Visit a Medieval Market Town
Ludlow is often described as a perfect example of a working medieval market town – having on offer for the visitor over five hundred black and white properties, many specialist food retailers, gourmet Michelin restaurants, local farmers’ markets, antique shops and the “charm of days gone by”.
Wander the many attractive side streets and discover Ludlow at your leisure or take the opportunity to relax in one of a fine range of tearooms or local pubs.
On the outskirts of Ludlow you will find a leisure centre, golf course, race course and our beautiful Marches countryside. The soft rolling hills are ideal for walking, cycling, nature trails, fishing and shooting. A short trip by car will bring you to the Welsh border, only eight miles from Ludlow. Within an hour you can also drive to the World Heritage site at Ironbridge Gorge.
Ludlow Castle is at the heart of this fine medieval market town, winner of the Best Town in England 2007 and the first town to be presented with the prestigious Cittaslow award in the British Isles, recognising the quality of life in Ludlow.
Events throughout the year at Ludlow Castle
Ludlow Castle is home to Ludlow’s major festivals during the year – a full listing of these can be found on www.ludlowcastle.com/events .
The major festivals are:
Ludlow Festival
Held annually during the last week of June and the first week of July, with an open-air Shakespeare play in the grounds as its highlight. Ludlow Festival website.
Ludlow Food and Drink Festival
Held annually during the 2nd weekend of September, the largest food fair held in the UK, attracting 20,000 visitors, in the grounds of the castle. Ludlow Food and Drink Festival website.
Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre
Held annually on the last weekend in November. The grounds of the castle are transformed to host a bustling, festive fayre. Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre website.
The Castle is open throughout the year to the public and the garden of Castle House is used by these three major festivals.