Ludlow, Shropshire
The loveliest town in England.
Five hundred listed buildings, a nine hundred year old market, and the Shropshire Hills starting at the end of the street.
On the doorstep
You'll wish you had booked a longer stay at Hideaway Cottage in Ludlow, but you can come back again!
A visit to Ludlow leaves you planning your return before you have even left for home. It sits on the edge of the Shropshire Hills, surrounded by Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it is busy and buzzing all year round.
Whether you are a keen walker, a shopaholic, a foodie, or simply in need of slowing down, there is something here for you.
The most vibrant small town in the country.
Country Life MagazineThe loveliest town in England.
Sir John BetjemanHas there ever been a visitor to Ludlow who hasn’t wished they lived there?
Jeremy PaxmanThe town
Medieval streets, bursting at the seams.
Ludlow’s streets carry an abundance of historical architecture and around five hundred listed buildings. St Laurence’s Church stands proudly in the centre and is counted among England’s finest.
The magnificent castle is one of the finest medieval ruins in England and draws crowds in every season, rain or shine. It hosts the town’s biggest annual festivals, and the Assembly Rooms keep a packed calendar of shows all year round.
Around five hundred listed buildings
Nine hundred years of trading
The Market Square.
Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday the square becomes a bustling local produce market — fresh fruit and veg, game pies, wines and cheese, local fashion designers, handmade wooden furniture and hand-painted ceramics.
On top of that, three specialist markets run to their own monthly rhythm.
Local to Ludlow
Producers from within a short radius of the town: raw milk and cheese, game pies, cider and wine, fresh fruit and veg straight off the farm.
Made in Shropshire
The county’s craft market — handpainted ceramics, handmade wooden furniture, textiles and jewellery from small independent makers.
Antiques & Flea
The square fills with dealers twice a month. Worth an early start, and a slow coffee at Harp Lane Dell afterwards.
Dates move occasionally around bank holidays and the bigger festivals — the guest guidebook in the cottage has the current pattern.
What’s on
The Ludlow calendar.
The town runs on festivals. Book around one, or deliberately avoid one — either way it helps to know they are coming.
Beerfest at Ludlow Brewery - October
www.ludlowbrewery.co.uk
Piano Festival pop-ups - November
www.ludlowpianofestival.com
Ludlow Winter Festival - December
Christmas shopping the way it should be: the square lit up, mulled everything, and the medieval streets at their absolute best.
Visit Ludlow - January
Antiques and local produce markets - February
Film Festival - March
www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk
English Song Weekend - April
www.ludlowenglishsongweekend.com
Spring and Piano Festivals - May
www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk
Secret grdens of Ludlow - June
www.theludlowguide.co.uk
Live at Ludlow Castle! - July
www.theludlowguide.co.uk
Magnalonga - August
www.theludlowguide.co.uk
Exact dates are confirmed by the organisers each year. The cottage books up fastest around the Food Festival in September.
On foot
Walks that start where you are staying.
Ludlow is an idyllic base for exploring the county on foot, and there are a number of circular routes that begin in the town itself.
- Whitcliffe Common Nature Reserve. The must-see viewpoint back across the town and the castle, and walkable from the front door.
- Mortimer Forest. A short drive out: miles of forestry and long views over the Shropshire Hills.
Mortimer Forest, a short drive from the cottage
Further afield
Neighbours worth the drive.
Leominster, Pembridge, Hereford, Bromyard, Shrewsbury and Telford are all an easy drive from the cottage.