A Guide to Ludlow

From it's ancient Castle to it's peaceful back streets, exploring Ludlow is a real pleasure. A lively friendly feel combines with over 900 years of history; with many cafes, bars, shops, beautiful & fascinating architecture and greenery all around; a visit to Ludlow will not disappoint.

Shopping in Ludlow

One of Ludlow's strengths is its wide and varied range of individualistic shops, mostly independently owned, including traditional family businesses where shopping for food, clothing, crafts, gifts, antiques, art, books and many specialist products is an enjoyable voyage of discovery.

Ludlow Market

A traditional open-air market takes place in the Market Square every Monday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year, with Wednesday markets from April to September. In addition most Sundays see the market stalls being used either as a flea market or for various specialist themes, such as books, gardens or crafts. A Local Farmers Market, is held on the second Thursday of each month.
For more information please visit our Ludlow Market page.

Festivals and Events in Ludlow

Ludlow's daily life is considerably enriched throughout the year by a series of festivals, fairs and carnivals many set against the backdrop of Ludlow Castle. These include The Spring Festival, Ludlow Food and Drink Festival and the Medieval Christmas Fayre.
To see our What's On in Ludlow section please click here.

Eating in Ludlow

There are currently several restaurants in or near Ludlow with entries in the current Michelin Guide. And this statistic is not just confined to Michelin. The AA Restaurant Guide and the Which? Good Food Guide show the same conclusions. Ludlow offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, and pub food, afternoon teas as well as foreign cuisine from India, China, Thailand and Japan. There is an eating place to satisfy all tastes and budgets, many of which make a point of offering locally-sourced ingredients
Click here for a list of places to eat in Ludlow

Ludlow Castle

The construction of the Ludlow Castle started around 1085, with many later additions in the following two centuries. It is one of the most interesting castles in the Marches, in a dominant and imposing position high above the river Teme. It features examples of architecture from the Norman, Medieval and Tudor periods. The building of the castle led to the development of Ludlow itself, at first grouped around the castle; the impressive ruins of the castle occupy the oldest part of Ludlow.

In the late 12th and early 13th centuries the castle was extended, and part of the grid pattern of streets immediately to the south was obscured by the enlarged outer bailey. From 1233 onwards the town walls were constructed; Ludlow Castle stood within the circuit of the walls.

Ludlow Castle has played a key role in some turbulent events in English history. One of its 14th-century owners, Roger Mortimer, helped his mistress Queen Isabella, in the overthrow of her husband King Edward II. In 1473, the Prince of Wales and his brother were held here before their mysterious death in the Tower of London. In 1502 Prince Arthur, Henry VII's son and heir to the throne, died at Ludlow.

Ludlow Walks

Ludlow is surrounded by ideal countryside for walking. Walks from the town lead out to forests and farmland; the Shropshire Hills are a short bus or car ride away. Ludlow is at the start of the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance path to Kington on the Herefordshire/Wales border.
For more information on Ludlow Walks please visit our Walking page.

Ludlow and the surrounding south Shropshire countryside is an ideal cycling area. The beautiful hilly countryside which includes the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has many quiet country lanes, forest areas and planned routes to suit cyclists of all abilities.
For more information on Cycling in Ludlow & south Shropshire visit our cycling page.

Leisure & Arts

Ludlow Assembly Rooms is an arts centre providing cinema, music, and drama.
For the latest programme details phone 01584 878141 or visit their website.

Ludlow Leisure Centre, at Bromfield Road, provides a range of modern facilities including a sports hall, swimming pool, fitness and health suites, courts for hire and a refreshment area. The centre is open daily. Please visit their website for more details.