The 22 best shopping and stores in Ludlow

We had an amazing day at Ludlow Castle! Originally built around 1075 by Walter de Lacy after the Norman Conquest, this castle has so much history. Over the years, it became one of the most important castles in the Marches, even hosting Prince Edward (one of the “Princes in the Tower”) and Prince Arthur with Catherine of Aragon. It was also the seat of the Council of the Marches before falling into ruin after 1689. One of the highlights for us was the Norman Chapel of St Mary Magdalene — it’s so unique with its round nave! After centuries of decay, it was lovingly restored and re-roofed in 2019 with help from English Heritage. It’s great to see such an iconic landmark preserved for future generations. We also climbed the tower and were rewarded with stunning views of Ludlow town, the lush surroundings, and Dinham Bridge. The castle grounds are peaceful, and there’s a nearby reservoir that adds to the charm. The on-site café is a perfect spot to grab a coffee or snack and relax. Ludlow itself is lovely — friendly, welcoming, and full of character. It’s an ideal spot for anyone looking for a mix of history, nature, and a relaxing day out. Entry Prices: Child (5–15 years): £4 Adult (16+ years): £9 Family (2 adults, up to 4 children): £25 Children under 5: Free

I would recommend visiting the castle to everyone. We watched a battle reenactment which was very entertaining and there were tents teaching you about what life would have been like such as forging arrows, playing instruments, cooking, etc. There is so much of the castle that you can explore too which I enjoyed the most. I find often you can see a couple of room but here there seemed endless parts to explore, all with informative posts educating you about the castle. There are various staircases you can climb for incredible views across Ludlow and the surrounding area. There's also a gift shop with a very nice gallery of paintings for sale. You could spend a few hours here easily.

Love Ludlow, especially in beautiful Autumn sunshine. Lunch at Harp lane deli was gorgeous, walnut and stilton tart was delicious! The castle looked magnificent, gleaming in the sunshine too. We were a bit late for the lovely market as they were packing up,but a lovely afternoon.

Incredible aura about this place, you really do feel the history as you walk around. I took my 3 year old and she absolutely loved it. Some great walks, great views. Take a picnic and eat in the grounds if the weather is nice. If you go to the top turrets, be mindful with the kids as the stairs are old, very steep and enclosed. Safe footing but take care. Small kiddies need to be carried which can be tricky, but we'll both rhe view from the top. There is a lovely river that runs nearby, lovely walks. Would highly recommend but another place that once you have been you probably wouldn't go back.

First visit. Stone work is fantastic. History in abundance. Beware of outside decking areas. Very slippy when wet. Other than that, great visit.

Great place, price to enter is really affordable and the amount you can explore is amazing. Never had somewhere you can get such a full exploration in and climb the towers. Definitely recommend!

Great castle to explore with staircases up to some great views of the town. Private owned castle so had pay for entry, which was a shame as we are a cadw, English heritage and National Trust members. Weddings are held here so waiting for the bride to enter was fun 🤔 guessing what she would be wearing 😂😂

Wonderfully unique market filled with local businesses. Beautiful setting. I bought a few baked goods, some natural dog treats, and a large wicker basket for logs.

Visited on a Sunday and Monday, market very good on Sunday, craft and lovely individual items worth buying. Sellers all very friendly. Visited on Monday, good selection of stalls too.

Love Ludlow, one of my favourite places. Market is varied, but the cheese stall is really good. Dog treats as well nice way to spend half a day.

Loveley Market place next to castle. Easy parking just 2 minute walk. Beautiful town.

Ludlow is a lovely little market town offering quite a few quaint little shops along with the market. Coming into Ludlow you drive up through the town passing nicely decorated and well kept shops We parked in the nearby Castle a street car park and walked up into the town. Along with the castle it is a nice stop off along your route if passing

My second visit here and love it.. really good stalls. Some days more crafts but so good and of course we really went for liqorice stall

Called here this Sunday late morning for a look around the antique market. Excellent it was too, an interesting mix with some stall holders having quality items. I will certainly call again when in the area.

Two nights at The Ludlow Assembly Rooms to see The Oysterband on their farewell tour. The building is well maintained externally with the original fascia and the renovations inside are fabulous. There's a lift to all floors, a well stocked bar which sells coffee and ice cream too, loos upstairs and on ground floor. There's a good view from every seat. On the ground floor is Bills cafe which opens from 8am and serves a fabulous breakfast ( I assume everything will be as delicious and wholesome, but we only had breakfast - on 2 mornings!).

Fabulous, intimate venue for live music. Great sound, good view wherever you are comfortable seats. Lovely staff. Saw Nerina Pallot on her 'all roads lead to' tour. Just brilliant!

