Oswestry & Area Guidebook
Great trips out!
Beautiful National Trust property a short drive away. A lovely trip out, and it really is right on the door-step!
86 locals recommend
National Trust - Chirk Castle
Beautiful National Trust property a short drive away. A lovely trip out, and it really is right on the door-step!
Take a trip on the scenic steam railway from beautiful Llangollen. Perfect for children of all ages!
46 locals recommend
Llangollen Railway Station
5 Abbey RdTake a trip on the scenic steam railway from beautiful Llangollen. Perfect for children of all ages!
Erdigg is a lovely place to wile away a couple of hours. There are beautiful gardens and a historic house to explore. It's about half an hour's drive away from Oswestry.
70 locals recommend
National Trust - Erddig
Erdigg is a lovely place to wile away a couple of hours. There are beautiful gardens and a historic house to explore. It's about half an hour's drive away from Oswestry.
An interesting place to spend an hour or so, nice little cafe.
45 locals recommend
British Ironwork Centre
Aston WayAn interesting place to spend an hour or so, nice little cafe.
Norman Castle - although rebuilt in the 13th Century with stone towers and a moat. It is community owned through a local fundraising effort and it sits in 12 acres of parkland and mature trees. There are live re-enactments on the first weekend in May, and a living history weekend in late July.
15 locals recommend
Whittington Castle
Castle StreetNorman Castle - although rebuilt in the 13th Century with stone towers and a moat. It is community owned through a local fundraising effort and it sits in 12 acres of parkland and mature trees. There are live re-enactments on the first weekend in May, and a living history weekend in late July.
This is much more than just an open farm - award winning Park Hall has a variety of attractions rolled into one. Children can interact with lots of different animals, as well as enjoy tractor rides, pig racing (!) and cow milking. There are indoor/outdoor play areas too.
28 locals recommend
Park Hall the Countryside Experience
Burma RoadThis is much more than just an open farm - award winning Park Hall has a variety of attractions rolled into one. Children can interact with lots of different animals, as well as enjoy tractor rides, pig racing (!) and cow milking. There are indoor/outdoor play areas too.
One of Britain's best preserved Iron-Age hillforts on Oswestry's northern edge. The site is in the care of English Heritage, and you can enjoy panoramic views from the top, looking over Shropshire, North/Mid Wales and Cheshire.
17 locals recommend
Old Oswestry Hill Fort
One of Britain's best preserved Iron-Age hillforts on Oswestry's northern edge. The site is in the care of English Heritage, and you can enjoy panoramic views from the top, looking over Shropshire, North/Mid Wales and Cheshire.
An amazing piece of engineering! A trip here is well-combined with a visit to Chirk/Chirk castle. There is a great walk from the car park opposite 'The Poacher's Pocket' pub, which takes about 20 mins. Turn right onto the canal tow path, until you see the aquaduct ahead of you. Not for the faint-hearted! You can also park nearby, if you don't have time to walk the canal to it.
23 locals recommend
Chirk Aqueduct
An amazing piece of engineering! A trip here is well-combined with a visit to Chirk/Chirk castle. There is a great walk from the car park opposite 'The Poacher's Pocket' pub, which takes about 20 mins. Turn right onto the canal tow path, until you see the aquaduct ahead of you. Not for the faint-hearted! You can also park nearby, if you don't have time to walk the canal to it.
This is a world heritage site and really worthwhile visiting. UNESCO describes this place as 'a masterpiece of creative genius.' It's an outstanding piece of engineering comprising of embankments, tunnels, viaducts, and the main stunning navigable aquaduct. There are 3 car parks signposted off the A539.
62 locals recommend
Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
Station RoadThis is a world heritage site and really worthwhile visiting. UNESCO describes this place as 'a masterpiece of creative genius.' It's an outstanding piece of engineering comprising of embankments, tunnels, viaducts, and the main stunning navigable aquaduct. There are 3 car parks signposted off the A539.
The only golf course in Europe where you can play in two different countries! Tee off in Wales, then putt in England... On a clear day there are views into 12 English and Welsh counties.
8 locals recommend
Llanymynech Golf Club
The only golf course in Europe where you can play in two different countries! Tee off in Wales, then putt in England... On a clear day there are views into 12 English and Welsh counties.
Shrewsbury is a very attractive and historic town. It sits inside a loop on the River Severn, and its Tudor centre is lined with half-timbered houses. Red-brick Shrewsbury Castle houses the Shropshire Regimental museum. There are many independent shops/cafes and restaurants to choose from. Parking can be tricky. In my experience, it is probably best to try the Theatre Severn Car Park and walk into town over the bridge, rather than getting stuck on the one way system! Or there are several Park and Rides available too.
244 locals recommend
Shrewsbury
Shrewsbury is a very attractive and historic town. It sits inside a loop on the River Severn, and its Tudor centre is lined with half-timbered houses. Red-brick Shrewsbury Castle houses the Shropshire Regimental museum. There are many independent shops/cafes and restaurants to choose from. Parking can be tricky. In my experience, it is probably best to try the Theatre Severn Car Park and walk into town over the bridge, rather than getting stuck on the one way system! Or there are several Park and Rides available too.
