A guide to living in Ellesmere Port
October 22, 2020 | Dan Todd
Standing proudly on the banks of the Manchester ship canal, to the south of the Wirral and to the north of Chester, Ellesmere Port is a bustling town with a rich industrial heritage.
Today, Ellesmere Port is still a hub of British industry. The Vauxhall motorcar plant situated at the edge of the town churns out over 60,000 cars each year.
But there’s more to Ellesmere Port than manufacturing. House prices, jobs, and new businesses are all on the up. ‘The Port’ is now a retail hotspot, home to the UK’s largest designer outlet village. And with a multi-million pound investment heading to the town, the future is looking very bright indeed.
So, if you’re thinking of living in Ellesmere Port, here’s our guide to some of the best hangouts.
BEST FOR A BITE: THE GALLEY
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While you could enjoy a meal at one of the many big-name restaurants dotted around the Coliseum retail park, from Miller & Carter to Chiquito, we recommend heading out of town to The Galley instead.
Situated on South Pier Road, close to the National Waterways Museum, The Galley boasts picturesque views over the Manchester Ship Canal. The perfect place to while away an evening looking out over the water and watching the boats pass by.
On the menu is a selection of British-themed dishes, cooked using produce from a host of local suppliers. Our personal favourite is the bubble and squeak hash served with black pudding chips.
Find at 1 S Pier Rd, Cheshire, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW | www.thegalleyep.com
RETAIL THERAPY: CHESHIRE OAKS
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Shopaholics will be in high street heaven as Ellesmere Port is home to the largest designer outlet village in the UK.
At Cheshire Oaks, you’ll find more brands than you can shake a designer shoe at. 145 shops and restaurants to be exact, including all your fashion favourites such as Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Polo Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Burberry, Armani… well, you get the picture.
And best of all, with big discounts, you can bag yourself a designer label for less.
If that wasn’t enough, the world’s second largest Marks & Spencer flagship store can also be found on the neighbouring Coliseum shopping park.
Find at Kinsey Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 9JJ | www.mcarthurglen.com
BEST FOR BREKKIE: THE ORCHARD
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Tucked away in the Burleydam Garden Centre, conveniently located on the A41, is The Orchard.
Now this is more than just your average garden centre café; this is a full-on food hall offering everything from delicious homemade cakes to a fine selection of sophisticated sandwiches, such as Brie, Rocket & Tracklements Onion Marmalade, and Beef, Stilton & Leek on Focaccia Bread.
But for a real treat after a Sunday morning perusing the petunias, tuck into a satisfying five-item breakfast (or there’s an eight-item option if you’re particularly hungry). We also recommend the delicious Welsh rarebit.
Find at Chester Rd, Childer Thornton, Ellesmere Port CH66 1QW | www.burleydamgardencentre.co.uk/the-orchard/
SPORT IN ‘THE PORT’: ELLESMERE PORT SPORTS VILLAGE
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Fitness fanatics are also well catered for in Ellesmere Port. So much so, it should be renamed ‘Ellesmere Sport’!
Not far from Cheshire Oaks is Ellesmere Port Sports Village, which has everything you could ever need to stay in tip-top shape.
The state-of-the-art leisure and fitness centre boasts not one, but TWO swimming pools, an 80-station gym, 3G football pitches, an athletics track, a large sports hall, and a fitness timetable offering over 90 weekly classes.
If you’re looking for a slightly more upmarket gym membership then David Lloyd Health Club is right next door, offering a spa and tennis courts as well as the obligatory gym and swimming pool.
Find at Stanney Ln, Ellesmere Port CH65 9LB | www.brioleisure.org
NATURE ON YOUR DOORSTEP: RIVACRE VALLEY
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There are lots of fantastic spaces to get outdoors in and around Ellesmere Port, including Stanney Woods and Whitby Park. But our favourite by far is Rivacre Valley.
This local nature reserve is stunning all year round. From the carpets of bright yellow celandines and delicate white anemones in spring, soon followed by bluebells, filling the air with their heady scent.
Later in the year you can picnic on the colourful meadows. Or, if you’re feeling energetic, why not have a go at the orienteering course and really get to know the Reserve?
Find at Poole Hall Ln, Ellesmere Port CH66 1SS
DAY OUT WITH A DIFFERENCE: NATIONAL WATERWAYS MUSEUM
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Sure, you can take the kids to catch a film at the local Vue cinema, or see (and even swim with) some of the largest sharks in Europe at the Blue Planet Aquarium. But for something a little different, why not unlock the wonders of our waterways at the National Waterways Museum?
With its delightful waterside setting, flotillas of historic boats and fascinating displays housed in fine Victorian buildings, the museum is a unique day out whatever the weather.
Visitors can take a boat trip through an industrial landscape, visit the museum blacksmith and explore traditional narrow boats and homes through the ages, complete with cottage gardens.
Find at S Pier Rd, Ellesmere Port CH65 4FW | www.canalrivertrust.org.uk
With excellent neighbouring areas like Chester and the Wirral, and convenient travel connections, Ellesmere Port is fast becoming a desirable area.
This town may have been founded on the banks of the River Mersey, but you don’t need to be a maritime expert to make the most of living here.
However, there’s no harm in battening down the hatches and calling Ellesmere Port your new home.
Looking to get on the ladder in Ellesmere Port? Discover our latest 3 & 4 bedroom homes for Shared Ownership at Sycamore Gardens.
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