Oswestry hotels

Hotels in Oswestry

Old is gold. We hear it often enough. But step into the ancient town of Oswestry and suddenly truer words were never spoken. Although the origins of the town are ambiguous, its market dates back to 1190. The historical town is located in the North of Shropshire, close by the English-Welsh border. The narrow passageways of the market linking to the town still echo images of the frontier town's turbulent history, in the English and Welsh Walls and horse market. It is also the birthplace of the soldier and WWI poet, Wilfred Owen.

Things to do, places to see

Castle Bank is all that's left of the castle that served to defend its town. Walk to the top and be rendered speechless by a bird's eye view of Oswestry.

Enjoy a Heritage Train ride via the Cambrian Heritage Railway and Museum. With seasonal events, shops sourcing local produce and buffet meals, it makes the perfect family outing.

Visit the imposing 12th-century moated Whittington Castle, where you can enjoy free access to the grounds all year round. Enjoy elegant refreshments in the tearoom and a rustic second-hand bookshop. Look out for special events.

Vintage lovers will delight in the Vintage Vehicle and Steam Rally Craft Fair. Held exclusively twice in the summer, it includes a craft and model hall, exhibition of military vehicles, classic campervans and everything else that is olden but golden. For kids there are medieval re-enactments, fun dog shows and a junior motorcycle display.

There's an eclectic mix of shops throughout Oswestry, and not all of them simply sell things. If you want to refine your cooking skills, attend a workshop at Upstairs Downstairs, which also sells cookery items, or visit Outwhere Records for collecSEOSITE_LEVEL_DESCRIPTION vinyl. Lastly, try the Cambrian House Emporium, stockists of kitchen collecSEOSITE_LEVEL_DESCRIPTIONs, antique furniture and vintage transport models.

Try one of the town's cultural quirks: Kinokulture is the town's cinema, operating from a renovated church.

Where to eat

There's serious dining at the Four Seasons Restaurant; you can choose from a set menu or upgrade to à la carte if it's time for a real treat. Lepones Italian and China Palace Cantonese Restaurant have been serving Oswestry since the 1990s and it's easy to see why in their service and culinary delights. Or enjoy fine dining at Townhouse, the restaurant owned by Michelin-starred TV chef Michael Caines, where you can enjoy your meal in the cosy indoors or on the terrace amidst stunning scenery.

There's also a plethora of tearooms and cafés. Try Wednesdays for a meal and drink, and for traditional tea, try the coffee shop at the Oswestry Visitor and Exhibition Centre.

Accommodation ranges from award-winning four-star Oswestry hotels to scenic Georgian rectories amongst the hills, so you'll be spoilt for choice when you come to book your trip.