Oswestry is an ancient, market town in north west Shropshire, close to the Welsh border, and is the birthplace of the much-lauded World War One poet, Wilfred Owen.
During the summer, many visitors come to the spectacular annual August Oswestry hot air balloon carnival or takeover Food and Drink festival in July, spilling over into street market stalls, showcasing the best artisan food and drink from all over Shropshire and North Wales.
For locals and visitors alike though Oswestry is synonymous with award-winning markets, with the original markets dating back 800 years. The Wednesday and Saturday Outdoor Street Market was honoured with a recent prestigious award from The British Mark Awards 2022, the judges were impressed with the eclectic range of wares from fishmongers, delicatessens to fashion and haberdashery. During the current cost-of-living crisis, locals can purchase locally sourced, sustainable farming produce, keeping shopping costs down and support greener food miles.
The Artisan Market is on the social calendar for all local foodies: held on the last Friday of the month. Local traders retail pies, catering for vegans, vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, alongside a wide selection of fresh cured meat, tapas and delicious pastries.
The Indoor Market on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays is perfect on rainy, colder days, where you can browse to your heart’s content. With over 40 independent businesses, there is something for everyone. When you’ve shopped ‘til you drop, you can settle down in a cosy inside café or choose from a range of mouth-watering street food treats.
Oswestry Markets pride themselves on being inclusive, with full wheelchair access throughout: ramps and low curbs allowing accessibility. Dogs are welcome, bring your four-legged friends on your shopping trip today.
The British are a nation of shoppers and Oswestry’s markets are perfect for a weekly farm shop, gift shopping or a curious browsing of vinyl, books and jewellery.
As we head towards Spring, Cae Glas Park is well worth a visit, after a busy time shopping. It is a site of outstanding beauty and won a Gold in the Heart of England Award in 2022. With designated areas of spring and summer bedding, visit seasonally blooming flowers, the pavilion or traditional bandstand. For steam enthusiasts, there is the Cambrian heritage Railways, operating between Oswestry and Weston Wharf.
For more information, and to plan your visit today, please visit: