Oswestry is known for its indie bookshops, friendly pubs and award-winning black-and-white patisserieThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Croissants at Niche Patisserie in Oswestry
There’s a pretty market town less than 90 minutes from Birmingham that is steeped in history, blending the ‘best of England and Wales’.
The ‘melting pot’ town of Oswestry is known for its independent shops, friendly cafes and thriving street markets.
Be sure to visit Niche Patisserie, a bakery set in a black and white Tudor building where you can watch the mother-and-son team Adam and Samantha Cleal at work making Viennoiserie, pâtisserie and afternoon teas.
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Set on the edge of Wales, this Shropshire town boasts an Iron Age hill fort, hot air balloon carnivals and free food and drink festivals. It is also home to Cambrian Heritage Railways and the British Ironworks Centre, which has its own sculpture park and is great for kids.
A spokesman for Visit Shropshire said: “Nestled beside the Welsh border in northwest Shropshire, Oswestry is a thriving market town that blends the best of England and Wales.
“It’s a true melting pot, where ancient history and industrial heritage live on beside eclectic markets, indie bookshops and friendly cafes.
“Be inspired by the Old Oswestry Hillfort – or just slow down and soak up the beauty of Cae Glas Park.”
The ‘lively market’ in OswestryIndependent shopping in Oswestry
- Cambrian House Emporium for antiques and a coffee shop upstairs
- Pickles of Oswestry for unusual gifts
- Siop Cwlwm for books
- Cat World for unusual gifts
- Out of Town for ladies clothes
- Earthlink and Good Vibrations for gifts
- Meraki Colour for arts and crafts supplies
- Booka Bookshop for books
- Under One Roof for gifts
- Upstairs Downstairs for kitchen supplies
Places to eat and drink in Oswestry
- The Old Coffee Pot – dog friendly cafe
- Shrooma for chai lattes
- Niche Patisserie run by a former Bake Off: The Professionals contestant Adam Cleal and his mum Samantha who has just won an award for customer service
- The Courtyard Eatery – pretty little cafe with courtyard
- Aroma Cafe Bar
- Old School House restaurant and wine bar
- Oak Inn traditional pub
- The Bailey Head – said to be one of the four best pubs in the UK, according to CAMRA
- The Griffin Inn
- The Plough for live music
- The Forge Cafe at the British Ironworks Centre
The Forge Cafe at the British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry(Image: British Ironworks Centre)Places to stay in Oswestry
You could make a weekend of it and stay at The Wynnstead Annexe in the rural area of Queen’s Head, four miles from Oswestry. It has an open plan living area and a private patio. There are lovely walks to be had along the nearby Montgomery Canal.
Or you could try Little Barn in nearby Trefonen, which has a private courtyard to enjoy the sunset and a ‘hidden garden’.
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How to get to Oswestry from Birmingham
It takes around an hour and 20 minutes to get to Oswestry from Birmingham, traffic permitting, via the M54 and the A5.
Alternatively, you can catch a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Gobewen in around an hour and 20 minutes. Oswestry is just three miles from the station.