Being a historic Shropshire market town, Oswestry is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy browsing traditional markets and discovering unique independent shops. The town has a strong shopping heritage, and today it remains one of the best places in Shropshire to find everything from artisan goods to local produce. If you’re planning a visit, one of the top things to do in Oswestry is to come on a market day. The lively markets are held on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, when the town centre comes alive with stalls offering fresh food, handmade crafts, clothing, antiques, and much more. Take time to wander through both the outdoor street market and the indoor market hall before setting off to explore the many specialist shops dotted around the town.
Start your shopping journey at Booka, an award-winning independent bookshop loved by locals and visitors alike, or pop into Upstairs Downstairs, a delightful kitchen and homeware store. Antique hunters will also find plenty of treasures in Oswestry’s antiques emporium and don’t miss the antique fairs at Oswestry Showground. For more inspiration, stop by the Tourist Information Centre, where you’ll find a selection of locally made crafts, gifts, and information about the area.
Food and drink lovers won’t want to miss the chance to take home a taste of Oswestry. Sample traditional real ale from Stonehouse Brewery or treat yourself to a bottle of award-winning gin from Henstone Distillery, both of which capture the spirit of Shropshire in a glass.
Just outside the town, one of the best attractions in Shropshire awaits – The British Ironwork Centre. Famous for its impressive sculptures and creative metalwork, it’s also a fantastic place to shop for beautifully crafted iron gifts that you won’t find anywhere else.