Ludlow
Search the best hotels in Ludlow
About Ludlow
Ludlow, with its picturesque medieval walls and charming architecture, is scenically located between the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Welsh Marshes. Norman-built Ludlow Castle is at its heart, and outward from that radiates Georgian houses and medieval streets, running towards the River Teme. It’s more than once been described as pretty, and John Betjeman famously called it "the loveliest town in England”. Our pick of the best places to stay in Ludlow aren't just properties in the centre of town, we've also tracked down a couple of special B&Bs and country houses is the surrounding countryside.
Ludlow is an ideal town for independent boutique shops, antique dealers, galleries, and restaurants and cafes all shapes and sizes. Its Castle Square hosts markets more days than it doesn’t, including farmer’s markets and antiques fairs, the Ludlow Food Festival in September, and the Medieval Christmas Fayre – with its folk tales, falconry and duels between armoured knights! There's also a lovely race course with a full calendar of horse racing throughout the year.
But what most people come for these days is the food. The town is renowned as a bit of a foodie hot spot, not just because of its festival in September — there are several great eateries here too, a couple of which you'll find in two of the best places to stay in Ludlow.
The Best Places to Stay in Ludlow
For Foodies
- Old Downton Lodge is an award-winning restaurant with rooms created in a refurbished farmhouse, where the new additions and updates have been expertly blended with the original building with all its quirks and charm. There are nine rooms and suites — the largest have high ceilings and four-poster beds — and all of them have new bathrooms. The restaurant has been awarded 3AA Rosettes and offers both a la carte and tasting menus.
For Romantics
- Dinham Hall Hotel is an imposing townhouse hotel in the centre of town, with 13 rooms and suites: all traditionally, and uniquely, decorated, with antiques to match the high ceilings, sash widows and other original details. The restaurant is very good — competition in Ludlow is high — and you’re close to a farmer’s market, a golf course, and plenty of sightseeing and antique shopping opportunities. Bring your dog too.
For Families
- The Clive Arms is a pretty country inn on the Oakly Park Estate. The pub is bright, cheerful, and more chi-chi than you’re probably expecting, and serves modern British cuisine. The 17 rooms and suites are going for rural charm, with just the right amount of wooly tartan and chintz, a very comfortable family room (which can easily accommodate two adults and two children), and free-standing baths if you fancy one.
Best B&Bs
- The Graig is a charming stone farmhouse turned five room B&B, in a great location in the Shropshire Hills, just outside Ludlow. The individually imagined rooms all have a country feel, a cosy, pastel palette, and spacious en suites. Breakfast is a hearty affair, and the owners will pack you a lunch too, if you’re heading out walking.
Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?
- If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.
Travel Information
- If you need to fly into the UK, and Ludlow is your destination you have a choice of airports: East Midlands Airport is about an hour and 45 minutes away by car or taxi; Manchester Airport is just under two hours away by car to taxi, or two hour and 20 minutes by rail; and Bristol Airport is about two hours away by car or taxi, or four hours by public transport. If you’re travelling via London there are trains leaving from Paddington and travelling via Newport (Wales), or trains from Euston via Birmingham, and you’re looking at a three to four hour journey time.
- If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
- Ludlow is busiest during horse race meetings, which run between October and May. Summer is a popular time too, with visitors coming in especially for the Shakespeare Festival and the Food Festival. This is a busy time of year for agricultural fairs too, and during the school holidays the National Trust usually put-on special events at their properties — there are a couple of good ones locally. If you’re worried about avoiding wet weather, it’s probably better to just accept that there are rainy days in Ludlow whatever the season — but not too many! Bring your wet weather gear and enjoy!
Still not sure where to stay?
- Expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Shropshire
- Expand your search just beyond Ludlow, to neighbours like Shrewsbury
- Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
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Best Hotels in Ludlow
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The Clive Arms Ludlow 17 rooms from AU$163
Foodies - The restaurant is the focal point with good modern British fare served, and much of the produce sourced within 3 milesCountry Escape - Expect interiors offering modern comforts with a cosy traditional feel, hearty food, and beautiful walking countryRomantic Break - For couples, pick one of the rooms with an in-room freestanding bathtubSights nearby - There are several stately homes and castles in the area to visit including Croft Castle and Ludlow CastleA pretty red brick country inn boasting a spectacular setting amidst the 8000-acre Oakly Park Estate. Interiors are contemporary rural with exposed beams, chequered blankets, & some rooms with freestanding tubs. The restaurant is the real lure with modern British fare. Laidback rural perfection. See More
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The Graig Ludlow (Shropshire) 5 rooms from AU$216
Foodies - Although The Graig does not serve dinners, Ludlow is renowned for its excellent retaurants and annual Food FestivalLocal exploring - The Graig is ideally located for exploring Ludlow and the surrounding countryside.Great walks - The Graig is located on the edge of the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty, which has a wide range of great walksSights nearby - You're just 3 miles from historic LudlowAn elegant B&B situated in the Shropshire hills just outside Ludlow. The five bedrooms are individually decorated and all boast luxurious touches including Egyptian cotton linens and walk in wet rooms. Lovely mature gardens and stunning panoramic views. The perfect base for local exploring. See More
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Dinham Hall Hotel Ludlow 13 rooms from AU$272
Local exploring - Set in a beautiful market town, the whole region offers numerous cultural and outdoor activities.Great walks - Take long walks through the picturesque Mortimer Forest.Local markets - Peruse the famers market in Ludlow's Market Square.Sights nearby - Take a tour of the neighbouring Ludlow Castle.An imposing town house located in the historic market town of Ludlow. Traditionally dressed rooms feature antique furniture, high ceilings and large sash windows draped with heavy curtains. The restaurant is worthy of a visit alone and the surrounding region has plenty to do. See More
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Old Downton Lodge Ludlow 9 rooms from AU$366
Foodies - Enjoy locally sourced seasonal produce crafted into an innovative and creative tasting menu by their award winning chefBack to Nature - With Downton Gorge National Nature Reserve on your doorstep, this is the perfect spot to get back in touch with natureCountry Escape - Old Downton Lodge is the ideal place to rejuvenate far away from the hustle and bustle of modern lifeFishing - Ludlow has plenty of top fishing spots, head out with Peter Giles, their Advanced InstructorRecommended by - SawdaysThis stunning refurbished Shropshire farmhouse, expertly blends old with new. Some rooms come with four-poster beds and all have modern bathrooms. Enjoy meals in the elegant dining room over the weekend. This 18th-century getaway is a great choice for a quiet country retreat! See More