Things to do in Ludlow

What is Ludlow famous for?  

Plenty! Ludlow Castle, the food festival, the racecourse, the Shropshire Hills, its beautiful buildings, its quirky shops and one of the largest parish churches in England.  

Rich History 

For many, the first question is ‘where is Ludlow?’. Historically, its position made it both strategically and administratively important. Ludlow sits above the River Teme in south Shropshire, in an area known as the Welsh Marches. Here’s a whistlestop tour of the town down the ages:

Founded shortly after the Norman Conquest, it grew around its imposing 11th-century castle overlooking the River Teme. In the Middle Ages Ludlow prospered as a market and administrative centre for the Welsh Marches. It later became the seat of the Council of the Marches under the Tudors.  After that was abolished, Ludlow became less politically important.

Black and white  

Its wealth from trade and governance left a legacy of fine timber-framed and Georgian buildings. Despite a decline in later centuries, much of its historic character was preserved. By the mid 20^th century, it was recognised as one of England’s most unspoilt market towns. Today Ludlow is celebrated for its medieval streets, grand parish church, thriving food culture, festivals and impressive Ludlow castle. It’s a town where history, architecture, and rural life are properly intertwined. 

Ludlow Castle  

Is one of England’s finest and best-preserved Norman fortresses. Although partly ruined, the intact in structure gives visitors a glimpse into nearly 1,000 years of border life, royal drama, and architectural evolution. One of the historical highlights of Ludlow Castle is that it was home to Prince Arthur. Arthur was the older brother of Henry VIII. He lived there with his wife Catherine of Aragon until his early death in 1502. His brother, then King Henry, married his widow. That happened a lot back then!

The castle is open all year and hosts festivals, fayres, concerts, re-enactments, open-air theatre, and the famous Ludlow Food Festival.  There’s a visitor centre with a shop and the Castle Cafe.  

Homepage – Ludlow Castle  

Ludlow Food Festival  

Often credited as being Britian’s first true food festival, the festival began in 1995. In the early years it had a community feel, showcasing local food and drink producers from Shropshire and the Marches.  

Ludlow was already well known for its local butchers, bakers and restaurants. However, in the 90’s, small businesses were struggling, and the festival wanted to promote good, local, traceable food and drink. It soon gained national recognition because of its local feel and spawned many looky-likey events in towns and cities up and down the country.  

The festival takes place every September and now attracts thousands! There’s still local producers but also top chefs, demonstrations, talks and tastings. If you’re in the area in September, Ludlow Food Festival is a must visit.

Ludlow Racecourse 

They’ve been horse racing at Ludlow since the early 18^th century. By the mid-19th century the course had established itself as a fixture on the National Hunt calendar. That’s jump racing for non-race goers, sometimes referred to as ‘over the sticks’! 

The course is situated just outside the town on Bromfield Road, alongside the River Teme. The season runs from October – May, and generally there are 16-18 fixtures. Ludlow races are usually held midweek, so it’s an ideal way to spend a day, combining a look around the town with a flutter! 

Two fun facts about the racecourse: a road crosses the course which is closed on race days; Ludlow Golf Club course is in the middle of the racetrack. 

Home – Ludlow Racecourse 

Ludlow Market 

Markets are held every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The market is set in historic Castle Square just below Ludlow Castle. There are also specialist markets on Thursday’s and Sunday’s including food, craft and antiques.  

You’ll find pretty much everything on the regular Ludlow Market days including local food and drink, artisan crafts, clothing and all sorts! Check out their website for the latest market news and dates.  

Market Days 

Ludlow Brewery 

It’s actually called the Ludlow Brewing Company and is an independent brewery and tap room. There’s nothing not to like about this family-owned brewery! It’s set in an old railway shed, has become one of the leading indi breweries in the area, uses local produce, sustainable technologies. 

The brewery began in a garage, moved to a disused maltings building befreo moving to it’s current site, the 1850’s railway shed.  

In 2011 the ‘Railway Shed’ taproom was opened and now hosts events and live music.  

Check out the website for the list of ales on tap! 

Ludlow Brewery | Ludlow Brewing Co. | Craft Beers | Brewery Tours 

Ludlow Farmshop  

The theme of food and drink is evident everywhere in the town, not least at Ludlow Farmshop. To be fair this is just outside the town on the A49 – Look out for the Clive Arms and you’re there. At the farm shop itself, not only can you buy produce here, but you can also see it being made! 

Much of the food in the shop has very few food miles on the clock as it comes directly from the Oakly Park Estate on which everything is located.  

This is no ordinary farm shop though. Also on site is Ludlow Kitchen where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake. No bookings taken, but it’s pretty big so you won’t wait long for a table. There’s Ludlow Pantry for takeaways, distillery, art gallery….the list goes on.  

Check out the website for all the details. Visit Us – Ludlow Farmshop 

Shopping in Ludlow  

It’s not all food and drink emporiums in Ludlow – in case you’ve put on a few pounds just reading this! Shops in Ludlow town centre are many and varied.  

Ludlow boasts some very individual, independent shops. Antiques, books, crafts, art, boutique clothes, homewares, natural gifts, jewellery, and much more. The shops are all ready for you to peruse.  

Plan you shopping trip here Find out where to shop in Ludlow 

However you stay at Discover Parks – as a homeowner, in your tent, tourer or motorhome or as a holiday guest – make time to visit Ludlow.