Half term is upon us and for many, that means precious family time and enjoying days out around the UK. If you’re planning a trip to Ludlow over the next few weeks (or at any time of the year!), our town is a wonderful destination with plenty to keep you busy.
We caught up with the Lets Go Ludlow team Claire and Lucy to chat about what makes Ludlow a great day out…
What do you think makes the town of Ludlow such a unique destination?
Claire: Where do we begin? Let me pull out my bag of superlatives: fabulous, marvellous lovely Ludlow! We’re unique because our history is so accessible — the market square is bracketed by gorgeous examples of black and white buildings and the 11th century medieval ruin that is Ludlow Castle. There are hundreds of listed buildings which any budding architectural historian can spend time discovering. Then of course, minutes away we are surrounded by natural beauty — literally. We have panoramic views of the peaks of Clee Hills and a river running through it. The 1,000 hectares of Mortimer Forest on our doorstep means we can let kids and dogs (within reason of course) run wild. Plus, we have access to a bounty of local produce through our weekly markets and independent shops and that’s just the tip of iceberg.
Aside from our unmissable medieval Castle (of course), what other activities would you suggest for a top day out in Ludlow?
Lucy: A top day out for my brood of three and two dogs involves activities for teens and tweenies. We love to do things together and that means activities such as biking in Oakly Park. We begin and finish at the Ludlow Farmshop where we recuperate with something warming or cooling depending on the season. We also love to hang out at the Millennium Green as the older kids can venture into the river or meet up with friends, while the younger one can still be enticed to the Linney playground which is minutes away. Sometimes we do the easy access loop at Mortimer’s Forest.
What’s coming up this half term for those wanting to bring their families to Ludlow?
Lucy: What’s on: Half term can cover the next two weeks dependent on the school. But naturally some will be at the Teme Leisure Centre for swimming. There is indoor play at Monkey Mania. Maybe book a pottery party at Loudwater Community Arts Centre for some group fun. Some of the other event highlights we think kids would enjoy are:
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Dinosaur Puzzles at Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre, Craven Arms
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Pizza & Pancakes workshops by Cook & Bake, Leominster
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Corner Exotics at Ludlow Assembly Rooms
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Spider Man and Clifford the Big Red Dog at Ludlow Assembly Rooms
And, lastly, can you give us a little-known fact about the town?
Claire: Ludlow’s geology is pretty amazing. One interesting fact comes courtesy of our Friends of Whitcliffe Common who described the ancient wildlife preserved as fossils beneath Whitcliffe Common. They are tiny shells and often remain invisible unless you are eagle-eyed and something of an expert. However, thanks to the Friends of Whitcliffe Common, who have made six fossil casts of creatures from the Silurian (geologic time that began around 443 million years ago) period, you can have a full look. They are placed at intervals along the Bread Walk and could be a good place to seek and find. Learn more at the Friends of Whitcliffe Common.
This article originally appeared on Ludlow Castle’s website.
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