Ludlow and South Shropshire Tour Suggestions

Full day

A selection from these various options can be put together to suit the size and type of group you are bringing to Shropshire.

LUDLOW

There is a coach drop off point and pick up point at the top of Mill Street outside the Assembly Rooms. Free coach parking is available at the Lower Galdeford car/coach park. Toilet facilities are available at the coach park and in the town centre.

Town Tour
Take a Guided Tour with one of the Town Guides. This will need to be booked in advance and there will be a small charge per head. Tours can be tailored to fit in with the time available and the size and ability of the group.
Telephone Roger Furniss: 01584 874205.

For group members who would prefer to do their own tour a ‘Ludlow Town Trail’ booklet can be purchased from the Visitor Information Centre (£1.50), tel: 01584 875053. This self guided tour will take about an hour and is mainly on the level with no steps. You will see how the market square developed, pass some fine half timbered buildings, impressive Georgian houses in Broad Street (one of the finest streets in England), and many more of the almost 500 listed buildings in the town.

Ludlow Castle
Ludlow Castle is open every day except weekdays in December and January. This impressive border stronghold was begun in the late 11th century and later enlarged into a magnificent palace in the 14th century. The castle became the seat of government for Wales and the Border Counties. Prince Arthur honeymooned at the castle with his bride Catherine of Aragon. The castle later fell into ruin but there is still much to see. It is possible to climb to the top of the Keep, see the Great Chamber, Solar Wing and the chapel with its circular nave – one of the very few surviving.

Allow about one hour.
There is a Castle tearoom, extensive gift shop and toilet facilities.
Telephone for more details: 01584 873355

St. Laurence’s Church
This Parish Church is a member of the Greater Churches Group. The earliest church on the site was built by the Normans, but there have been many additions and alterations over the years. There is a fine set of misericords and some early stained glass. The tower is 135 ft high, with 200 steps, and gives impressive views over the town and countryside.
There is an excellent guide book and stewards are on duty.

Allow about 45 minutes.
For further information telephone the Parish Office: 01584 872073

Ludlow Museum
The exhibitions tell the story of Ludlow, one of England’s finest medieval planned towns, through the centuries. In the Geology gallery discover how Sir Roderick Murchison, the famous Victorian geologist unravelled the story of Ludlow’s rocks and made the area internationally famous.

All galleries are fully accessible and admission is free.
Please telephone for details of opening times: 01584 813666

Ludlow Market/shopping

Ludlow has regular general markets on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays; a local produce market on the second and fourth Thursdays and many other antique, book and craft markets.
There is a wide range of independent shops, from butchers, bakers and bookshops to shops selling fine foods, clothing and antiques.
Details can be found in the Ludlow Events Calendar available from the Visitor Information Centre.
Time allowed depending on tour schedule

Lunch
Ludlow offers a wide variety of places to eat including historic inns, traditional tearooms and restaurants using the best of local produce.
Time allowed one hour.

Suggested afternoon tours from Ludlow

Ludlow Food Centre
North on the A49 to Bromfield (3 miles), to visit the Ludlow Food Centre, a unique food shopping experience. The shopping area is surrounded by eight food production kitchens where you can see the food being produced. Most of the produce on sale is sourced from Shropshire and the surrounding counties.

The Conservatory Barn Café also serves home made food.
The centre and the café are open 7 days a week.
For further details telephone: 01584 856000

Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
North from Ludlow on the A49 to Craven Arms (7 miles), where you will find the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. This interpretative centre has exhibitions and interactive displays exploring the heritage, wildlife and traditions of South Shropshire. There is a café and shopand toilet facilities and also walks from the centre through the Onny meadows.

Allow about one hour. Ample space for coach parking.
Telephone: 01588 676000

Clun and Bishops Castle
North from Ludlow on the A49 to Craven Arms. Turn left B4368 towards Clun. (16 miles). This very ancient town nestles on the banks of the river spanned by a medieval stone bridge. Clun Castle sits above the river and can be visited any time. John Osborne lived nearby and his grave is in the churchyard.

Continue on the A488 to Bishops Castle. (6 miles). Here you will find the ‘House on Crutches’, a museum of local history, and a surprising collection of local shops and galleries. The clock on the church is one of the few remaining one handed clocks in the country. Return to Ludlow (18 miles) via the A 489 and A49.

These suggestions will give your group flavour of the South Shropshire countryside.