Local Attractions in Ludlow, Shropshire
There is so much to do in and around Ludlow. Inglenook holiday cottage is a well positioned base from which to explore Ludlow town centre, Shropshire, the bordering counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Wales and further afield. A few ideas are provided in the text below. For full details of local listings of activities and what’s on in the area local to Inglenook holiday cottage visit local tourism websites: Shropshire Tourism, Ludlow and the Shropshire Hills, Ludlow.org and Virtual Shropshire. The Ludlow Tourist Information Centre, located in the market square, provides extensive information about the local area and whats on in Ludlow and its surrounds.
Ludlow Castle
Ludlow Castle is a fabulous medieval castle, with extensive ruins that are open to the public throughout the year. The castle also hosts a range of events including archery, easter egg hunts and outdoor performances.
Ludlow market
The Ludlow market is held weekly on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year. The market place also hosts a range of specialist markets including; Local to Ludlow produce markets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of every month, Craft and Country markets on the 1st Thursday of every month and occasionally on Sundays, Antique and Flea markets and Book and Craft markets are held regularly on Sundays, and on the 1st Saturday of every month (except August, January and February) is the Made in Shropshire Craft market.
St Laurence’s Church
St Laurence's Church is sometimes described as ‘the Cathedral of the Marches', the building of today has evolved over more than eight hundred years. The church was largely rebuilt in the fifteenth century in the soaring perpendicular style of the day. The church also has features of the Norman, Early English and Decorated periods. There is a peaceful public park to the rear of the church with lovely views. Regular concerts are held in the church. For further information see .
Ludlow architecture
The town contains many great examples of architectural history including black and white Tudor timber framed buildings such as Castle Lodge and The Readers House, The Feathers Hotel which is a fine Jacobean building, beautiful properties dating to the Georgian era that line lower Broad Street and Corve Street, and its magnificent medieval castle. Ludlow currently boasts around 500 listed buildings and observing the varied and well preserved architecture of the town is very rewarding – remember to study above street level to see many beautiful design details.
Ludlow shopping
There are lots of interesting shops to browse in Ludlow town centre. These include a wide range of shops selling gifts, specialist food and drink, prints, charity shops, clothes – new and vintage, shoe shops, antiques, hardware, florists, stationers and many more. Ludlow maintains a unique and colourful atmosphere, created by its many independent retailers. There are few national chain stores in the town, which helps to preserve its strong market town identity.
Ludlow food and drink
Ludlow is famous for having many high quality food and drink establishments. A few examples of the variety that can be found in Ludlow includes; The Green Cafe (riverside cafe offering delicious locally produced food and drink); La Bercasse (Michelin starred restaurant in the heart of the town); De Greys Tea Shop (dating back to 1570 and the perfect place for afternoon tea); Mr Underhills (riverside Michelin starred restaurant), The Wheatsheaf (offering excellent pub food); The Charlton (for catching the early evening sun on balconies over the river); The Olive Branch (wholesome cafe); Chang Thai @The Globe (Thai restaurant with popular bar); Koo (Japanese cuisine); Golden Moments (high quality Indian restaurant).
Ludlow annual festivals and events
Ludlow is home to a number of popular festivals and events. These include:
Ludlow Food Festival – featuring high quality food and drink producers from the local area, food events including the Ale, Sausage and Festival Loaf trails, demonstrations, talks and live music throughout the town centre and within the castle.
Ludlow Spring Food Festival – a new festival which is already very popular including food and drink stalls from local producers, a beer festival, talks and demonstrations, live music, and Pate and Terrine and Pudding trails throughout the town centre and within the castle.
The Green Festival – a range of activities to encourage sustainable living including the Green Fair, food foraging, allotment open day, creation of a recycled house, live music and the festival bus which tours local pubs including the Sun Inn in Lentwardine which has its beer festival on the same weekend.
Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre – stalls throughout the town and castle selling seasonal gifts with a medieval flavour, and medieval entertainment in the castle grounds including the Plantagenet Knights Tournament, minstrels, giants, puppetry, theatre, fire, fables and falconry.
Ludlow May Fair – the fun fair is in town for the weekend with rides and stalls in the market square and throughout High St and Mill St.
Ludlow Assembly Rooms
Ludlow Assembly Rooms is a lively arts and community centre. The Assembly Rooms host a range of daily events throughout the year including theatre, cinema, live music, workshops, poetry, comedy and dance.
Ludlow Races
Ludlow Racecourse has regular fixtures throughout the year and plays host to 16 National Hunt Races every season. A wide track overlooked by an impressive grandstand, Ludlow has a reputation for delivering especially fast races. The first race recorded at Ludlow Racecourse in its present location was on 27th August 1729, making Ludlow one of the oldest active racecourses in the UK. Ludlow Racecourse retains the Edwardian atmosphere and flair of its hey-day during the early 20th century. Although the course has in recent years undergone some modernisation, such as the development of private boxes, viewing stands and restaurants, the remnants of historical architecture as well as the old-fashioned Shropshire appeal make every visit at Ludlow Racecourse a little blast from the past.
