Rooftop view of a town with a mountain in the background under a clear sky

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Our favourite Shropshire attractions

A view through a window showing a tall stone church tower, surrounding rooftops, and distant hills under a clear sky.

Things to see in and around Ludlow

Ludlow is like a clockwork puzzle box – small, meticulously crafted and full of hidden delights. Its old town occupies a mere two square miles, yet among its medieval alleyways and proud Georgian streets, you'll find plenty to see and do. Yes, our hometown hosts some of the finest Shropshire attractions – and we're here to help you uncover the best of the bunch.

Medieval stone castle wall with tower surrounded by trees and greenery

Ludlow Castle

When you arrive at Castle Lodge, you can hardly miss our next-door neighbour. This Norman stronghold was built in the 11th century and once hosted the Council of the Marches – the de facto rulers of Wales. Now, as then, it plays a central role in town life, acting as the longstanding venue for Ludlow's annual Food Festival and Spring Festival. Chalk this one up as a must-see.

Market square with striped market stalls, historic buildings, and a church tower in the background under a blue sky.

Ludlow Market and shops

With a history going back 900 years, Ludlow's market is as old as the town itself – and is as lively today as it's ever been. The market is open five days a week and hosts more than 40 stalls, selling everything from fresh local vegetables to antique curios. Staying at Castle Lodge? Good news – it's on your doorstep.

Don't miss the chance to explore Ludlow's many independent shops and delis, too. There's something worth discovering around every corner, including boutique fashion outlets, vintage homeware shops and well-stocked bookshops. We'd name a few of our favourites, but you'll have more fun discovering them for yourself.

Town view of Ludlow with historic buildings, church tower, and market stalls.

St Laurence's Church

St Laurence's Church ranks among the most-visited Shropshire attractions – and for good reason. This 12th-century masterpiece is the largest church in the county and is home to some of its finest medieval treasures. That includes an extensive collection of misericords (ornate folding seats) and several intricate stained glass windows. Entry is free – but it's well worth spending a few pounds to conquer the tower's 201 steps and enjoy its awe-inspiring town views.

The church also features a gift shop and a cafe, where you can grab a hot drink to enjoy in the tranquil churchyard. Visiting during May? Be sure to catch one of its piano recitals, held as part of the yearly Ludlow Piano Festival.

Stained glass window with a heraldic crest featuring a crowned white swan and fleur-de-lis

Ludlow Museum

Ludlow Museum is unmissable – but all too easy to miss. You'll find this treasure trove of a Shropshire attraction tucked down a narrow alleyway behind the Grade I-listed Ludlow Buttercross. Inside, it's a feast of local history, taking in relics from the medieval period to the 1800s and beyond. Don't miss the beautiful 16th-century robe, which was made for Ludlow resident (and rumoured Castle Lodge tenant) Catherine of Aragon.

Jockeys riding horses in a competitive horse race on a grassy track

Ludlow Racecourse

Fancy a day at the races? A short distance north of town, you'll find Ludlow Racecourse – one of the oldest and most renowned horse racing venues in the UK. Legend has it that soldiers garrisoned at Ludlow Castle would come here to race their horses in the 14th century. Today, it holds fixtures throughout the year, including a popular Christmas Race Day in mid-December.

Three small decorative gift boxes wrapped in different textured fabrics and adorned with ribbon and artificial flowers.

Ludlow Farmshop

If you're a fan of good, local food, make sure to stock up at Ludlow Farmshop. Housed on the nearby Oakly Park Estate, this Shropshire favourite is a bona fide superstore for all things local. There's the Farmshop itself, of course, with its aisles of home-grown, homemade delights. But there's also the Giftshop, the Distillery, an art gallery and a pub. And don't forget Ludlow Kitchen, where talented chefs cook up farm-fresh meals at a very reasonable price. Not to be missed.

Fresh fruits and vegetables displayed at an outdoor market stand

Market towns nearby

We can't talk about Shropshire attractions without mentioning some of the county's famous market towns. Ludlow is perhaps its most elegant and well-preserved. All, however, are worth a visit. We're especially fond of Church Stretton, with its top-tier antique shops and moonscape of surrounding hills. And Shrewsbury – Shropshire's county town with a history that rivals our own. Both can be reached easily via train from Ludlow.