WHO does not like a good picnic?
When the sun is out the only place to be is outdoors for some traditional picnic treats.
There are many things which make up the perfect picnic and while we cannot butter your sarnies or keep the flies away we can suggest five fantastic destinations in north Shropshire.
Remember, the countryside belongs to us all so please ensure you take your rubbish home with you afterwards.
Cae Glas Park in Oswestry
Cae Glas Park is a feature park in the town centre of Oswestry. The seven acre site is regarded as one of the town's major tourist attractions by locals and visitors alike.
It is a site of outstanding beauty with immediate access to the town centre.
It has also been popular with townsfolk for their summer picnics for generations.
Cremorne Gardens in Ellesmere
Cremorne Gardens was once the site of the principal tannery in Ellesmere.
After it closed in 1855 the land and nearby Ellesmere House was acquired by Lord Brownlow who created Cremorne Gardens which were named after the celebrated pleasure gardens on the bank of the Thames in Chelsea.
On certain holidays selected members of the public were allowed to enter, with written permission from the Agent and since 1953 Gardens were gifted to the public for their enjoyment.
Greenfields Local Nature Reserve in Whitchurch
The Shropshire Wildlife Trust reserve is managed by a local volunteer group.
Footpaths through the woodland and along the stream allow the public to enjoy nature with the area a habitat for water voles.
The reserve is much loved by locals who have long taken advantage of the peace and serenity it offers.
Chirk Aqueduct
The 70-foot high and 710-foot long navigable aqueduct that carries what is now the Llangollen Canal across the Ceiriog Valley near Chirk, on the England-Wales border, spanning the two countries.
For historic picnic backdrops, the Chirk Aqueduct cannot be beaten.
The aqueduct was briefly the tallest navigable one ever built, and it now is Grade II listed in both England and Wales. It forms part of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct World Heritage Site.
The Mere in Ellesmere
The Mere at Ellesmere is a beautiful lake with gardens, woodland walks and historic parkland on the edge of the market town of Ellesmere. There is a visitor centre and cafe next to the lake. Boat are available to hire or you can take a trip on the Lady Katherine steam boat.
Covering over 48 hectares – that’s over 70 football pitches – and some 19 metres deep, The Mere provides a home to an abundance of wildlife.
The Mere was given a Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space in the UK – to recognise and reward being one of the best green spaces in the country.
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