Ludlow museum
Ludlow museum is located in the market square next to the Tourist Information Centre. The museum tells the story of the town of Ludlow and includes some of the important events and the people who have lived and worked here; from Bronze Age farmers, through to the present day.
Childrens play
There are many activities for children in and around Ludlow. A new for 2012 outdoor play area has been created at the Linney Riverside Park which is located behind the castle. Millennium Green, which is 2 minutes walk away, is the perfect spot for a picnic or lunch at the Green Cafe, and to feed the ducks or have a paddle.
Shortwood Farm is an organic family farm and Acton Scott is a historic working farm, both of which offer family friendly and fun farm activities and other events. The Severn Valley Railway is a working steam railway, taking passengers between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster and stopping at a number of pretty towns in between. This is a fun day out for everyone.
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Play Planet Soft Play Centre (Hereford), Fantastico Indoor Play Area (Kidderminster), Little Acorns Indoor Play (Worcester) and Fuzzy Edds Funhouse (Shrewsbury) are the nearest indoor play areas for children (see http://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk for more information).
Walking
There are so many great walks in and around Ludlow that it is difficult to know where to start. We have listed a few of our favourites below:
Ludlow breadwalk and Whitcliffe Common – follow the road which passes beside the castle, over Dinham Bridge and along the river. Paths up into the woods will bring you to Whitcliffe Common which has wonderful views of Ludlow. Continue along the path to Ludford Bridge, cross over the bridge and walk under Ludlow Gatehouse and back into the town centre.
Ludlow to Bromfield – a short walk of approximately 2 miles along a tarmacked route through the Earl of Plymouth estate ending at the Clive bar and restaurant and Ludlow Food Centre. After passing over Dinham Bridge, with the castle behind you, take the first right, at the bottom of the hill and follow this route all the way there.
Mortimer Forest– The sometimes steep slopes and moderate height of the Mortimer Forest provides magnificent views in clear weather. The forest is managed by the Forestry Commission and there are many walks and cycle tracks throughout the forest.
Bircher Common and Croft Ambrey – Bircher Common is a wide expanse of common land with excellent views over Herefordshire. Walk from here to Croft Ambrey, an Iron Age hill fort, and beyond to Croft Castle.
Cardingmill Valley – Cardingmill Valley is located at Church Stretton, is the starting point for many walks on and along the Long Mynd.
The Mortimer Trail - The Mortimer Trail is a 30-mile route beginning in Ludlow and travelling along a series of ridges south-east to the border town of Kington.
The Shropshire Way - The Shropshire Way long-distance path meanders and winds its way across the whole county, encompassing most of Shropshire's points of interest.
Offa's Dyke - The Offas Dyke Anglo-Saxon earthwork runs north-south along the English -Welsh border and passes through Knighton, where the Offa's Dyke Visitor Centre explains the dyke's history. There is a long distance route which criss crosses Offa's Dyke.
Cycling
There are many country lanes to explore by bike around Ludlow and pretty routes for all cyclists, whether you are experienced and looking for a long challenging ride or want a short flat route. Mountain bikers enjoy the many off road routes in Mortimer Forest.
Bikes can be hired from Wheely Wonderful Cycling or Pearce Cycles. Epic Cycles is also located in the town should you wish to buy a bike or need cycle accessories.
For enthusiastic road cyclists, the annual Shropshire Highlands Challenge may be of interest. The cycle challenge starts from the Ludlow Rugby Club and is a great day out.
Swimming pool, gym and spa
Ludlow Leisure Centre offers many activities in modern facilities. The leisure centre has: a 25m 6 lane swimming pool with 2 fun/ baby pools, a diving pit, 2m spring board, 5m high board and a flume which is open at weekends and during school holidays; 49 station fitness suite; dance studio; 6 badminton courts sports hall; cafe; crèche and spa with sanitarium, salt inhalation room, sauna, spa pool, monsoon shower and heated loungers.
Historic buildings and structures open to the public
There are many local historic buildings which are open to the public, many of which are managed by English Heritage or the National Trust. The nearest to Ludlow are:
Croft Castle – A castellated Georgian manor house set in stunning countryside. The interior of the property is very atmospheric, with beautiful decoration. In the grounds it is possible to explore the surrounding woodlands, walk through fishpool valley, visit Iron Age Croft Ambrey hill fort and pass along the unique avenue of ancient Spanish Chestnut trees.
Berrington Hall – A Neo-classical mansion with fine interiors and surrounded by Capability Brown’s final landscape.
