Tourism group urges visitors to explore their local towns
A Shropshire tourism group has launched two new leaflets in a bid to encourage people to be local tourists in their market town.
Visit Oswestry, run by Oswestry Borderland Tourism, is now urging people to step out and enjoy their local area as the Government roadmap eases travel restrictions.
The tourism organisation, run by staff and a team of volunteers, wants people to “be a local tourist” and appreciate the local area.
Both guides include new photos by Graham Mitchell and a map of Oswestry town centre which will guide residents and visitors around the town to show off the hidden gems from the town’s past.
Karen Pringle, from the Tourist Information Centre in Oswestry said: “As we are now allowed to meet with more people and go out a bit more, we thought it would be the perfect time for local people to have a look at their own town and enjoy seeing glimpses of Oswestry’s past that they might not know about.
“It’s surprising how many local people have never climbed up Castle Mound or walked up to Oswald’s Well.
“The maps are going to be easy to find as we are installing map dispensers at key points around town and you will be able to get a copy of the trail from The Tourist Information Centre at Castle View or download or order a copy online from visitoswestry.co.uk”
The organisation wants people to “shop local, eat local, stay local and explore local before enjoying the freedom to travel further afield”
Lee Lucks, Visit Oswestry Chairman said many people have started to appreciate what they have on their own doorsteps and they have embraced the opportunity to find out more. She said the businesses across the market town now needed their support more than ever as restrictions are eased.
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“The maps are just a small part of the new promotion that we will be doing over the summer to bring more visitors to Oswestry and the Borderlands.
“Working with Oswestry Business Improvement District and Oswestry Town Council and with funding from the Marches LEP Small Towns Fund, we have not only produced 65,000 copies of the maps which will be distributed throughout Shropshire and around the rest of the UK but also updated the town map boards, installed map dispensers and had the town signposts and bollards repainted.
“We want to do everything we can to ensure both local people and visitors from further afield get to know and enjoy this lovely area.”
Oswestry Borderland Tourism is a not for profit organisation, which works to promote Oswestry and the Borderlands as one of the most desirable UK destinations, providing a welcoming and memorable visitor experience that reflects the area’s historic, cultural and natural heritage.
The membership is made up of businesses and organisations which offer accommodation, staycations, dining, shopping, events and attractions.
It’s time to spring back into action
Summery weather has arrived early this year and with lockdown easing up in England soon, there will soon be opportunities for people to enjoy outdoor dining again.
One of the venues preparing for a return to al fresco eating is the Goldstone Hall Hotel and gardens, near Market Drayton.
The hotel’s Royal Horticultural Society-partnered (RHS) kitchen gardens will be available to dine in from April 17.
Hotel owner John Cushing said: “Those visiting can enjoy our five-acre, award-winning RHS partner garden including one-acre productive kitchen garden with fragrant herbal walkway.
“Into summer when dining outside, the rose terrace which overlooks the formal rose garden with boxed hedges adds to the sense of place and includes a mix of varieties.”
For more details about visiting the hotel, see goldstonehallhotel.co.uk
