Part of the 'Heritage Open Days' festival, this event is a rare opportunity to see behind the scenes of Ellesmere Yard, a 200 year old canal maintenance yard that still serves the Llangollen canal today.
Explore Ellesmere Yard's rich industrial heritage during our exclusive heritage tours. With morning and afternoon slots, attendees will be welcomed by our volunteer guides, who will introduce the tour. The journey begins with a guided walk through key areas of the Yard, including the historic Dry Dock, Forge, Lock Gate Shop, and Pattern Room. Along the way, visitors will discover the site’s fascinating history, its essential role in canal maintenance, and its connection to Thomas Telford’s engineering legacy.
The tour will also showcase the vital repair works recently completed, funded by Historic England and UK Government, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at preservation efforts. Attendees will learn about the exciting plans for Ellesmere Yard’s future, including its transformation into a hub for heritage skills and community engagement as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and with thanks to National Lottery Players.
The tour concludes with a Q&A session, giving participants a chance to share their thoughts and ask questions, over a warm drink and biscuits!
Tours last approximately 120 minutes and provide a unique opportunity to experience the living history of Ellesmere Yard while witnessing its ongoing restoration and future vision.
Booking
Please book your tickets in advance via Eventbrite.
Safety information
Safety is a top priority during these tours. Sturdy walking boots must be worn. Certain areas may have restricted access depending on the progress of repair works.
Getting here
Ellesmere Yard can be accessed on foot from Ellesmere town, leaving the towpath at Bridge 58 and walking south on Birch Road. Please be aware that there is no footpath along the road, care must be taken.
You can arrive by car and park in our field, just look out for the signs from Birch Road.
If you require disabled parking, please contact us for further assistance.
Access
Due to the historic nature of the site, unfortunately Ellesmere Yard does not have level access. If you have any accessibility needs, please let us know ahead of the tour so we can make adaptations.
