Ludlow is one of the most popular destinations in Shropshire. In the far south of the county, close to the border with Herefordshire and only a few miles from Wales, this small town has become a centre for the Slow Food movement. Ludlow is a pretty and historic town surrounded by green countryside which produces the locally-sourced speciality foodstuffs visitors can enjoy at Ludlow’s restaurants, shops and market stalls. Every autumn the town hosts Ludlow Food Festival, a celebration of the local food culture.
Ludlow is a good destination for a weekend break or for a stop on a tour of the region. While still having good access to the countryside and walks of rural Shropshire, it offers a more varied and cosmopolitan holiday.
Getting there
Travel to Ludlow is reasonably easy as the town is served by decent main roads and a railway line. Trains are operated by Arriva Trains Wales, on a route between Manchester and South Wales. Shrewsbury and Church Stretton can be visited from Ludlow by train.
Things to see and do
Ludlow’s biggest attraction is its imposing medieval castle. Partially ruined, this extensive fortified complex is a fascinating site to explore and hosts events including local festivals and family-friendly activity days. (Read more: Ludlow Castle). The church of St Laurence, Ludlow is another important historic sight. It was mostly rebuilt in the fifteenth century, but parts of the church are even older and the site it stands on is thought to have been a place of worship or ritual as far back as the Bronze Age. The building contains a number of treasures including five-hundred-year-old carved bench ends and stained glass windows.
The town centre is full of historic buildings, including the famous black-and-white Feathers Hotel. It’s easy to spend a day exploring and pottering around the town, with lots of picturesque views to admire and photograph.
Many come to Ludlow for the traditional market-town atmosphere and for a relaxing foodie break. If you have a car it is easy to explore the surrounding countryside and visit farm shops. In the town itself there is a regular market, a twice-montly farmers’ market, family-run butchers and bakeries and renowned restaurants. Slow Food Ludlow Marches organises events, tastings and tours.