Old Oswestry Hillfort
An ancient Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts, offering stunning views and a rich history spanning nearly 3,000 years.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere
Old Oswestry Hillfort
Best Time
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An ancient Iron Age hillfort with multiple ramparts, offering stunning views and a rich history spanning nearly 3,000 years.
"Enormous and quite incredible that it's survived from when it was built nearly 3,000 years ago during the Iron Age."
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven and grassy; comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the ramparts.
Bring a Picnic :sandwich:
There are no facilities on-site, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy amidst the historical surroundings.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Multi-Vallate Ramparts
The entire hillfort
Explore the impressive, well-preserved Iron Age earthworks with multiple defensive ramparts.
Wilfred Owen's Training Ground
Various points on the hill
Discover the site where WWI poet Wilfred Owen completed his army training, adding a poignant layer of history.
Panoramic Shropshire Views
Summit of the hillfort
Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding Shropshire countryside and the town of Oswestry.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven and grassy; comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the ramparts.
Bring a Picnic :sandwich:
There are no facilities on-site, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy amidst the historical surroundings.
Read the Info Boards :memo:
Excellent information boards explain the hillfort's history and significance, enhancing your visit.
Keep Gates Closed :sheep:
The hill is used for grazing sheep; always ensure gates are securely closed behind you.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Sturdy Footwear :athletic_shoe:
The terrain can be uneven and grassy; comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring the ramparts.
Bring a Picnic :sandwich:
There are no facilities on-site, so pack snacks and drinks to enjoy amidst the historical surroundings.
Read the Info Boards :memo:
Excellent information boards explain the hillfort's history and significance, enhancing your visit.
Keep Gates Closed :sheep:
The hill is used for grazing sheep; always ensure gates are securely closed behind you.
Embrace the Scale :camera_with_flash:
The true grandeur of the hillfort is best appreciated by walking its perimeter. Capture stunning photos from various vantage points.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Old Oswestry Hillfort to be an incredibly significant historical site, marveling at its preservation from the Iron Age. The expansive ramparts and panoramic views are frequently praised, offering a great spot for walks and picnics. Some note that the historical features can be obscured by bracken, and facilities are minimal, requiring visitors to come prepared.
"Enormous and quite incredible that it's survived from when it was built nearly 3,000 years ago during the Iron Age 800BC to 43AD. It's difficult to appreciate from ground level but there are excellent information boards to help you have an idea of life in it. Much of this comes from excavations in 1939. There's a small car park right next to the entrance. It would certainly take well over 30 minutes to walk all around it but worthwhile even just for the fine views. An extra interesting fact is that the locally born great WWI poet Wilfred Owen completed his army training here and as trenches were dug and explosives used, that has affected the features a little."
Nuts
"A well used walking spot with interesting history. We used it as a nice spot to eat a packed lunch and didn't do the full walk around, but still found it interesting to see and take in. There is a small 'car park' by the entrance. We were the only people parked there but would only fit 5 - 6 vehicles. Requires a short drive on a single track road to reach if visiting by car."
Flora Stanbridge
"A historically significant hill fort in use for over 1000 years from the iron age onwards. Unfortunately, from a visitor perspective there is little to see or distinguish it from many other hills in the area besides the history. One really for completionists or fans of black sheep !"
Mike K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The hillfort is accessible via a narrow country lane connecting to Oswestry. There's a small car park at the main entrance, typically fitting 4-6 vehicles. Be aware that the lane can be tight, and the car park can get busy in good weather.
While Oswestry town is served by public transport, reaching the hillfort directly via bus might be challenging. It's often best combined with a car journey or a longer walk from the town center.
Look for the small car park situated at the main entrance gate. Information boards are usually visible near the parking area, guiding you to the start of the walking paths.
Cycling is a great way to explore the area. You can cycle to the hillfort, and there are paths suitable for cycling, though be mindful of other visitors and the terrain.
Yes, there is a small car park at the main entrance, sufficient for about 4-5 cars. It can fill up quickly on sunny days.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Old Oswestry Hillfort is a free-to-access historical site. You can explore its grounds and ramparts without any admission fee.
The hillfort is open to the public at all times, as it's an outdoor historical landscape. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and visibility.
There is no entrance fee to visit Old Oswestry Hillfort. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the lack of lighting. Daylight hours are best for appreciating the site and its views.
The main restriction is to respect the historical nature of the site and the fact that it's used for grazing. Always keep gates closed and avoid disturbing the landscape.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
You can explore the impressive Iron Age ramparts, learn about its history from information boards, enjoy panoramic views of Shropshire, and walk the extensive grounds. It's a great spot for exercise and dog walking.
A full walk around the hillfort can take well over 30 minutes, depending on your pace and how much you stop to admire the views and read the information boards.
Yes, children can enjoy exploring the open spaces and imagining life in ancient times. The walking paths are generally accessible, but supervision is advised due to the terrain.
Dogs are welcome at Old Oswestry Hillfort, but they must be kept under control, especially as the site is used for sheep grazing. Ensure you close gates behind you.
No, there are no facilities such as toilets or cafes on-site. It's advisable to use facilities in Oswestry before your visit and bring any refreshments you might need.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers panoramic views, while the ramparts themselves provide dramatic perspectives. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the landscape's texture and depth.
Drone photography can capture the impressive scale of the multi-vallate ramparts. Always check local regulations and fly responsibly, respecting the historical and natural environment.
Expect to capture sweeping landscapes, historical earthworks, and potentially wildlife. The changing seasons also offer diverse photographic opportunities.
You can photograph the areas where Wilfred Owen trained, imagining the historical context. The sheer scale of the Iron Age defenses is also a key photographic subject.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, provides the most flattering light for landscape and historical photography, highlighting the contours of the ramparts.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The accessible paths make it manageable for younger legs, though sturdy footwear is recommended. The information boards provide engaging snippets of history that can spark curiosity, and the panoramic views offer a great spot for a family picnic.🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
The historical context, from Iron Age defenses to WWI training grounds, provides a rich backdrop for contemplation. The stunning views offer moments of tranquility, making it an ideal spot for a solo date with nature and history.🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Old Oswestry Hillfort
For nearly a thousand years, this strategically important site served as a defensive settlement, evolving over centuries. Its most striking feature is its 'multi-vallate' design, meaning it boasts multiple concentric ramparts, a testament to sophisticated defensive planning. Excavations in 1939 revealed significant insights into the lives of its inhabitants, uncovering tools and artifacts that paint a picture of daily existence.The hillfort's historical significance extends beyond its Iron Age roots. It later served as a training ground for soldiers during World War I, most notably for the acclaimed poet Wilfred Owen. The digging of trenches and use of explosives during this period have left subtle marks on the landscape, adding another layer to its complex past.
Despite its historical importance, some visitors note that the features can be obscured by overgrown bracken, making it challenging to fully appreciate the ramparts from ground level without the aid of information boards.
Exploring the Landscape: Walking and Views
The reward for your exploration is the stunning panoramic view of the Shropshire countryside. From the summit, you can gaze out over the rolling hills and the nearby town of Oswestry, offering a sense of peace and perspective.
The landscape is actively used for grazing by local farmers, with sheep often seen on the hillsides, so visitors are reminded to keep all gates securely closed to prevent them from straying.While the natural beauty and historical significance are undeniable, some visitors mention that the site can become overgrown with bracken, which can sometimes hide the subtle contours of the ramparts.
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