Ludlow Castle
One of the finest medieval ruins in England.
Castle Square, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AY
Facilities
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Accessible loos
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Cafe / restaurant
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Easily accessible without car
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Pet friendly
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Shop
Set in the glorious bustling market town of Ludlow, the castle has superb views over the Shropshire countryside. Walk through the Castle grounds and explore the ancient lodgings of kings, queens, princes, judges and the nobility – a glimpse into the lifestyle of medieval and Tudor society.
Built in the 11th Century as a border stronghold, Ludlow Castle has been involved in some of the most significant moments of British history.
Built by Roger de Lacy only 20 years after the Norman Conquest, it was later enlarged in the 14th century by Roger Mortimer, and was involved in the Wars of the Roses, as the home of Richard, Duke of York.
The castle became Crown property in 1461 and became the seat of the Council of the Marches, keeping order over the Welsh border. In 1501 Prince Arthur (elder brother of Henry VIII) brought his bride, Catherine of Aragon, to Ludlow before his early death six months later. Catherine later married Henry VIII and their daughter, Mary Tudor (Mary I) spent three winters at Ludlow from 1525 to 1528.
Sir Henry Sidney lived and worked in the Castle as President of the Council of the Marches for 20 years in the 16th century. He was responsible for the last major extension to the Castle.
By 1811 the ruins were purchased from the Crown by the Earl of Powis and remain privately owned and maintained by the family.
The castle is host to several festivals throughout the year including Live in Ludlow music event, and Ludlow Food Festival.
Please note: The information on the Historic Houses website is advisory, but please always check the website of the house or garden you intend to visit before travelling.
January to mid-February 10am – 4pm, weekends only
Mid-February to Mid-March 10am – 4pm, every day
Mid-March to October 10am – 5pm, every day
November to December 10am – 4pm, every day
Closed Christmas Day
The castle may be closed for events and festivals –please visit our website before travelling, where you will find our full terms of entry
Adult (aged 16+) £9.00
Child (aged 5 – 15) £4.50
Family (2 adults and up to 4 children) £25.00 Annual memberships also available.
This property is not part of the Free for Members scheme.
See Exclusive Use for accommodation prices.
This house is not part of the Free for Members scheme, but is one of many houses on our website that we support to promote their tours, weddings, filming and other commercial offerings. To see all the places you can visit as a Historic Houses member, please visit our ‘Free for Members’ listings page here. Or to find out more about how the membership scheme works and how it supports our work to protect independent heritage, visit our page here.
For groups of more than 10 paying visitors, a discount of 10% on the admission price is available when booking at least 2 weeks in advance and paying in one transaction. The leader of the group also gains free admission.
See website for more details: https://www.ludlowcastle.com/visit-us/group-school-visits/
For groups of more than 10 paying visitors, a discount of 10% on the admission price is available when booking at least 2 weeks in advance and paying in one transaction. The leader of the group also gains free admission.
See website for more details: https://www.ludlowcastle.com/visit-us/group-school-visits/
Getting here
Castle Square, Ludlow, Shropshire, SY8 1AY
BY CAR
The Castle is in the heart of Ludlow. There is no parking at the castle, but the nearest public car park is just a minute’s walk away, with other car parks around 5 minutes away.
Travelling from the north or south, Ludlow is to be found just off the A49.
From the West Midlands, leave the M5 at Junction 3 and head west on the A456 through Kidderminster and Tenbury Wells to the A49. Turn right and follow signs for Ludlow.
PARK & RIDE
A Park & Ride runs from the Eco Business Park just off the A49 Sheet roundabout Monday to Saturday
See here for Park & Ride details
BY TRAIN
Ludlow is on the Welsh Marches line with regular direct access from North Wales, Crewe and South Wales. The castle is approximately a quarter of a mile from the railway station.
BY BUS
Buses operated by Minsterley Motors run around Ludlow town (from the Park and Ride off the A49 Sheet roundabout), and from Shrewsbury, Pontesbury and Knighton. See here for timetables to Minsterley Motors, Shrewsbury, Shropshire | Coach & Bus Travel, Day Trips, School Services, Private Hire
The nearest bus stop is at Ludlow Assembly Rooms at the top of Mill Street.
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