You will have to search hard to find a prettier town than Ludlow. With its ancient castle, black and white houses and a wide choice of cottages to rent, the Shropshire town makes the perfect holiday destination. Every bit as popular with locals as it is with visitors, Ludlow embraces everything that is wonderful about the Welsh Marches with lovely shops to browse, fine dining restaurants and a calendar packed with events and festivals, from Ludlow Magnaalonga in the spring, to the magical Medieval Christmas Fayre at the end of the year. With so many reasons to visit this beautiful town, we have shared our top 5 with you below. Read more
This charming Mews holiday cottage is a stone's throw from the River Teme and within an easy walk of Ludlow castle, pubs, superb restaurants, shops and other amenities. It sleeps four people in two bedrooms and has no passing traffic, and it is perfect for a relaxing escape for couples, friends or small families. There's always something to see or do in Ludlow and, with the Welsh Marches on the doorstep, guests have a wide variety of places to walk, cycle and mountain bike. Guests of 2 The Vineyard rave about its comfort and location, with many returning to enjoy its hospitality more than once. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Tucked away in a secluded position close to the river banks, this characterful holiday cottage provides a cosy retreat just for two. With a log burner, heaps of character, fantastic walks (direct access onto Offas Dyke) and glorious Shropshire countryside all around, Mill Stream Cottage provides all the right ingredients to relax and unwind. Just three miles from Clun. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A comfortable holiday home with lots of original character in a quiet position in the very heart of wonderful Ludlow with its fine dining restaurants. A prime location, perfect for exploring Shropshire and its beautiful countryside, along with the many attractions of the Welsh Marches.
An enchanting self catering cottage surrounded by farmland providing a cosy country retreat where you can relax and unwind amongst stunning rural scenery. The Miller's Cottage is just three miles from the Shropshire village of Clun and miles of wonderful walks waiting to be explored with Offas Dyke on the doorstep. Plenty of character and a log burner for winter breaks. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
A stylish holiday lodge affording a waterside position alongside the river in a tranquil spot in the village of Clunton within easy reach of Clun and also Ludlow and Shrewsbury. Ash Lodge is an ideal self-catering retreat whether you want to simply relax in a peaceful setting or explore the many attractions of this beautiful part of Shropshire.
An idyllic and cosy coach house providing self-catering holiday accommodation just for two. Beautifully presented and situated in the dramatic and wild scenery of the South Shropshire Hills, the cottage is close to Craven Arms, Clun and within easy reach of Ludlow. Perfect for relaxing, exploring and dog-friendly.
Nestled in beautiful Shropshire countryside just a few miles from the medieval market town of Ludlow, The Old Granary is a wonderful Grade II listed property that sleeps seven guests in four bedrooms. There is lots to do nearby including walking, cycling, fishing, horse riding and golf. Nearby attractions include Ironbridge Gorge, Powis Castle, Hopton Woods and the Shropshire Discovery Centre. Hereford, Malvern and Worcester are an easy drive away so whether you like walking, shopping, eating or all of the above, it is an ideal holiday destination.
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History - Ludlow isn’t merely old; it is wonderfully and inescapably steeped in history, with more than 500 listed buildings spanning 800 years of architecture. The Normans carefully planned the town with narrow lanes winding their way to the centre, leading visitors past black and white timber buildings to the market square and Ludlow’s crowning glory - the magnificent stone Ludlow Castle. The original Norman layout remains, and it is a treat to walk along lanes where people have shopped, chatted and done business for centuries. It is possible to get an idea of the scale of the medieval walls at Broadgate, which is one of seven original gates still standing. The Georgians added an elegant style to many of the original medieval homes and shops, while the Victorians added their stamp with the train station and surrounding buildings. As well as the castle, visitors should put aside time to explore Ludlow Museum and St Laurence’s Church. One way to get the most of your exploration is with the help of a walking guide on a Ludlow Town Tour.
Shopping - Visitors can expect an excellent array of shops to peruse, ranging from butchers to bookbinders. Even better, there is a regular market held every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, an antiques and collectables market every other Sunday, and a farmers’ market every other Thursday.
Food - Ludlow is beloved by gastronomes around the country for the quality of its local produce, which is celebrated every year at three fantastic food-related festivals. Carnivores are in for a treat with the town’s specialist butchers selling locally reared meats and game, while vegetarians and vegans have an excellent choice of eateries including The Olive Tree, which has been serving meat-free meals for 50 years. Just outside of town on the 8,000-acre Oakly Park Estate is the Ludlow Farmshop which is like a mini-supermarket selling Shropshire goodies complete with a bakery and cafe.
Countryside - Once you have explored the town, it is time to get into the countryside, probably on foot or bicycle, but with the opportunity to explore on horseback if you prefer. An excellent walk to warm your legs is the route going to Whitcliffe and Breadwalk, which only takes about 30 minutes but provides beautiful views (and photo opportunities) of the church spire and castle. Long distances footpaths include the Mortimer Trail, Shropshire Way and Offa’s Dyke, while Mortimer Forest, the Malvern Hills and Hopton Woods provide plenty of excitement for mountain bikers. There are six golf courses within half an hour’s radius of the town. Also, the River Teme has free public fishing rights (with the relevant licence) at River Teme at Bread Walk, Ludford Bridge, Steventon, and between the Dinham and Mill Street weirs at The Millennium Green, so there is no reason for anyone not to get outside.
Central Base - The fifth, but far from final, reason to love Ludlow is its location, which is perfect for exploring the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and the surrounding area. Places like Hereford, Church Stretton, Worcester, the Malvern Hills, Hay-on-Wye and Shrewsbury are all within easy reach. Also close are attractions that include Ironbridge Gorge UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Severn Valley Railway, Berrington Hall, Witley Court, Croft Castle, and the Acton Scott Working Farm.
Not only is Ludlow a place you will love, but it is a place you will want to share with your loved ones as well.
