Ludlow (England)

"Ludlow....is probably the loveliest town in England with its hill of Georgian houses ascending from the river Teme to the great tower of the cross-shaped church, rising behind a classic market building."

- Sir John Betjeman, 1943

Ludlow is a town of 10,000 people (2011) in Shropshire. It is a typical English market town with a castle. The historic centre of Ludlow has largely escaped development that would otherwise alter its medieval, Tudor and Georgian character. Ludlow has nearly 500 listed buildings, including examples of medieval and Tudor-style half-timbered buildings.

Understand
The oldest part of Ludlow is the medieval walled town, founded in the late 11th century after the Norman conquest of England. It is centred on a small hill which lies on the eastern bank of a bend of the River Teme. Situated on this hill are Ludlow Castle and the parish church, St Laurence's, the largest in the county. From there the streets slope downward to the rivers Corve and Teme, to the north and south respectively. The town is in a sheltered spot beneath Mortimer Forest and the Clee Hills, which are clearly visible from the town.


 * Ludlow vistor information

By car
The town is situated on the A49 road, which bypasses the town. To get to it from the east (for example from Birmingham) you can take the A4117 from Bewdley.

By train
There are trains to from nearby Shrewsbury and Hereford, as well as from further afield including Manchester and Cardiff.

By bike
National Cycle Network route 44 runs over Dinham and Ludford Bridges (via Camp and Silkmill Lanes in-between) en route from Bromfield to Pipe Aston. It is known as the Six Castles Cycleway, with Ludlow Castle as one of the six.

On foot
The Mortimer Trail, a long-distance footpath, runs from Ludlow to Kington, Herefordshire.

Get around
Ludlow is quite small, and its centre consists of medieval streets, so getting around by foot is suggested, although to visit many of the surrounding areas of beauty and villages, a car will be necessary, as public transport in rural England is generally sporadic.

The town centre is situated on a small hill, but once you're there it's largely flat ground. Parking fees apply every day at these car parks and also on-street in the centre. Parking is free between 6PM and 8AM, and on bank/public holidays.

There is a small car park in the town centre itself, at Castle Street.



Otherwise there are two larger car parks a short walk away at Upper Galdeford (by the Co-op supermarket) and Lower Galdeford (the old Smithfield).



See

 * You can see many fine examples of historical architecture in Ludlow, from its grand St Laurence's church to a magnificently restored late medieval house on Castle Square, open to the public.

Do

 * Overlooked by the castle and the church, the River Teme in Ludlow is also nice to see. In the summer, you can hire boats and row along the river, under the shade of some trees.
 * Overlooked by the castle and the church, the River Teme in Ludlow is also nice to see. In the summer, you can hire boats and row along the river, under the shade of some trees.
 * Overlooked by the castle and the church, the River Teme in Ludlow is also nice to see. In the summer, you can hire boats and row along the river, under the shade of some trees.
 * Overlooked by the castle and the church, the River Teme in Ludlow is also nice to see. In the summer, you can hire boats and row along the river, under the shade of some trees.

Buy
Ludlow has a number of small independent food shops, including traditional butchers and bakers, and more specialist shops selling up-market, unusual or health foodstuffs. A wide list of shops and businesses in Ludlow is available here.



Ludlow is well-known for its market within the Castle Square.



Ludlow also has its own food centre, specialising in locally grown organic produce.



Ludlow also has Tesco and Aldi supermarkets in the town centre.

Drink
Just like places to eat, Ludlow has many pubs.

Ludlow also has its own brewery, which is open to the public during the day, located close to the town's railway station and Tesco supermarket, off Corve Street.



Sleep

 * The Ludlow tourist board offers a fairly comprehensive list of places to stay



Connect
As of May 2022, Ludlow has 4G from all UK carriers, and you might get 5G from Three.

Go next
Map of places with Wikivoyage articles nearby


 * Around the Ludlow area are many places of great natural beauty, and the hills of Shropshire are great for walkers or cyclists. Try the Wyre Forest which has walks for people of different abilities, and sculptures on the paths to stop it from getting boring. You could also try walking around Clee Hill, which has great views of Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and beyond.
 * Ironbridge is a great place for a day out (The Tar Tunnel is recommended.)
 * Visit nearby Craven Arms to go to the Shropshire Hills discovery centre or Acton Scott historic working farm. Both are great for children.
 * A number of larger towns with many things to do in them are within driving distance of Ludlow - Shrewsbury, Worcester, Birmingham, to name a few.