Rural Shropshire, England, features dreamy border country, known as the Welsh Marches in the West Midlands and boasting a string of castles built to defend the area. One of these is in Ludlow, a hill town crowned by an enormous ruined castle. Streets and cobbled laneways lead up to the castle entrance and a central market square lined with cafes, delis, ancient pubs, and food outlets. Food and craft markets are held four days a week. Ludlow gained its foodie capital title thanks to the outstanding produce from local farmers and growers, celebrated in award-winning restaurants and annual food festivals.
A short drive away, Stokesay Castle is the opposite of its formidable Ludlow neighbour, in a lovely rural setting and with high stone walls and timber features. As usual in the English countryside, you can walk across fields and beside beautiful rivers – perfect for re-charging your batteries.
Harp Lane Deli, Church Street, Ludlow, UK
Harp Lane Deli
Cafe/deli
Castle Lodge Buttery, Castle Square, Ludlow, UK
Castle Buttery
Cafe
Ludlow Castle, Castle Square, Ludlow, UK
Ludlow Castle
Castle
The Rose & Crown, Church Street, Ludlow, UK
The Rose & Crown
Pub
Ludlow Kitchen, Bromfield, Ludlow, UK
Ludlow Kitchen
Cafe
Ludlow Farm Shop, Bromfield, Ludlow, UK
Ludlow Farm Shop
Farm shop
Stokesay Castle, Ludlow Road, Craven Arms, UK
Stokesay Castle
Castle
The Lion, High Street, Leintwardine, Craven Arms, UK
The Lion
Pub
The Clive Arms, Bromfield Ludlow, Bromfield Road, Bromfield, Ludlow, UK
The Clive Arms
Inn
Best Places for Breakfast in West Midlands
Best Things To Do in the Morning in West Midlands
Ludlow Castle
This morning is all about mighty, medieval Ludlow Castle founded from around 1075 and resplendent on a high bluff above the River Teme. The Norman castle was built with stone from the outset, protected by steep cliffs on most sides. Various towers date from different eras – Mortimer’s Tower was originally the castle’s western gate. The Round Chapel is circular with carved Norman archways. The North Range part of the castle was the domestic area with a great hall and private living quarters. See the castle from a different perspective on one of the fabulous walks around its walls and beyond, and from viewpoints including from the River Teme.
Best Places for Lunch in West Midlands
Ludlow Kitchen
A short drive from Ludlow at Bromfield, on the way to Stokesay Castle, this is part of the Ludlow Farmshop Complex. Enjoy sandwiches, filled jacket potatoes, burgers, fishcakes, and signature Ludlow Farmshop pies, which are also among the many tasty treats sold at the Farmshop next door.
Best Things To Do in the Afternoon in West Midlands
Ludlow Farmshop
The name Ludlow is synonymous with local produce and the Ludlow Farmshop is a great place to find it. Watch artisans at work roasting coffee, making butter, yoghurt, and cheeses like Remembered Hills blue. Alongside meat, game and poultry, check out signature pies including Shropshire Fidget made with gammon, onions, potatoes and apples. The shop is also bursting with fruits and vegetables, cakes, local drinks, jams, chutneys, smoked fish, pates, bread, cakes, and all manner of deli items. Cards and gifts upstairs.
Stokesay Castle
I love looking at Stokesay Castle, it’s just sooo romantic and fairytale-like. It’s the best-preserved fortified medieval manor house in England, constructed at the end of the 13th century by the super-rich Laurence of Ludlow, a wool merchant and one of the richest men in England. The Great Hall has remained unchanged for 700 years and the carved timbers of the gatehouse feature in most photographs. Climb the South Tower for fabulous views.
Best Places for Dinner in West Midlands
The Lion
In a blissful location on the banks of the River Teme, The Lion at Leintwardine has bars, a restaurant and rooms to stay. Lion favourites include tuna steak Nicoise and the pub’s own version of a ploughman’s lunch. Mains include steaks, fish, duck and chorizo ragu pappardelle. Be sure to leave room for the Ludlow pink gin marinated strawberries with peppered clotted cream.
The Clive Arms
Part of the Earl of Plymouth Estates, spoil yourselves here with creative dishes from the seasonal menu including estate grown and local produce. Begin with crab spaghetti or Ludlow air cured ham; follow up with five spice pork belly, hake fillet or roasted duck breast. Alongside yummy desserts and local cheeses come dessert cocktails – anyone for a Flat White Martini with Grey Goose vodka or a Marzipan Old Fashioned?