UK's 'prettiest Christmas shopping town' dubbed 'loveliest town in England'
With Wales to the west and Birmingham about an hour’s drive east, the town was once famously described as “the loveliest town in England“ by poet John Betjeman.
Boasting over 500 listed buildings and more Michelin Starred restaurants than any other town in the UK, it’s not difficult to see why Ludlow, which sits on the River Teme, is a favourite. It’s also surrounded by beautiful countryside and this year it’s been dubbed one of The UK’s Prettiest Towns for Christmas Shopping in The Times.
The mediaeval market town of Ludlow in Shropshire is certainly one of the prettiest towns in England and if you’re planning a visit there’s also lots to do. There has been a market outside Ludlow Castle since at least 1086 with an abundance of stalls which is a great place to start your Christmas shopping. The Times said “you’ll struggle to beat them for a wintry shopping weekend”.
“The permanent stores, housed within original Tudor buildings, are one-off wonders too. They include Bodenhams for clothes and gifts, Little Twidlets for eco-friendly items, Ludlow Vintage for homeware and The Shop at St Laurence for not-for-profit selling jewellery, toys and more.”
Ludlow is a market town in Shropshire, England with a population of approximately 11,000 people (In Pictures via Getty Images)What’s it like to live in Ludlow?
The castle perched on a cliff overlooking the River Teme hosts many festivals throughout the year including the Medieval Christmas Fayre where visitors can buy local and historical crafts, gifts, food and drink. The thriving food culture and wealth of independent shops, restaurants, and pubs make it a special place to live and visit.
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Ludlow Castle even hosts concerts and the likes of Anne Marie, Kaiser Chiefs, Bastille, Rag 'n' Bone Man, Nile Rodgers and Chic have all played there. The impressive ruins of the castle occupy the oldest part of Ludlow. Building of the castle started around 1086, with many later additions in the following two centuries. It is one of the most interesting castles in the Marches, perched high above the river Teme. It features examples of architecture from the Norman, Medieval and Tudor periods. Ludlow Castle is open to the public from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week except Christmas Day and December and January weekdays.
With the average house price in Ludlow coming in at £255,091 in the last year, Ludlow is a desirable which has been growing in popularity over the past few years. perfect combination of a bustling community with good schools and amenities, in a designated Area of Natural Beauty which is perfect for cyclists, walkers and nature lovers.
Ludlow has some beautiful Tudor style buildings (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Is Ludlow a safe place to live?
The overall crime rate in Ludlow in 2022 was 74 crimes per 1,000 people which is around the national average. Its crime rate was found to be in line with similar areas and lower than average for the West Mercia force area. The nearby M5 and M42 mean that the rest of the UK is within easy reach and a busy local bus network connects nearby villages and towns.
Stokesay Castle is one of the best places to visit and dating back to the 13th Century. (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)The 10 best things to do in Ludlow according to TripAdvisor are:
Stokesay Castle: A fortified manor house that is an English Heritage gem according to visitors.
Ludlow Castle: Events running throughout the year and you can also take a historic tour of the castle itself.
Ludlow Brewing Company: You can take a tour, or enjoy food and drink and live music.
St Laurence’s Church: A beautiful building with stained glass windows and superb sculptures.
Clee Hills: A great place to walk and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Mortimer Forest: Take a walk through the beautiful forest with your pooches.
Ludlow Museum: A lovely museum full of interesting artefacts.
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Ludlow Market: Food, drink, plants and crafts sourced within 30 miles of Ludlow.
Mahorall Farm Cider: Taste different flavoured ciders and take part in a free nature trail
Ludlow Racecourse: Fabulous views from the grandstand and a great place to try your luck.
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