What better place to start than in Oswestry itself, with its own Castle Mound. True, its splendour has long disappeared but survey the view and you will understand the strategic importance of this border town.
Leave town, past the ancient Hill Fort of Old Oswestry, and head to Whittington, a quintessential English village, the centre of which is the recently refurbished castle, complete with moat and fairy tale legend. The only castle in England which is community run
Then there are four National Trust properties to view. Chirk Castle, a Marcher fortress of impressive severity had until recently, been lived in for centuries by the Myddleton family, so you can experience the stark contrast of a family home against the grimness of the dungeons!
Not far away is Erddig Hall, a real ‘Upstairs Downstairs’ house, recently voted Britain’s second finest stately home in the Channel Five series ‘Britain’s Finest’. Visit here and you will see a unique family home that has captured the way of life of a bustling household community during the early years of the last century.
Further down our Welsh border there is a castle that houses a treasure trove. Powis Castle is another mighty Marcher stronghold which developed from a medieval Welsh castle into a truly great country house. Discover how the Powis dynasty lived in sumptuous style, and marvel at the treasures brought back from India in the Clive Museum. And don’t forget the garden, with its soaring terraces, unique lead statues and landscaped avenues and walks.
Last, but not least, a day out to the ancient town of Shrewsbury can include a visit to Attingham Park, a house which reflects Regency splendour, with richly furnished rooms surrounded by a deer park. Costumed guides bring Attingham’s colourful history to life, revealing the delicate elegance of the period, with collections of ambassadorial silver, Italian furniture and Grand Tour paintings.
Living on the edge has its advantages. Discover the rich heritage of Oswestry and the Borderlands - where Shropshire meets Wales.