Stokesey Castle – Stokesay Castle is the finest and best preserved fortified medieval manor house in England. Set in peaceful countryside near the Welsh border, the castle, timber-framed gatehouse and parish church form an unforgettably picturesque group.
Brockhampton Estate – A traditionally farmed estate and medieval manor house dating back to the 14th century. The house is surrounded by a moat and is entered via a charming timber-framed gatehouse, built 1530-40. There are miles of walks through the park and woodland, featuring ancient trees, the picturesque Lawn Pool, and various sculptures depicting parts of the history of Brockhampton and the local area.
The Weir – An informal 1920s riverside garden with sweeping views along the River Wye and Herefordshire countryside.
Hampton Court - Hampton Court is a castle on the meadows of the river Lugg. Founded by King Henry in the early 15th century the castle has been completely restored. Victorian garden walls enclose stunning flower gardens divided by canals, island pavilions and pleached avenues. The kitchen garden is an ornamental garden of fruit and vegetables. It is managed organically, supplying produce to the Orangery Restaurant. There is a maze of a thousand yews with a gothic tower at its centre. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the gardens or descend underground to a tunnel that leads to a waterfall in the sunken garden. Beautiful herbaceous borders stretch out from a one hundred and fifty year old wisteria tunnel that leads to vast lawns and ancient trees beside the castle. Beyond the lawns are riverside and woodland walks.
Ironbridge – Ironbridge was the world's first cast iron bridge and was built over the River Severn 1779. In 1986 the Ironbridge Gorge was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO as it recognised the area’s unique contribution to the birth of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century. There are ten award-winning museums spread along the gorge which form part of the Ironbridge complex. Particularly popular is Blists Hill where a Victorian town has been recreated for visitors to meet the Victorians in their shops, cottages and workplaces, and you can enjoy a horse and cart ride or a cone of traditional Fish and Chips. Visitors can watch and talk to the museums' craftsmen and costumed demonstrators as they work iron, fashion china and glass, and bring alive the people who lived and worked there.
Local cities
Towns and cities local to Ludlow include:
Hereford - Hereford is an ancient Cathedral City and important market centre, which attracts visitors from far and wide to its busy livestock market. Dominating the city of Hereford is the superb cathedral dating from the 11th Century which houses many treasures including the renowned Chained Library and famous Mappa Mundi, a unique map of the world drawn around AD 1300. High Town is the focal point of the city dominated by the Black & White House dating from 1621. The central open space hosts a range of events including the popular farmers’ markets and general market and is bordered by many national and independent retail outlets and the covered Victorian Butter Market. The River Wye passes through Hereford and can be enjoyed from Castle View Gardens.
Shrewsbury - The town centre has many timber-framed black & white buildings, steep narrow streets and alleyways. It boasts over 600 listed buildings including Shrewsbury Castle, now a regimental museum, and the world-famous Shrewsbury Abbey, home of the fictional Brother Cadfael. Charles Darwin was born and educated in Shrewsbury and all around you will find reminders of his association with the town. The River Severn forms a loop around the town centre offering gentle riverside walks. Next to the river is Quarry Park which is location for the annual Shrewsbury Flower Show.
- Worcester - Worcester has a rich and varied history. The River Severn runs through the middle of the city, overlooked by the twelfth-century Worcester Cathedral. The site of the final battle of the Civil War, Worcester was where Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army defeated King Charles II's Cavaliers. Worcester was the home of Royal Worcester Porcelain and the birthplace of the composer Sir Edward Elgar.
Fishing
The River Teme which passes through Ludlow is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its high water quality makes the river an excellent habitat for fish, including chub, barbel, roach, trout, grayling and pike. Other river wildlife is also plentiful, including otters, kingfishers, dippers and other species. If you wish to fish in the local area, you may find the following websites helpful: www.clethill.co.uk; www.larfordlakes.co.uk; www.threecountiesfisheries.co.uk; www.fisheries.co.uk; www.haye-farm.co.uk; and www.solhampton-fishery.com.
Horse riding
North Farm is the nearest British Horse Society approved riding school to Ludlow, located on Whitcliffe Common. It provides a range of horse riding activities for groups and individuals of all ages and also caters for riding for the disabled.
Golf
Ludlow Golf Club, founded in 1889 is the oldest course in Shropshire and still retains many of its original features and charm. Based on sand and gravel this James Braid designed heathland course, often described as an inland links, is one of, if not the driest course in the counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. It offers members and visitors excellent playing conditions on permanent tees and greens with electric trolleys and buggies in use throughout the year. With softly sprung fairways and fast and true greens this relatively flat course offers a true test of golf.
Ludlow Sports Fixtures
Ludlow has popular cricket, football and rugby clubs where spectators are welcomed.