibrant market town with numerous Georgian and half-timbered buildings surrounding the medieval streets. Ellesmere’s shops are many and varied, with the type of shops that other towns let go of years ago and not a ‘mall’ in sight.

Ellesmere prides itself on its individual and independent shops – some have been in the same family for generations and you only last that long if you know how to value your customers.

There are antiques, crafts and gifts, and many other shops striving to tempt you and fresh local produce from the delicatessen. The weekly market still runs since it was granted its charter in 1221 by Henry the third and occasional antique fairs and craft sales complement the retail scene.

All shopped out? Then there are plenty of cafes, pubs, inns and restaurants where you can sit down and recharge yourself before venturing out again.

There are formal gardens and woodland walks with art and sculpture trails to take in and there’s the motte and bailey of the castle grounds – a good place for a picnic and what’s more you can buy all you need to eat from any one of the delicatessens or cafes in the town. The wildlife and Heron Watch has always been synonymous with Ellesmere and you can get back to nature from the comfort of the indoor viewing area.

It’s hard to imagine that this pretty little market town in the heart of the Shropshire countryside was actually the catalyst for one of the greatest canal networks in the country and subsequent feats of breath-taking engineering that challenged the great Thomas Telford, but it’s true. The town even gave its name (very generously) to Ellesmere Port to confirm the fact – more of this later on.

Whether it’s a new or older business Ellesmere is full of helpful retailers and staff who actually want to serve you – now how refreshing is that?

Find out more about Ellesmere