There is a charming market town located not far from Birmingham that is offering Bank Holiday beach vibes this weekend. Oswestry, situated in Shropshire, is described as a 'melting pot' thanks to its bustling street markets, independent shops, and cozy cafes. The town is also home to the Cambrian Heritage Railways, an Iron Age hill fort, and the British Ironworks Centre, which features a sculpture park and is ideal for children.
Free Man-Made Beach in Festival Square
This weekend, on Saturday May 23 and Sunday May 24, Oswestry is hosting a free man-made beach in Festival Square. This event is a fantastic way to kick off the May half term. There is something for the entire family, with plenty of boutiques, bookshops, and antique emporiums to explore after relaxing in a deckchair or playing in the sand.
Shopping and Dining Highlights
Visit Pickles of Oswestry and Cat World for unusual gifts, Booka and Siop Cwlwm for books, Under One Roof for gift ideas, and Meraki Colour for arts and crafts supplies. Make sure to leave time for a browse around Cambrian House Emporium for antiques, which has a coffee shop upstairs. For refreshments, alongside ice cream at the beach, consider Niche Patisserie, run by a mother and son in a pretty black and white Tudor building, the Courtyard Eatery for al fresco lunch, or the dog-friendly Old Coffee Pot. Shrooma offers chai lattes, the Ironworks has its own Forge Cafe, and The Bailey Head is recognized as one of the best pubs in the UK by CAMRA.
Accommodation Options
Why not make it a weekend getaway? Stay overnight at Little Barn in nearby Trefonen, which boasts a hidden garden and a private courtyard to enjoy the sunset. Alternatively, The Wynnstead Annexe is just four miles from Oswestry in the rural area of Queen's Head, offering an open-plan living area and a private patio. There are also lovely walks along the nearby Montgomery Canal.
Getting to Oswestry from Birmingham
It takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes to drive from Birmingham to Oswestry via the M54 and A5, traffic permitting. Alternatively, you can take a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Gobowen, which takes around one hour and 20 minutes. Oswestry is just three miles from the station.
