Hidden away in Shropshire’s north west corner and almost surrounded by Wales is the bustling market town of Oswestry. The markets have been here for over 800 years but to find the true origins of Oswestry, visit the remains of the iron age hillfort, Old Oswestry.
Sometimes English, sometimes Welsh, the weekly markets are key to a visit to Oswestry. Add a mix of unique and independent shops and a lively mix of traditional pubs and friendly cafes for a feel of a true Shropshire market town.
You can take a trip on a heritage train from the old station too. The heritage railway runs from Easter through the summer and the station is in the centre of Oswestry.
Oswestry is well known for its free town events. From the free and fun Oswestry Food and Drink Festival in July to the unique Hot Air Balloon Carnival in August and the laid back Sunday afternoon music events in the park, little kids and big kids will always find something fun to do.
Welcome to Oswestry – friendly, historic and surprising.
Come Market Town Shopping – Oswestry street markets take place every Wednesday and Saturday. There’s a lively indoor market too with an eclectic mix of stalls and a fun food and drink offering too. Don’t miss the artisan’s and late-night markets on the last Friday of each month.
Wander away from the market to find award winning indie shops like our book shop and kitchen shop then explore more to search out antiques and quirky gift shops. Find out more about shopping in Oswestry here
Visit Old Oswestry – the remains of this iron age hillfort are considered one of the best in the country. Take a stroll to the top to be rewarded with amazing views over beautiful Shropshire. Every season is different but the swathes of bluebells in late spring shouldn’t be missed. Why not follow Oswald’s trail and take a circular walk all around Oswestry town? The walk takes in Offa’s Dyke Path and the old racecourse too. Find out more about Old Oswestry here
Take a ride on Cambrian Heritage Railway – from Easter to autumn climb aboard a heritage train. It is only a short trip down to Weston Wharf but it’s a great way to start a walk around the twelve miles of Oswald’s Trail. There’s the artisan brewery and distillery there too, ideal for a drop of refreshment before the journey back.
Find out more about the Cambrian Heritage Railway here
Come to one of our free events –. Oswestry Food and Drink Festival takes place at the beginning of July. It is a free, fun and family and dog friendly event. For two days Oswestry’s streets play host to the finest street food in Shropshire.In 2023, Oswestry was voted Best Large Town Winner in Britain in Bloom, so get your picnic and spend the afternoon in the award winning, flower filled park.
August brings the Oswestry Hot Air Balloon Carnival. Over a, hopefully, calm weekend hot air balloons take off from Cae Glas park, right in the centre of town. It a weekend full of entertainment, food and drink, music and the soaring Saturday balloon night glow.
Find Oswestry’s events here
Take a walking tour of Oswestry – collect a town map from The Tourist Information Centre and discover Oswestry’s hidden nooks and crannies. Follow the Oswestry Heritage Trail to find out about the museum, our railway heritage, the beautiful parish church of St. Oswald and the gory history of Oswald’s Well. There’s also a tour featuring places familiar to Wilfred Owen and his family. The war poet was born in Oswestry.
From Easter to October, join our volunteer guides as they take you on a walking tour of Oswestry town. Meet at the Town Tourist Information Centre at 11 on Saturday. Find out more here
A weekend in Oswestry
Make an early get away on Friday and call in at the British Ironwork Centre on your way into town. After you marvel at the wacky, wonderful and definitely awesome metal sculptures, stay for their famous afternoon tea.
On Saturday, begin your day at the market, wander around Oswestry’s streets for a little retail therapy and make your way to the Tourist Information Centre for a guided walking tour of Oswestry Town at 11. Afterwards, the town museum is nearby so immerse yourself in more Oswestry history there.
Time for lunch? There is an eclectic mix of tasty places to take a break or stop for lunch. Two of Oswestry’s oldest building are home to delicious cafés and a patisserie or take a table in the square by our borderland farmer and watch the world go by.
In the afternoon, find out more about Oswestry’s railway past in the Cambrian Heritage Railway Museum and then jump on board one of their heritage trains down to Weston Wharf. Time for a local beer in the brewery and then back to town.
You could spend the evening in one of Oswestry’s many pubs. There is a really great mix of traditional pubs, often with live music and pub grub. Or enjoy a leisurely supper at an Oswestry restaurant. Choose from the beautiful eighteenth century coaching inn, an authentic Italian restaurant or an elegant townhouse restaurant.
