Ellesmere Yard has a unique heritage status as the UK’s only remaining operational canal-yards dating back to 1806. It was the office and workshops of the former Ellesmere Canal Company set up by Thomas Telford, pioneer architect and engineer of the Llangollen and Montgomery Canals in the heroic days of canal and bridge building.

Ellesmere yard view

It remains a working yard and operational base for the Canal & River Trust who take care of 2000 miles of waterways in England and Wales. The site includes a variety of small workshops and spaces including stores, dry dock, offices and the iconic Beech House. The site is also home to a heritage blacksmith and his company who run the forge.

Buildings

Early-stage plans for the future of the Yard see it as a hub for canal operations, making & design, sustainable land use, heritage crafts, social enterprise and with public activities that celebrate its significant heritage. 

At key dates during the year, the site is opened to the public who visit in increasing numbers to experience the workshops, its canalside and learn more about its heritage and collections.

With a high volume of canal-users and day trippers, the team plan to establish a regular destination which would have positive knock-on effect for local tourism and businesses in Ellesmere and the surrounding area. It could also become the home for new enterprise, studios and food & drink.

Visit Ellesmere Yard's Facebook page to find out more. 

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Latest News

July 2021 Become a Volunteer at Ellesmere Yard. Join the team for two Welcome Events to find out more about what volunteer and participatory opportunities we have leading up to the event weekends at Ellesmere Yard on 21/22 August and 3-5th September. Full story.
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