Saw Led Zeppelin tribute.... Fab night

Went for a live music event. Lovely and warm, clean and comfortable. Ideally situated with easy accessibility inside for the disabled. The staff were very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the area, and the prices were reasonable. Can’t wait to go again.

A nice place with various function or theatre rooms a shop and a tourist information centre. You can find out what's going on in the area and book seats for shows of which there are a wide variety to choose from. It's in a central location opposite the market square with lots to see and do. The fringe festival is particularly good.

Friendly and very efficient staff. Food excellent. Very clean and tidy.

All relaxed comfortable seats and easy to hear the lecturer.

I have used public swimming facilities around the country over the years and think Ludlow pool is the best I have ever used. The pools are crystal clean and the changing rooms, gym any other facilities spotless. The staff are the most helpful and pleasant I have had the good fortune to deal with. I have recently changed my membership, about three quarters through my year subscription.( I have now included the gym with my swim)It was easy to do. Nicky and Debbie were very helpful indeed. Thank you. Also worth noting that my gym and swim membership also includes access to to any classes.

I used the showers only so the place was clean and the woman on reception was very helpful & friendly. £2.00 for a shower very good.

Gym has had a refurb, downstairs is really nice with lots of toys! Squat racks, assault bike, boxes, sled, rig, good dumbbell and kettle bell selection. Great to use if you're in the area and want a session. Also cardio area upstairs with lots of equipment (treadmills, rowers etc)

Good place to go. Clean compared to other leisure centres. Staff is very welcoming.

Love this place for a tranquil swim and ace spa. The staff were also really helpful and friendly. (Wish I lived closer to be a member)

What a fantastic public facility you have in Ludlow. We visited to use the spa and gym whilst on holiday here. It is such great value. The spa was lovely, as good as any private facility and the staff were lovely. The gym is well equipped and very peaceful and tidy. If you live in Ludlow please make use of the leisure centre and know how lucky you are. I wish we had this where we live.

Massive problem on air conditioning and makes it sufferable in the summer months in the gym upstairs.

Great book shop You can also buy here acrilic paint and brushes and other artwork iteams Well located Thank you

PLEASE READ BEFORE PLACING AN ORDER. Extremely frustrated by any lack of contact after placing an order on 11th December for a Christmas present. The order was placed online and I was relieved of £70 for the desired book. It has never arrived. Despite numerous messages via social media, email and via Abe books, there has been zero communication. If this company is still trading, I'd be extremely grateful if someone would get in touch and inform me of the whereabouts of the book or to make a refund for the goods that have never been received.

If you're looking for interesting books about Ludlow and its history, or about Shropshire in general, this is the shop to visit! There's also a good selection of books in other subjects as well as maps, greetings cards, jigsaw puzzles, stationery and artist's supplies. Bought a lovely calendar here. The gentleman who served me was really pleasant and helpful. A good independent shop ideally located in the market square.

Interesting local book store. Good selection of calendars for next year. Local cycling maps.

This book shop has been here for many years and is well established, I certainly remember visiting many years ago when I was a boy. They have an excellent selection of interesting books as well as art supplies and greeting cards. Would absolutely recommend a visit.

Very disappointing now. Is it closing down ?Much reduced stock than previously and an aura of decay. A great shame.

Friendly service & had exactly the book I was after

Fabulous selection of quality stylish range of clothes, hats and gorgeous accessories. This is all topped off by amazing friendly and helpful staff. Try this shop. Woo oooh . Treated myself to a dress today for a special occasion !

On my first visit to Eclectica months ago - I made a fair few purchases which included a pair of blue trousers, and a reversible skirt, plus a few ear rings and a couple of silk scarves (one made from Sari material which is exquisite). Back at home in Sussex, I have been stopped more than once and asked 'where did you get the trousers' more than once, and had lots of really good comments on the skirt. (I now keep cards on me so i can hand them out!) The scarves have been worn in rotation through the Autumn/Winter (I have one on as I type) as they are very pretty and keep me warm without having to have bulk round my neck. I speak to my clients on Skype and they often comment on the scarves! I'm not a follower of fashion, or a nifty dresser, (leggings and black T shirts with a dog-waling jumper slung over the top usually) so when people commented it was a real surprise and made me feel fab. Just a couple of accessories, or new trousers made all the difference. They have carefully selected clothes and accessories from designers that you just can't find anywhere else so I have been pointing people in Eclectica's direction ever since. I didn't pick up a pair of red trousers on my most recent visit (clearly an oversight!) - so I called the shop this morning, and Jodie the owner said she would post them for me. Phew - I was lucky they were still available. BTW The changing rooms are generous and well lit (always a good sign), and Jodie and Vicky are always on hand to help - I also got a cup of tea!! I would never have looked at the pieces they selected for me - and they have turned out to be the most worn. This gorgeous shop is always my first point of call when I am visiting. With first class customer service, a great space to try things on, and unusual classy "wear- all - the - time" pieces....... I suggest you make it your first stop too.

