Places of interest:
Oswestry
Oswestry is an ancient market town located on the English/Welsh border, nestled in the foothills of the Welsh hills. Its position as a frontier town has given it a turbulent history.
This history is still visible in the encircling English and Welsh town walls and the foundations of the castle, which date back to 1086 and the town’s market which dates from 1190. The name ‘Oswestry’ is thought to be a corruption of ‘Oswald’s Tree’ or ‘Oswald’s Cross’, after the king of Northumberland who was killed in battle by the king of Mercia near Oswestry in 641AD. Most of the town centre is a designated conservation area.
There are lots of historically interesting buildings including the timber framed Llwyd Mansion, the Cambrian railway museum and St Oswald’s Church. Oswestry’s first school founded in 1407 is now the heritage and visitor information centre. The cycle routes in this leaflet start here.
There is a wide choice of places to eat, drink and stay as well as some great shops. The Cae Glas Park is beautiful to walk through when the flowers are in bloom.
Oswestry Old Racecourse
Enjoy the view of the old racecourse from the seat by the roadside topograph. Now a popular walking spot and wildlife haven, the racecourse was used until the mid 1800s.
Offa’s Dyke
Offa’s Dyke, named after King Offa, the ruler of Mercia, is a linear earthwork which roughly follows the Welsh/English border dating from the 8th century. The rampart is well preserved in this area and can clearly be seen in the fields on both sides.
Selattyn
Selattyn is an old hill settlement. The Cross Keys, a traditional inn serving real ale (closed lunchtimes), is one of the oldest buildings. The attractive St Mary’s Church has undergone successive restorations and alterations since the Middle Ages but retains a 14th century carved barrel roof.