Chester Zoo was opened in 1931 and looks after over 500 species, over 130 acres! It is the most visited wildlife attraction in Britain- and it's a great day out for the whole family.
227 locals recommend
Chester Zoo
Moston RoadChester Zoo was opened in 1931 and looks after over 500 species, over 130 acres! It is the most visited wildlife attraction in Britain- and it's a great day out for the whole family.
City/town information
Chester is a highly recommended day out. Take a walk on top of the historic walls or a boat trip along the River Dee. The Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop to this majestic city, and there is even a Falconry just behind it. There are plenty of independent shops/cafes, and of course the Grosvenor Hotel with its Michelin starred restaurant - treat yourself to chef Simon Radley's incredible cooking!
335 locals recommend
Chester
Chester is a highly recommended day out. Take a walk on top of the historic walls or a boat trip along the River Dee. The Cathedral provides a stunning backdrop to this majestic city, and there is even a Falconry just behind it. There are plenty of independent shops/cafes, and of course the Grosvenor Hotel with its Michelin starred restaurant - treat yourself to chef Simon Radley's incredible cooking!
Food scene
Incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike, this highly-regarded Inn has 2 AA Rossettes for food, and features in the Michelin Guide. Chef Grant Mulholland has won many accolades over the years and you won't be disappointed! Do book ahead. It is a treat for wine buffs, as the wine list is one of the best you could wish to find in any restaurant. Menu changes daily and sourced as locally as possible. The drive from Oswestry is VERY rural, and you may even think you're on the wrong road if you're new to the Ceiriog Valley, but you're not... it's 8 miles of stunning scenery through the Ceiriog Valley - take in the views, have an amazing lunch - then tootle back home again. They're also lovely with kids. Perfect!
26 locals recommend
The Hand at Llanarmon
Incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike, this highly-regarded Inn has 2 AA Rossettes for food, and features in the Michelin Guide. Chef Grant Mulholland has won many accolades over the years and you won't be disappointed! Do book ahead. It is a treat for wine buffs, as the wine list is one of the best you could wish to find in any restaurant. Menu changes daily and sourced as locally as possible. The drive from Oswestry is VERY rural, and you may even think you're on the wrong road if you're new to the Ceiriog Valley, but you're not... it's 8 miles of stunning scenery through the Ceiriog Valley - take in the views, have an amazing lunch - then tootle back home again. They're also lovely with kids. Perfect!
Beautiful pub with great food. If you are visiting the Shrewsbury area, make this a stop off on your way to Oswestry. After eating you can pop opposite (you don't even need to repark the car!) and walk up the Nescliffe Hill to visit Kynaston's Cave. This was reputedly Dick Turpin's hangout above the highway, where legend says he would wait above the road to hold-up unsuspecting travellers. Given the speed of cars on the A5 these days, he would probably need to consider a change in career...!
6 locals recommend
The Old Three Pigeons
Beautiful pub with great food. If you are visiting the Shrewsbury area, make this a stop off on your way to Oswestry. After eating you can pop opposite (you don't even need to repark the car!) and walk up the Nescliffe Hill to visit Kynaston's Cave. This was reputedly Dick Turpin's hangout above the highway, where legend says he would wait above the road to hold-up unsuspecting travellers. Given the speed of cars on the A5 these days, he would probably need to consider a change in career...!
A Brunning and Price pub (if you know the chain) which is a great stop-off on the way home from Wrexham. Good food and lovely surroundings.
16 locals recommend
Pant-yr-Ochain
Old Wrexham RoadA Brunning and Price pub (if you know the chain) which is a great stop-off on the way home from Wrexham. Good food and lovely surroundings.
Recently fully refurbished this beautiful pub/restaurant is situated on the bank of the River Dee. It's a lovely place to sit by the river on a sunny evening. It's just south-east of Wrexham, but worth a drive out or you can incorporate a visit if coming from that direction!
31 locals recommend
The Boat Inn
Recently fully refurbished this beautiful pub/restaurant is situated on the bank of the River Dee. It's a lovely place to sit by the river on a sunny evening. It's just south-east of Wrexham, but worth a drive out or you can incorporate a visit if coming from that direction!
The Cross Foxes
Lepones Italian Restaurant
18A Oswald RdFamily run Italian restaurant in the heart of Oswestry.
By far the best local curry house - and owner George is something of a local hero. Best of all, they deliver!
7 locals recommend
Simla Tandoori Restaurant
42 Beatrice StreetBy far the best local curry house - and owner George is something of a local hero. Best of all, they deliver!
Family run restaurant just a few miles from Oswestry, lovely food with great views if you sit at the front of the building. Popular for Sunday lunches - so booking ahead is advised.
9 locals recommend
Sweeney Hall
Family run restaurant just a few miles from Oswestry, lovely food with great views if you sit at the front of the building. Popular for Sunday lunches - so booking ahead is advised.