Ludlow Tourist Information

Ludlow is a market town, perched on a cliff above the River Neme and surrounded by the countryside of the Marches

The settlement dates from the 12th century and its Norman rectilinear street plan can still be made out today. In the Middle Ages the town prospered as a centre of the wool trade.

Many of its fine house have survived and today the town boasts nearly 500 listed buildings for visitors to look at. There are some good examples of Tudor and Georgian architecture in Broad Street but Ludlow's most famous building is the Feathers Hotel, an ornate timbered building on the Bull Ring.

The parish church of St Laurence, dating from 1199, is one of the largest churches in the country.

For centuries the town has been dominated by Ludlow Castle. Dating from the 1086, the fortification was one of a line of castles built along the Marches to keep out the Welsh. Once a royal palace, the now ruined Ludlow Castle continues to play an important role in the life of the town. As well as an important tourist attraction the castle is also a venue for festivals, open-air theatrical performances and other events throughout the year.

The popular Ludlow Festival (held in the last week of June/first week of July) attracts performers from all over the world.

Ludlow is famous as the gastronomic centre of Shropshire and has more restaurants with Michellin Stars than any other town in the country.

The town also has a traditional market, many speciality food shops and in September hosts the Ludlow Marches Food & Drink Festival.

The intriguing history of Ludlow and its castle is illustrated at the Ludlow Museum in Castle Square.

Ludlow has a Tourist Information Centre