Oswestry and surrounding area

Oswestry is an ancient market town located in the north of Shropshire close to the English-Welsh border, with excellent economic and transport links to both Shrewsbury and cross-county to Welshpool, Wrexham, and Chester, and to the regional cities of Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. The origins of the town are uncertain, although the town’s market dates back to 1190. Historically, Oswestry has also been an important coal mining area, with the large Ifton colliery closing in 1968. 

The area is steeped in ancient history, with one of the best-preserved Iron Age hill forts in the country, as well as the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, a UNESCO world heritage site. There is also a variety of industrial heritage and community attractions and assets, including the Cambrian Heritage Railway, Montgomery Canal, and Llanymynech Heritage Site. Most of Oswestry town centre has been designated as a conservation area, conveying a mixture of architectural styles. There are many old timber framed houses, for example Llywd Mansion on Cross Street, the Heritage Centre, the Blackgate, the Fox Inn and the shops along Beatrice Street. Georgian architecture is also represented, particularly around St Oswald's Church, where there are a number of imposing town houses. The town also has a significant Victorian legacy, and many of the shop fronts and facades, terraced houses, churches and railway buildings reflect this period. There are further conservation areas nearby at Whittington Castle, Pant Glas and Brogyntyn.  

Oswestry still functions as a market town, with its indoor and outdoor markets hosting events throughout the year, and a nearby livestock market which preserves the town’s agricultural links. Oswestry is a good base for walking, with the Wilfred Owen trail enabling walkers to find out more about the famous war poet’s childhood in Oswestry. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking or biking along the Offa’s Dyke Path. 

Place plans were developed to include a main centre (often a market town) and its surrounding smaller towns, villages and rural hinterland. These areas are recognised in the local plan as functioning geographical areas, with strong linkages to and from the main town and the wider area.

For up-to-date area profile and census information, please take a look at our Oswestry profile.

The Oswestry and Surrounding Area Place Plan covers the area identified on the map on this page. It summarises and prioritises the local infrastructure needs which are required to support the sustainable development of the area, and identifies the wider investment needs to assist delivery of the community’s vision and aspirations.

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Data and information review