Hanmer is located approximately 9 miles south-east of Wrexham, close to the English border, with main access to the village from the A539 Whitchurch to Overton Road. The village is located within the area known as Maelor Saesneg where the landscape is characterised by undulating mainly pastoral lowland farmland with well managed hedgerow trees and small woodlands interrupting the field pattern. The area has also been influenced by historic designed estates of which the Hanmer estate is perhaps the most prominent.

The conservation area encompasses the majority of the village, with St Chad’s Church located at the heart, elevated above the surrounding domestic properties and facing onto the tranquil and picturesque Hanmer Mere. The surrounding open landscape provides fine views out of the conservation area complementing its mere-side position and contributing to the strong sense of place.

The Hanmer Conservation Area was first designated in 1971 and its boundary amended in April 2000. The Hanmer Conservation Area Character Assessment and Management Plan was adopted in December 2011.