Ludlow

Introducing Ludlow

All those walks in the Shropshire hills may come to naught once you reach the gourmet capital of England’s northwest, Ludlow. This town has the twin attractions of being a crucible of culinary excellence, with more Michelin stars per head than anywhere but Paris, and boasting a rich historical core that fans out from its fine Norman castle. Its lovely muddle of narrow streets is flanked by half-timbered Jacobean and elegant Georgian buildings, many hosting independent butchers, bakers, grocers and cheesemongers all vying to whet your appetite. Our advice: book ahead and punch a few extra holes in your belt.

Ludlow’s helpful tourist office (875053; www.ludlow.org.uk; Castle St; 10am-5pm) is in the 19th-century assembly rooms, now a lively arts and community centre. There’s also a small back-to-front museum (813666; admission free; 10.30am-1pm & 2-5pm Easter-Oct) on the town and surrounding area here.

Internet can be tracked down at the library (813600; 7/9 Parkway; 9.30am-5pm Mon-Wed & Sat, 9.30am-7.30pm Fri) and clothes can be washed, dried and pressed at Ludlow Laundry (Tower St; per bag £4.80; 9am-6pm Mon-Sat).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009