The charming little town that sits perfectly on the border between England and Wales
- UK Hidden Gems
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
A lovely little town just five miles from the Welsh border is known for its calm atmosphere, friendly locals, rich history and lively independent shops.
Surrounded by beautiful countryside, it’s a popular spot for walkers and cyclists looking to enjoy the outdoors.
This charming town, found in Shropshire around 18 miles northwest of Shrewsbury, is home to about 17,500 people.
The town has a real sense of community, with locals known for their warm welcome and pride in their town.
Its charm comes from its mix of culture, history, and bustling street markets. Oswestry also sits close to several famous landmarks on both sides of the England–Wales border, such as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Powis Castle.
The market town is filled with thriving independent shops and has a regular market every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, bringing local traders together with the community.
Whether you love browsing through award-winning bookshops, shopping for handmade crafts or picking up unique gifts, Oswestry has something for everyone.
The town also has plenty of cosy cafés and restaurants perfect for a relaxing bite to eat.
There are also fascinating landmarks nearby, including the Old Oswestry Hillfort and Whittington Castle. The impressive hillfort covers around 40 acres and is believed to have been the main home of an Iron Age tribe.
A little further away, visitors can explore Moreton Corbet Castle and the remains of Haughmond Abbey, both located around 20 miles from Old Oswestry. Oswestry hosts several fun events throughout the year, including a food and drink festival.
One of the most popular is the Oswestry Balloon Carnival, where around 20 colourful hot air balloons float above the town.
Thanks to its location near the England–Wales border, Oswestry is the perfect base for exploring both countries. Tourists love it for its welcoming vibe and its easy access to nearby countryside adventures.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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