North Shropshire Tourism - a complete guide to the North of the Shropshire county

Market Towns

North Shropshire has four market towns, Ellesmere, Market Drayton, Whitchurch and Wem, all of which still hold a weekly market and are well worth a visit.

Ellesmere

Ellesmere is an ancient settlement beside the lake or mere that bears its name (or is it the other way round?); Of course, the facilities are now a little more sophisticated and Ellesmere has since grown into a pretty market town with medieval streets, Georgian houses and half-timbered buildings, as well as a wide variety of shops selling everything from antiques and gifts to exotic foods. There are regular festivals, antique markets and events to amuse you, including the Ellesmere Triathlon, where competitors brave the cold waters of the Mere.

Market Drayton

Market Drayton, the largest of the market towns, was once home to the terrifying teenager Clive of India and now famous for its gingerbread. It is also famed, for its market, which has been running continuously for some 39,520 Wednesdays (or over 750 years and still going strong!). The Shropshire Union canal passes just a few 100 yards from the town centre, it gives boaters a chance to moor up, explore the town and stock up on supplies. Two of North Shropshire’s gardens surround Market Drayton, you can gaze at the waterfall in the Dorothy Clive Garden or pinch ideas from the modern knot garden at Wollerton Old Hall.

Oswestry

Oswestry's roots are lost in the mists of time, but probably result from Welsh sheep farmers and Shropshire traders putting aside ealier difficulties in favour of commerce. The town is still a focal point for shoppers from both sides of the border and internatinal smuggling of luxury goods is positively encouraged.

Around the town lie many magnificent fortifications. Whittington Castle comes complete with moat, swans tea rooms and good cakes. A wander to welshpool brings you to Powis Castle, home to the stunning Clive of India treasure and containing Prince Charles' favourite gardens.

Whitchurch

Whitchurch is the oldest continually-inhabited settlement in Shropshire , where they make very big clocks indeed. Their Heritage and Craft Centre allows you to spend time with Joyce the clock makers, the Romans, and local artist Radolf Caldecolt. Afterwards, perhaps a walk is called for; in which case, the Jubilee Park is the starting point for five long distance walking routes, including our own Shropshire Way . This will take you to the Llangollen Canal and a superb flight of staircase locks at Grindley Brook , about a mile out of town.

Wem

Wem is famous for its women, its sweet peas (they were invented in Wem) and its Treacle Mines. Our Heritage and Craft Centre allows you to spend time with Joyce, the Romans, and much else besides. Afterwards, perhaps a walk is called for; in which case, the Jubilee Park is the starting point for five long distance walking routes, including our own Shropshire Way. This will take you to the Llangollen Canal and a superb flight of staircase locks at Grindley Brook, about a mile out of town.