Ellesmere Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Ellesmere Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Ellesmere offers loads of interesting spots to visit beyond just enjoying your hot tub. The Mere itself is the largest of Shropshire's glacial lakes at 46 hectares and provides a stunning backdrop for walks. The Mere Visitor Centre (Castle Street, SY12 0HS, open 10am-4pm daily) offers information about local wildlife and history.

The Market Hall (High Street, SY12 0EP) dates back to 1879 and still hosts markets on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. It's worth timing your visit to catch the local producers.

St Mary's Church (Church Street, SY12 0HD) has parts dating from the 13th century and features beautiful stained glass windows. The church is open daily 9am-5pm and scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Ellesmere Sculpture Trail features 12 sculptures dotted around the mere and town. Maps are available from the Visitor Centre. This free attraction scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising how it adds interest to walks around the mere.

Pet Friendly

Dogs will love a cottage holiday in Ellesmere! The mere has a 1-mile circular path that's perfect for daily walks. Most sections are flat and accessible, though some parts can get muddy after rain.

The Red Lion pub (Church Street, SY12 0HD) welcomes dogs in the bar area and beer garden. They even provide water bowls and treats. The White Hart (High Street, SY12 0DE) is another dog-friendly option with outdoor seating.

Colemere Country Park (SY12 0QN, 2 miles from town) offers woodland walks around another mere where dogs can paddle safely in designated areas. The circular route takes about an hour.

Many local cottages provide dog beds, bowls and even welcome packs for four-legged guests. Just remember to bring poo bags as the town is strict about keeping public areas clean.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Ellesmere

The Mere and Cremorne Gardens (Mereside, SY12 0PA) is Ellesmere's crown jewel. This beautiful lake features Victorian gardens, woodland walks and abundant wildlife. The gardens were designed in 1812 and include specimen trees and seasonal flower displays. There's also a play area for kids. Visitors rate it 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor, with one saying "We spent hours here watching herons, ducks and swans while enjoying ice cream from the lakeside café."

The Llangollen Canal (access from Wharf Road, SY12 0EJ) passes through Ellesmere and offers lovely towpath walks. The canal was built between 1793 and 1805 and forms part of the Shropshire Union Canal network. You can hire day boats from Ellesmere Boat Hire (01691 622842) between March and October. TripAdvisor users give it 4.5/5, noting how peaceful the waterway is compared to busier canal sections.

Ellesmere Market Hall (High Street, SY12 0EP) hosts various markets throughout the week. The building itself is architecturally interesting with its Victorian brick design. Tuesday's general market (8am-2pm) is the largest, while Thursday's antiques market (9am-3pm) attracts collectors from across the region. Visitors rate it 4/5 on TripAdvisor, praising the local produce and friendly stallholders.

What's the best time to visit Ellesmere?

May to September offers the best weather for enjoying outdoor activities and your hot tub. The Ellesmere Festival in early September brings music and food stalls to town. Winter visits have their charm too, with misty mornings over the mere and cosy pubs with roaring fires.

Are there good restaurants in Ellesmere?

Yes! The Boathouse (The Mere, SY12 0PA) offers lakeside dining with local ingredients. The Black Lion (Scotland Street, SY12 0DE) serves excellent pub food with vegetarian options. For something different, try Meze (High Street, SY12 0HA) for Mediterranean dishes. Book ahead for weekend evenings as they get busy.

Can I go fishing in Ellesmere?

Absolutely. The mere holds pike, perch, bream and roach. Day tickets cost £6 from the Visitor Centre. The Shropshire Union Canal also offers good fishing with permits available from the Waterways Trust. Remember the close season runs from March 15th to June 15th on rivers.

Is Ellesmere suitable for children?

Kids love Ellesmere! The mere has a good playground, duck feeding spots and ice cream kiosks. Nearby Crocky Trail (30 minutes drive, CH3 9NE) offers outdoor adventure, while Whittington Castle (15 minutes drive, SY11 4DF) runs family events throughout summer. Many cottages provide games and DVDs for rainy days.

How far is Ellesmere from Shrewsbury?

Shrewsbury is 16 miles (26km) south of Ellesmere, about 25 minutes by car. The 53 bus service runs roughly hourly Monday-Saturday (less frequently on Sundays) and takes 40 minutes. Shrewsbury offers excellent shopping, a castle and the famous Quarry Park.

Are there any unusual local customs I should know about?

Ellesmere celebrates "Swan Day" on the third Sunday in June when cygnets are ringed at the mere. The town also has a quirky tradition called "Beating the Bounds" every seven years where residents walk the parish boundaries. The next one is in 2026 if you want to join in!

Helpful links:

1. Ellesmere Mere Walking Routes
2. Ellesmere Events Calendar
3. Wildlife Spotting at Ellesmere
4. Llangollen Canal Information