The ‘loveliest town in England’ is also a very underrated food destination

This picturesque market down deserves more attention than it gets (Picture: Getty Images)

With rolling hills, ruined castles and fabulous food, Ludlow is one of the UK’s most underrated destinations.

Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty in the heart of the Shropshire Hills, it is one of our culinary hotspots that, rather unfairly, rarely features on travel lists.

The great English poet John Betjeman said of Ludlow that it is ‘probably the loveliest town in England’, and its renowned food and drink festival in September is really a wonderful place to be.

All of the food in the festival comes from local producers. It’s a fun and lively time to visit the town, and an opportunity to sample some of Shropshire’s finest cuisine.

But there is plenty to see and do here at every time of year.

Homemade bread stall at Ludlow food festival (Picture: Getty Images)

Shops and sights

Start by taking a walk around some of Ludlow’s star attractions: the buildings themselves.

Around 500 are listed, and locals say that ‘every house here has a story’.

A good starting point is St Laurence’s Church, one of the largest parish churches in England and a pointer to the town’s historical importance.

The gorgeous facade of The Feathers Hotel (Picture: Maria Astardijeva)

The interiors feature fine wood panelling and stained-glass windows, while a brisk climb up the tower affords panoramic views of the town and the Shropshire and the Clee hills.

Behind the church, pay respects to A E Housman, the poet of Shropshire, who lies buried here, then move on to the stunning, half-timbered Reader’s House.

Follow the archway down to the Bull Hotel, Ludlow’s oldest coaching inn, and cross the street to inspect the incredible Jacobean façade of the Feathers Hotel.

The surrounding streets are just as charming, lined with a mix of timber frames, sandstone facades and Georgian architecture.

Ludlow Castle stands on a wooded hill and is steeped in history (Picture: Getty Images)

Take time to browse the independent shops, specifically Mousetrap Cheese Shop, vintage store Nina & Co and The Potters Shop.

Other local favourites include Planta Bay, a quirky terrarium and houseplant shop, plus All the Seasons, Broad Bean Deli and Period House Shop.

And if you’re visiting during the week, don’t miss Ludlow Market, where traders sell everything from local produce to antiques and handmade crafts.

If time allows, dive into history at Ludlow Castle, a Norman fortress built between 1086 and 1094, and added to over the centuries.

Among the famous residents of Ludlow Castle’s 900-year history were the Mortimer family, one of whom was Edward IV who reigned on the English throne for two periods during the 15th century Wars of the Roses.

It was from here in 1483 that his son, young Prince Edward, made his ill-fated journey to the capital that would end not in accession to the throne, but in his murder in the Tower of London.

Where to eat and drink

For lunch, locals recommend Csons on the banks of the River Teme, known for its seasonal menu and focus on hyper-local produce from the Shropshire and Welsh Marches region.

Beer lovers should beeline for Ludlow Brewery, an independent microbrewery and tap room just a short walk from the town centre.

Alongside its own ales, the brewery hosts regular live music and pop-up food events, plus serves a bespoke gin.

If you fancy an old-fashioned pub crawl, Ludlow has no shortage of historic watering holes.

Standouts include Dog Hangs Well, Blood Bay and Old Street Tavern, alongside cosy favourites like The Blue Boar, The Queen’s and Rose and Crown.

Ludlow enjoys a reputation as one of the UK’s gastronomic hot spots, so there is plenty of choice for dinner.

It’s hard to look past The Ludlow Kitchen (though only occasionally open for dinner); it has one of the most enviable menus in the country.

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