Ludlow is one of my favourite historical market towns. It is located in Shropshire on the border of Wales and is easily one of the prettiest towns in England. We frequently visit here to see family and I cannot help but spend an afternoon looking around each time. Whether it is shopping, eating or sight-seeing, there is always something to do in Ludlow.
What to do in Ludlow | Shropshire
Sight-Seeing
Ludlow Castle
No trip to Ludlow is complete without a visit to the historical castle. The importance of this building is not well known and, in fact, many royals-in-training were sent here to learn to rule. Examples include Mary I and Prince Arthur, who we will get to later. There are plenty of walls and towers to climb, as well as regular archery and falconry displays. One of the musts in my opinion.
Ludlow Church
St. Laurence’s in Ludlow is relatively hidden; it is down a small alleyway. The find is well worth the time though. Inside is beautiful and it is easily one of the prettiest churches that I’ve seen. There is also plenty of history within the church. It was originally built during the 15th Century, although records show that a church stood there for longer still. The heart of Prince Arthur, brother of Henry VIII, was also buried in the church after he died. For those who want a bit more excitement, the tower is open for most of the year. You can climb the windy (and small!) steps up for the best view in Shropshire. Easily one of the best things to do in Ludlow.
Ludlow Museum
If you have not yet had your history fix, the Ludlow Museum is an excellent solution. Whilst not the biggest, there are still plenty of things to see here. The town itself was of great importance in Medieval England and the Museum guides you through how it changed. Combined with the castle and church, you will be an expert on the town before you leave!
River Bank and Castle Moat
If you want to explore, there is a set walk around the castle in the old moat. Given the position of Ludlow, be warned that this will involve a fair few hills if you are going down from the castle. The views looking up at the castle are lovely and make for a stunning summer morning walk. If you are going a bit later, then head on down to the riverside café (see below) for a well-earned break.
Eating
Ludlow Market
The market in Ludlow is open most weekdays (only closed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays) and is well-worth a walk around. From small trinkets, to some incredibly tasty food, you can really shop until you drop. I have put this in the ‘eating’ section though as the food here is incredible. All locally sourced and fresh, you can find some gems here. We love buying the local cheeses and enjoying them after a long day of exploring. The bread and cakes are also very good!
Ludlow Farmshop
If you are looking for even more yummy food, head to the Farmshop. This is on the outskirts of the town, so you will likely need a car. The food here is all local and top quality. It is reflected in the price and I would not recommend doing your weekly shop here, but you can find some exciting additions to any meal. We recently bought a pomegranate salad dressing from there and we love it. In the past we have also bought some jams and other condiments, which have also impressed us.
Riverside Café (CSONS)
On a summer’s day, there is really not a better thing to do in Ludlow than to head to the river. The water is crystal clear and you often see a variety of fish from the banks. The CSONS café is just the ultimate stop for a coffee and cake. With the most stunning views and peaceful setting, you could spend a good amount of time relaxing here.
Shopping
Velvet Fern
I had to mention this shop. Velvet Fern is arguably my favourite shop in all of England at the moment and my house reflects that. In all seriousness, the shop is immaculately done and sells beautiful home interior items for a reasonable price. It is probably the most dangerous thing to do in Ludlow; you won’t be able to resist spending your money!
The Silver Pear
This shop has been in Ludlow a long-while, but it is filled with gorgeous things for your home. Whether you are looking for decorative items, cooking utensils or fabrics, this shop has you covered. Most of the merchandise is from smaller brands, so you can get high-quality things at a lower price. You can also ensure that you’re the only one with it!
Bodenhams
This small department store specialises in country living. We have found some stunning items from here, including a small, brass dachshund that graces our living room. There are also some excellent country clothes that could be perfect for walks or events. It is also in a stunning historical building in the heart of the town, which is reason enough to visit.
So, what are you waiting for…
Ludlow is just one of those towns that everyone needs to see. It has beautiful architecture, amazing history and some fabulous food and shops. This list is by no means exhaustive and I have gone for my favourites. Do let me know if I have missed out an obvious one!
*cover image by rodtuk from Flickr
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Other posts that may help you:
- One Week in Wales: UK Road Trip Itinerary
- The Queen Bee Cabin: Much Birch
- A Holiday in Herefordshire
Thank you for reading and I hope that you enjoyed the post! If you have any questions about Ludlow please do get in touch in the comments below.
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Happy exploring,
Love Victoria X
