England's Postcard-Pretty Medieval Town Is A Charming Getaway With A Scenic Castle And Tasty Eats

Anyone who has ever wanted to explore a picturesque town with historic buildings, an abundance of Michelin-recommended restaurants, and a massive medieval castle can have all of these experiences at the quaint escape of Ludlow. This Shropshire town's own beauty is surrounded by scenic landscapes like the Shropshire Hills National Landscape and the lush Mortimer Forest. One could walk for days in and around this idyllic town and still have more to explore.

Those flying into the area can land at Birmingham Airport (BHX) and drive for about an hour and 20 minutes west to reach Ludlow, or enjoy a peaceful bus or train ride through the farm-laden English countryside. Upon entering Ludlow, they'll find timeless, old-fashioned houses lining the streets, calling for a pretty neighborhood stroll. Once upon the High Street, one could be forgiven for thinking they were touring a movie set, with a sampling of over 400 historic listed buildings that are found throughout the town.

The eye-catching architecture alone coaxes a longer stay so that one can more fully explore buildings that are hundreds of years old and still in use, with some, like the Feathers Hotel, dating back to the early 1600s. Even more venerable is the landmark 11th-century St. Laurence's Church, whose tower can be seen from distant fields. The clothing store Bodenhams sits within a building on King Street that dates back to 1404. This charming getaway will keep one's eyes from staying glued to one's phone.

Sometime around the year 1085, the beginnings of Ludlow Castle got underway near the banks of the River Teme, which flows around the outskirts of modern-day Ludlow. It expanded over the next few hundred years, after which it became the home of Prince Edward. It acted as a sort of administrative center for the surrounding lands after King Edward IV established the Council of Marches of Wales, per Ludlow. The castle was abandoned in 1689, when the Council ceased operations, and was then looted for its goods by nearby residents, according to Castle Wales. The castle was thankfully spared from a prohibitively expensive demolition, and now stands as an example of medieval might. It is much like the historic castles in and around the underrated gem of Cardiff.

Today, visitors can explore the sturdy walls and rooms for a small admission, and tickets can be purchased in advance. Annual festivals like the Ludlow Food Festival, which has run for over three decades, and the Ludlow Spring Festival with its local craft brews and live music take place on the castle grounds. While the castle is otherwise closed during these events, one can enjoy the festivities, and when the event has passed, it will reopen to be explored, allowing one to make the most of their experience.

Visitors can extend their castle adventures by booking a stay at the Castle House and dining at its restaurant, Chapter 66, where one can enjoy a classy yet inexpensive lunch or savor a multi-course Candle Light Dinner. The fare often surprises diners who, instead of getting lackluster tourist offerings, are served scrumptious and affordable meals, with a diner exclaiming, "We really enjoyed lunch at Chapter 66, inside the Ludlow Castle grounds, with a gorgeous view. The food itself tasted fresh with [an] abundance of flavour and colour, the pricing also represented very good value."

Dining options in Ludlow run the gamut from Michelin-recommended restaurants to highly rated casual fare. Between the two is the historic Wheatsheaf Inn, which has served as an inn under various names since the 17th century, much like The Finch's Arms in the ritzy village of Hambleton. Rent a charmingly decorated room and sup on hearty traditional pub provisions and merry pints of ale. The old-fashioned, comfortable construction and decor add warmth to the experience of vacationing in a town filled with homey vibes and historic beauty.

The Michelin pedigree of Mortimers will suit those who seek fine dining in a locale that effortlessly blends class and rustic charm with its deep wood and rough stone interior. Its name is derived from the nearby Mortimer Forest, and rather than a piecemeal menu, it offers three-, five-, or seven-course options curated by chef Wayne Smith, who cut his teeth working under several of Britain's finest chefs. Nearly every bite is made up of local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients, for a real taste of Ludlow.

Those who want a quick and easy yet quality bite will find it at a literal hole-in-the-wall called The Kingfisher. Customers order from a walk-up window to order takeaway fish and chips, burgers, butties, kebabs, and other usual chippy items, and what may appear to be ordinary turns out to be of surprising quality, with an average 4.7-star rating. While nothing will match that found at the charming coastal town of Brixham with its famous fish market, this place holds its own among inland chippies. Walk a block to a nearby park and enjoy the meal while gazing at the quaint hedges and houses in the pretty holiday destination of Ludlow.