How to spend Sunday? Time to discover more of Oswestry’s Borderlands – Oswestry’s location right on the Welsh Border has left a wonderful legacy of historic attractions. See Thomas Telford’s awesome aqueduct at the UNESCO world heritage site of Pontcysyllte and Chirk Aqueducts. Explore famous border castles like National Trust Chirk and Powis but also make a visit to Whittington Castle. This small castle with its iconic moat is the ideal place to call in on the way to Ellesmere – did we telly you Shropshire has its own lake district?
Find out more here
Discover more about Oswestry:
Embark on a journey through Ludlow`s enchanting streets on a sunny Saturday market day! 🌞✨
Witness the lively atmosphere as local traders bring colors and flavors to the scene. Explore quaint independent shops, bask in the aromatic charm of cafes, and savor culinary delights at local restaurants.
Ludlow`s picturesque streets are a canvas of culture waiting to be explored! 🛍️🍽️
Brilliant 🎥 IG @letsgoludlow
🌸✨ Mark your calendars for a bloomin` good time at Frankly Alpacas – it`s Springtime Fun on the Farm! 🦙💐
Join Frankly Alpacas Monday 12th - Sunday 18th and Monday 25th of March - Sunday 7th of April for an unforgettable experience with alpacas, lambs, and adorable Dexter cows. Get up close and personal with these furry friends through farm tours and hands-on encounters. It`s a day filled with smiles, laughter, and the joy of Spring in the air. Don`t miss out on this farmtastic adventure!
Check all the details and secure your spot! @frankly_alpacas
#visitshropshire #familyfun #shropshire #thingstodo
"🏰✨ Dive into the heart of Shrewsbury`s Castle Quarter – the epicenter of history and grandeur! 🏰 Home to four of the town`s largest historic treasures – Shrewsbury Castle, Library, Prison, and Train Station.
Did you know Shrewsbury Castle`s foundations were laid in 1083 by the 1st Earl of Shrewsbury, Roger de Montgomery?
Montgomery, a cousin of William the Conqueror, earned this castle and more as a thank-you for his aid during the Norman conquest.
From royal stronghold to a 16th-century transformation, Shrewsbury Castle has quite the story. Now, it stands majestically, housing the Shropshire Regimental Museum. 👑🏰 Ready to step into the pages of history?
#visitshropshire #shrewsburycastle #historic #shrewsbury #thingstodo #shropshire
Embark on an extraordinary half-term adventure at the enchanting Hawkstone Park Follies! 🌲✨
This hidden gem invites you to explore a sprawling landscape filled with magical surprises. Hawskstone Park Follies are offering 50% off general admission from February 9th to 18th, making it the perfect opportunity to uncover the mysteries that await.
Set in 100 acres of Parkland The Follies is a range of dramatic and rugged natural sandstone hills that were developed to include gullies, caves, towers and bridges, becoming one of the most visited landscapes in Britain during the 19th Century. However, throughout the 20th Century this romantic landscape became forgotten, overgrown and ruinous, unvisited by all but the locals.
Now recognised as a Masterpiece of the School of Naturalistic Landscape and designated as a Grade I listed landscape by English Heritage, this magical and exhilarating landscape had a new lease of life with a multi-million pound restoration project enabling it to reopen to visitors in 1993. Overgrown but never fully forgotten, pathways were cleared, gullies reopened and handrails reinstalled to allow visitors to enjoy the spectacular views and surprises that The Follies reveals around every corner.
Friends of the Follies can also enjoy special annual pass upgrade offers available at the gate, ensuring that the magic doesn`t end after one visit!
Ready for an immersive experience where you can adventure, explore, and discover?
Secure your spot now at @hawkstoneparkfollies
#visitshropshire #hawkstoneparkfollies #shropshire #halfterm #thingstodo
🌲✨ Join The Gruffalo on a birthday adventure at Haughmond Hill! 🎉🎈
Celebrating 25 years of magical tales, Forestry England presents a brand new family trail for an unforgettable experience in the deep dark woods.
Follow the path from the visitor car park, embark on a quest to find party items, and help choose the perfect present for the Gruffalo. 🐭🎁
Enjoy fun, games, and discover the wonders of forest life along the way. Don`t forget your activity pack for just £4 at Haughmond Hill Café—it`s packed with party-ready surprises! 🎂🌳
Warm up, bundle up, and make this winter a Gruffalo birthday celebration to remember! ❄️
@haughmondhillfc
#visitshropshire #halfterm #halftermfun #shropshire #haughmondhill #shrewsbury
