What to do in and around Ludlow
“Ludlow is the most beautiful
of English Hill Towns”
Alec Clifton Taylor
Town Jewels
The ancient market town of Ludlow is steeped in history and surrounded by outstanding countryside. Famed for its restaurants, architecture and shops, Ludlow has something to offer every visitor.
A short walk from the Ludlow Conference Centre takes you into the centre of Ludlow. Visitors can wander through medieval streets to the Norman Castle and the splendid parish church of St Laurence (rated five star in Simon Jenkins' "Englands 1000 best churches"). A. E. Houseman is buried in the churchyard - the countryside still retains the beauty he immortalised in his poetry. The Little Princes, incarcerated in the Tower of London by Richard III, came from Ludlow Castle which although semi-ruined retains much from that era.
Hereford, Worcester and Shrewsbury, all famous historic towns, and Ironbridge, cradle the Industrial Revoultion are within an hour's journey.
Festivals for All
In recent years Ludlow has become a gourmet's paradise with more high class restaurants than anywhere else in the UK outside of London and Glasgow. For simpler tastes there are plentiful pubs and cafes. Local produce is celebrated at the annual Ludlow Food and Drink Festival which takes place in early September, whilst the Ludlow Festival serves up a cultural feast at the end of June.
Rural England at its best
Walking along the banks of the River Teme offers visitors stunning views and perhaps the chance to see kingfishers and herons. Riding, angling, canoeing or cycling are all available locally.
For walkers the choice of locations is endless. Half an hour of walking from BMC takes you through Ludlow's historic centre and high onto Whitcliffe Down and the start of the Mortimer Forest. Local marked trails include the Mortimer, Shropshire and Jack Mytton Ways; South Shropshire is especially rich in both geology and ancient hillforts such as Bury Ditches and Croft Ambrey.
Wenlock Edge, the Stiperstones and the Long Mynd are nearby, whilst Offa's Dyke, Mid-Wales and the Brecon Beacons are within easy striking distance. A visit to one of the wonderful country pubs in the region might be the perfect end to an invigorating day.
Many of the walks and other sites of interest are accessible by train. Ludlow station is just five minutes walk from the Ludlow Conference Centre, with excellent links to Cardiff, Bristol, Manchester and North Wales.
For more info on what to do in and around Ludlow, visit our Links page.