Oswestry was once a vital frontier town between England and Wales. It has charming medieval buildings and an interesting mix of independent shops.
Battlefield 1403 is a new attraction telling the story of the battle of Shrewsbury – one of the bloodiest conflicts on British soil.
The castle at Whittington has been restored by the local community and hosts historical re-enactments in the summer.
Music lovers can enjoy the annual Eisteddfod at Llangollen during July. Park Hall Countryside Experience is a 130-acre farm and includes a Victorian farmhouse and schoolroom – complete with teacher.
Llanymynech Heritage Area includes a nature reserve with peregrine falcons and wild orchids. A Hoffman kiln, originally for creating quicklime, is accessible to walkers.
There are at least five heritage railways in the area, including Cambrian Heritage Railway, Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, Severn Valley Railway and Llangollen Railway.
There are views over nine counties from the castle at Chirk, one of four properties in the area managed by the National Trust.
The county town of Shrewsbury has many Tudor buildings and independent shops. Events hosted include the 100-day Summer Festival, April’s Cartoon Festival and the Flower Festival every August.
Offa’s Dyke earthwork was constructed in the eighth century to mark the Welsh border. Today it is part of a National Trail for walkers.
Pistyll Rhaedr Falls are considered one of the seven wonders of Wales.
Chirk is also home to one of two aqueducts built by engineer Thomas Telford. The other is at Pontcysyllte – known as ‘the Stream in the Sky’.

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