Days Out in Ludlow: Castles, Culture and Family Adventures
There’s something very special about springtime in Ludlow. As the town bursts into colour and life with families, walkers and day-trippers, it’s easy to see why both Ludlow and the wider county of Shropshire are continuing to grow in popularity as must-visit UK destinations.
With a blast of sunshine forecast for this week, it’s the perfect time to plan a family day out packed with history, fantastic food and a little adventure along the way. At the heart of it all is Ludlow Castle, one of the finest medieval ruins in the UK and a brilliant starting point for exploring this buzzing market town.
From Saturday 23rd to Sunday 31st May, visitors to the castle can enjoy a little light-hearted, hands-on fun at the Medieval Games in the Outer Bailey. Challenge your family and friends to traditional games including tug-of-war and noughts and crosses alongside lesser-known ancient games like Queek – yes, you’ve read it right! Queek is a board game involving two players and a black-and-white chequered board and was very popular in the 14th century. Taking part in the Games is the perfect opportunity for children (and grown-ups) to step away from screens and try something a little different together.
The joy of a day out in Ludlow is that there’s so much more to discover beyond the castle walls. For families who enjoy puzzles and exploring, the Treasure Trails’ Detective Mystery Trail offers a self-guided adventure through Ludlow’s historic streets – find out more HERE. Starting in Castle Square, just outside the Castle entrance, the trail invites you to solve clues hidden all around Ludlow’s historic buildings and landmarks whilst uncovering fun facts from the town’s extraordinary 900-year history.
Or after exploring the castle grounds, take time to wander into the town for a meal, ice creams or just a stroll around Ludlow’s fantastic choice of independent shops and cafés. And when you’re ready to cool off, head down to the Millennium Green, a leafy spot popular with locals and the ideal place for paddling in the river Teme or picnicking in the shade.
If you find yourself down by the river on Bank Holiday Monday, don’t miss the Ludlow Rotary Duck Race at Dinham Bridge. This year, there will be four races starting at 11am with everyone who sponsors a duck for £2.50 having the chance of winning £100 (if yours is the first across the line). With hundreds of ducks racing downstream in aid of local community grants, it’s a fun annual tradition that always draws a cheerful crowd to the riverside.
Food lovers are equally spoilt for choice in Ludlow. This half-term, visitors can experience a guided Walking Food Tour of Ludlow by Ludlow Assembly Rooms and experience the town’s exceptional independent, local food scene first-hand. This relaxed, three-hour guided tour runs Wednesdays to Saturdays and takes visitors through Ludlow market, local food shops and hidden gems, with tasting stops along the way showcasing everything from local cheeses, hearty pies and freshly baked breads to sweet treats and even a secret tipple for the grown-ups.
If temperatures climb a little too high, there are plenty of cooler indoor experiences to enjoy. The Ludlow Piano Festival runs from 20th to 24th May, bringing world-class performances to venues across the town, including the magnificent St Laurence’s Church (worth a visit in its own right). While performances by fifteen-year-old piano prodigy Elisey Mysin have already sold out, tickets are still available for a range of other concerts throughout the festival via the Ludlow Piano Festival website.
Families looking for a quieter afternoon or a little down-time, can also head to Ludlow Assembly Rooms for half-term film screenings including the family-friendly, The Sheep Detectives and The Magic Faraway Tree. Book tickets online or head to the box office on Castle Square.
This spring, make a day of it in Ludlow and discover why so many visitors are falling in love with this historic, hidden corner of Shropshire. Whether you decide to spend the day stepping back in time at the Castle, paddling in the river or discovering Ludlow’s thriving food and cultural scene, there’s never been a better time to experience everything the town has to offer.