TO MARK International Tourism Day, the Advertizer has taken a look at the top five places for tourists to visit in Oswestry, according to TripAdvisor.

With travel restricted to many countries in line with Covid-19 regulations, people have been swapping their annual trips to attractions overseas, for some time exploring areas closer to home.

Despite not having the excitement of hopping on a plane to reach your destination, Shropshire and North Wales is home to many attractions and boasts plenty of natural beauty.

So ahead of International Tourism Day on Sunday, September 27, here are the top five attractions in the region.

1 – Shropshire Sculpture Park

ACCORDING to TripAdvisor, the Shropshire Sculpture Park, based at the British Ironwork Centre, is ranked as the best place to visit in the area.

It displays a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, with more than 2,750 reviews.

The sculpture park was named as a winner of the Travellers’ Choice Award earlier this year.

It is lauded by visitors as a great place to visit as a family, and particularly for those who enjoy admiring the work of talented artists.

And it is made all the more enjoyable with free entry!

2 – Park Hall the Countryside Experience

ANOTHER Travellers’ Choice Award winner, the Park Hall Countryside Experience is a good place for the family to get close to farm animals and offers a lot of adventurous fun for children.

One reviewer said: “We precooked tickets online last minute as a family of six. So pleased we did!

“The unique thing about this family attraction is you can genuinely spend all day here rather than a few hours.”

3 – Cae Glas Park

ONE of the most attractive green spaces in the region is the award-winning Cae Glas Park, situated in the heart of Oswestry.

The award-winning park is perfect for visitors who appreciate floral art and enjoy spending time outdoors.

As well as the well-kept flower arrangements, there is a children’s play area, mini golf and some historic monuments.

4 – Lake Vyrnwy

A TRIP to Lake Vyrnwy in Mid-Wales is well-worth the journey with stunning views and plenty of places to walk.

The picturesque landscape is perfect for photographers, while the nearby mountain trails are popular among keen hikers.

One reviewer said: “It is lovely area to visit with plenty of walking and cycling tracks in an area which has outstanding beauty mixed with the marvels of engineering which are a necessity.”

5 – Cambrian Heritage Railway

THIS place provides the ideal visit for railfans and history enthusiasts.

Another attraction situated in central Oswestry which has received plenty of praise from visitors.

The museum gives plenty of information about the history of the now defunct railway.

However, the work of volunteers means the tracks could soon have trains up-and-running on them again.