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Above Carved wooden façade of the Feathers

Hotel, Ludlow

A two-hour walking tour

From Mill St, turn left to 11th-century

Ludlow Castle 1 (open daily), one of a

series of Norman castles built in the

Marches to control the Welsh. Return

to Castle Square, and across Mill St on

the right to the Assembly Rooms 2 –

a Tourist Information Centre and

museum with local history and

geology exhibits. Continue

down the narrow Market St

and turn right into the fine

Broad Sreet 3. Appreciate the

seamless mix of timber-framed

Tudor and elegant brick

buildings. Return back up

Broad St and turn right into

King St towards the restored

15th-century toll house, The

Tolsey 4. Now occupied by

solicitors’ offices and shops,

this is where tax was collected

for every head of cattle brought for

sale at market. At the Old Bull Ring

pub, turn left onto Bull Ring and

continue to the Feathers Hotel 5 ,

built in 1619, with its skilfully carved

half-timbered frontage. The balconies

were added in the 19th century.

Return back up the street, admiring the

woodwork on the buildings. Turn right

and head back to the Butter Cross 6 ,

which was rebuilt in 1744 in Neo-

Classical style as a town hall and served

as a butter market. Take a right past

Barclays Bank to St Laurence’s

Church 7. Established in the

11th century, this was rebuilt

in 1199 and heavily modified

in the 15th century. Look out

for the tomb of Arthur Tudor

(Henry VII’s son) and the

carved misericords of

medieval scenes. Climb the

42-m (138-ft) tower for

fabulous views. Admire the

stained glass – the Palmer’s

window tells of King Edward

the Confessor’s visit to the Holy Land.

The cherry trees in the graveyard

commemorate the poet AE Housman

(1859–1936), author of A Shropshire Lad,

WHERE TO STAY

LUDLOW

De Grey’s Town House moderate

This picturesque Tudor half-timbered

building above a lovely tea shop has

nine quality ensuite rooms with fine

furnishings and roll-top baths.

Broad Street, SY8 1NG; 01584 872 764;

http://www.degreys.co.uk

AROUND LUDLOW

The Clive moderate

This former farmhouse, north of Ludlow

on the A49, has 15 immaculate ensuite

rooms and serves fresh produce for

breakfast. It also has a superb restaurant

and bar, open to non-residents.

Bromfield, SY8 2JR; 01584 856 565;

http://www.theclive.co.uk

WELSHPOOL

The Royal Oak Hotel moderate

Once a Georgian coaching inn, this hotel

has comfortable boutique-style rooms

with a contemporary or classic décor.

The Cross, SY21 7DG; 01938 552 217;

http://www.royaloakhotel.info

Carved stone arch

at Ludlow Castle

1 Ludlow

Shropshire; SY8

The market town of Ludlow is a great base for exploring the glorious

Marches countryside. Growing from the wealth of the medieval wool

trade, Ludlow became an important political centre. Much of its

medieval street pattern has survived almost intact and there are

some fine examples of timber-framed buildings and a ruined castle.

This walk gives a good introduction to the town.

BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

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200

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Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

VISITING LUDLOW

Parking

Follow signs to town centre and park as

near as possible to Castle Square: there is

pay-and-display parking on Mill Street

and Dinham, down the side of the castle,

and a car park off Castle Street.

Tourist Information

Castle St, SY8 1AS; 01584 875 053;

http://www.shropshiretourism.co.uk

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