Oswestry, located along the English - Welsh border, maintains its historical function as a shopping center and market area for North Shropshire and Mid Wales. Steeped in history, Oswestry's first school, built in 1407, now serves as a Heritage Center. The city portrays its Victorian Legacy in its shop fronts and facades.

Oswestry has an enchanting past. The surrounding countryside is full of myths, legends and treasures. Just across the Welsh border is the highest water fall in England and Wales known as Llanrhaeadr Waterfall. However, for historical and architectural lovers, Oswestry offers four castles within twenty miles of the town.

Castle Bank, located in Oswestry Centry, is the remains of the castle that was meant to defend the town. This castle historically defended the Welsh border during the Norman defense. Located in the center of town, this castle has a spectacular view of the city.

Whittington Castle is 3 miles from Oswestry. It is a mooted castle built in the 12th century. The remains of a Norman home, this castle offers year-round tours. The tour provides history, tales of border warfare and legend. Set on 12 acres, the castle is owned by the local community.

Chirk Castle was built by Edward I 700 years ago. It is 7 miles from Oswestry, close to the Welsh border. For the past 400 years, the castle has been occupied by the Myddelton family. This fact makes it the last Edward I Welsh lived-in castle. Besides 700 years of history, Chirk Castle has award-winning gardens that offer amazing views of the Shropshire plains.

The Powis Castle near Welshpool is 18 miles from Oswestry. Containing a world-class garden, this castle was built by Welsh princes. The beautiful gardens feature Italianate Terraces. The present day home of the Earls of Powis, the Herberts & Clives, holds the largest collection of paintings and furniture in the area. The Clive Museum contains a collection of Indian treasures.