Cae Glas Park

The bandstand in Cae Glas Park, Oswestry — Wikimedia Commons / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

The Park

Cae Glas Park — the name means Green Field in Welsh — is Oswestry’s principal public park, covering approximately 28 acres on the north-western edge of the town centre. It is freely accessible and open at all times. The park provides the kind of open green space that is essential to a market town: somewhere to walk, sit, kick a ball, and simply be outside. On a summer afternoon, with the Shropshire hills visible on the horizon, Cae Glas is one of the most pleasant spots in north Shropshire.

The park was established in the early 20th century and has been maintained and gradually improved since. Its gentle topography — largely flat with some undulating ground toward the Candy Woods — makes it accessible for all ages and abilities. The mix of formal garden areas, open grass, and wooded edges gives it more variety than its size might suggest.

Facilities & Sports

The park contains a range of facilities for active use. A children’s playground with modern equipment is well used by families from across the town. Tennis courts are available for public play, with equipment hire from the park office. A bowling green is maintained for the local bowling club and available for visitors during appropriate hours. Open grass areas accommodate informal football, picnics, and general recreation.

The Cae Glas Park Café provides refreshments during the park’s busy season, making it a practical base for a few hours in the open air. Public toilets are maintained within the park. The park is managed by Oswestry Borough Council and kept in generally good condition throughout the year, though the main season from spring through autumn sees it at its best.

The War Memorial Garden

Within Cae Glas Park stands the War Memorial to the men of Oswestry who fell in the First and Second World Wars. The memorial is the focus for the town’s Remembrance Sunday service each November — a ceremony given additional resonance by Oswestry’s connection to Wilfred Owen, the First World War poet born in the town in 1893. The memorial garden is maintained with formal planting and provides a quiet, reflective space within the larger park.

Candy Woods & Racecourse Common

The northern edge of Cae Glas Park adjoins Candy Woods, a small area of broadleaved woodland that provides an extension to the park walking area and a habitat for woodland birds. Beyond the woods, Racecourse Common — an open heathland area on the south-western fringe of Old Oswestry Hill Fort — is accessible on foot. The combination of park, woodland, and common gives Oswestry a connected network of green space that reaches from the town centre to the Iron Age earthworks of Old Oswestry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cae Glas Park free to enter?

Yes. Cae Glas Park is freely accessible to the public at all times with no admission charge.

Are dogs allowed in Cae Glas Park?

Yes. Dogs are welcome in Cae Glas Park and in the adjacent Candy Woods. Dogs should be kept on leads near the children's play areas and on leads or under close control throughout.

Where is Cae Glas Park?

Cae Glas Park is on Beatrice Street, a short walk north-west from Oswestry town centre. From the Bailey Head market area, follow Welsh Walls north-west for approximately 10 minutes on foot.

Does Cae Glas Park have parking?

Yes. There is car parking on Beatrice Street adjacent to the park. Town centre car parks on Leg Street and English Walls are also within easy walking distance.