Hanmer is a village close to the Welsh - English border in Wrexham county in North East Wales. It is part of that little piece of Wales that projects into North West England known as the Maelor. The maelor is split into two parts, that part west of the River Dee is Maelor Gymraeg (Welsh Maelor) and the part east of the River Dee, in which sits Hanmer, is Maelor Saesneg (English Maelor).

You could be forgiven if you felt rather disorientated in Hanmer as 6 miles to the north west of Hanmer is Bangor-on-Dee, in the Welsh county of Wrexham; 5 miles to the north is Malpas Cheshire England; 6 miles to the east is Whitchurch Shropshire; and 5 miles south west is Ellesmere Shropshire.

Yes, there is much to see in the maelor and the village of Hamner, even though it might involve some border hopping. At least we don't have to show our passports ...yet!

Village Centre

Visitors to the historic village of Hanmer, that gave its name to one of the great aristocratic families of the Borderlands, can enjoy the beautiful mere, which with the lakes of Ellesmere dominate the north Shropshire - Maelor landscape. There are several village shops including a Post Office (as of 2010), and a pub, the Hanmer.

Walks, Cycle Trails and Other Activities

The village also enjoys many outstanding country walks, as well as excellent fly-fishing available just a short distance away. The Maelor Way weaves its way through Hanmer en-route from the Shropshire Way at Grindley Brook through to Overton, and the banks of the River Dee before meeting the Offa's Dyke Path close to Chirk.

Churches

St Chad's Church, overlooking the mere, is not as ancient as it looks. In February 1889 the church was completely gutted by fire but was quickly rebuilt, although the chancel was not finally restored until 1936. Only the exterior walls were left standing and even these have been refaced inside the church. It is said that Owain Glyndwr, the leader of the 14th Century rebellion, married Margaret daughter of Sir Richard Hamner in the old church that once stood on the site of St Chad's.

Attractions

The thatched, black and white Magpie Cottage in Hamner must be one of the most photographed buildings in Wales though thatch has disappeared from many of Hanmer's other cottages. All in all the village of Hanmer is the ideal location for a peaceful break away from it all.