Dry dock at Ellesmere Yard

This historic dry dock was designed to index boats as well as maintenance and repair, a vital service for the smooth operation of the Llangollen and Montgomery canals. Over the decades, the dry dock has seen countless vessels come through for repairs, helping to keep the waterways functional and supporting the communities and industries that relied on the canals for transportation.

Today, the dry dock still plays an active role in boat maintenance. It's one of the few operational docks of its kind still in use on the canal network, providing essential services to both private boat owners and professional contractors. The dry dock can be booked for varying periods depending on the repair needs of the vessels. Given the limited number of dry docks we manage, Ellesmere's dry dock remains a valued resource and is often fully booked throughout the year. 

The dock also offers visitors a look at the world of traditional boat-building and maintenance, reflecting the yard's long-standing heritage as a hub of canal activity. While access to the dry dock area is controlled due to ongoing operations, visitors will be able to witness this working aspect of the yard, offering a tangible connection to its historic and contemporary role.

In the future, there are plans to enhance the visitor experience around the dry dock, potentially integrating interactive and educational content that highlights its significance in the region's canal history.