Great selection of wantable clothes, bags and jewellery

Lovely owner and nice selection of clothes. The amber hand wash on sale smells gorgeous

Everything you need to find a gift for the ladies in your life, wives, girlfriends, sisters daughters and others. Jewellery, clothes, skin care, hats, scarves and gloves they just make it easy mainly because they are SO helpful :)

Really lovely people who run this shop. Not pushy at all and you get a nice relaxed experience. I love it!

Brilliant service, great selection of clothes, gifts and lovely candles.

Lovely shop A lot of cool items for souvenir or presents, also clothes selection here like lounging trousers or sweaters and throws Great feel and relaxing atmosphere Thanks

Quaint shop that always has so many nice surprises, guaranteed to find something unique to give as presents. Staff are pleasant and attentive and always willing to help.

Amazing shop, selling fair trade, alternative and a diverse range of gifts and products

Shop signed as Purple Panda. Treasure trove of stuff that would not look unfamiliar to shops in Glastonbury.

Really like this shop. It's unique with a mixture of lots of wonderful things. Worth visiting.

Nice, interesting little shop

Interesting range of ideas in this shop

The worst bacon bap I have ever had (and I've had a few!)...and the most expensive! We were stuck having been told at our 1st choice place they weren't doing breakfasts that day (!) So ended up here. I was shocked at the prices (£8.50 for a bacon bap) but thought it might be something special. It was shocking. My photo shows how much of the fatty streaky bacon had to cut off before being able to fill the bap with meat. It was awfully greasy and the brown bap was a dense,, hard bread....unsuited to bacon or sausage. The tea was also poor. Service? Well, judge for yourself; one assistant decided to take a long phone call whilst we stood waiting to be served...the other, altho seeing us, dashed off into the back. Returning 5mins later to serve us as the other was still engaged in 'phone chat'. Normally I'd pay about £4.95/5.95 for a baconbap (live in Yorkshire Dales)...and always well presented, well cooked and tasty. This place is taking the mick!

Busy lunch place. Had a lovely trio of very fresh salad and some yummy potatoes. Generous servings that I split with a friend. Also had fish pie and quiche at our table and everyone agreed they were delicious. Cafeteria style casual restaurant

It's our regular visit here, Depending on the time of day the service can be slow and mess up with orders a couple of times we visit there! I love their lunch dish chicken and rice always it is my favourite, but on New Year's Day it was not what I was experiencing the rice was undercooked and soaking wet the ingredients did not blend into the rice and chicken... Can do with 15 minutes of cooking my son and I weren't happy about it we thought we could leave it, but too expensive to leave food behind, on our dish saved with green and an extra charge for 5 roast potatoes £14-15 dishes

Underwhelming. Despite pastries being on the breakfast menu my wife was told they wouldn't be available til later in the day. It's Saturday morning for goodness sake and one of only two establishments in Ludlow "serving" breakfast at "breakfast time" not after 0930 or later. My salmon and horseradish creme fresh came without the horseradish creme fresh. The excuse I was as given was some customers don't like it!! My roll was taken away and brought back with lashings of horseradish creme fresh but look messy and unappetising. I was hungry so I ate it. My decaf coffee was okay but I shan't be rushing back to any Bills establishments.

We were served today by the lovely Paige, who was lovely, and accommodating; she kindly helped us as we were unsure on how to use our vouchers. Had a lovely coffee and half price late lunch, which was very nice and reasonably priced due to the half price late lunch deal. 👍👍

We are always happy to come to Bill's Kitchen! The staff is friendly, (so is Bill), the atmosphere is good, the restaurant is specious and the food is delicious. Some of my favourites are the chicken cooked on the rice and the carrot cake. 😋

my husband had eggs on toast and i had a small piece of toast that came at the side. we both agreed it was the best bread we had tasted in a while and my husband said it was a delicious eggs on toas

Amazing health shop and so large too...in a street that is very quiet and shops closing down. Its in a part of town that's neglected by people. Everyone's seems to be concentrated where all the coffee shops are.

I go in quite regularly and find the shop very well stocked and good value. The staff are polite and very friendly. Highly recommended

I travel over an hour to visit this place, huge range of stuff. You could do your whole grocery shop here. You will not find friendlier staff anywhere else 😀

Everything you could hope an organic store to have. Fresh fruit and veg, sourdough, canned organics, toiletries, range of peanut butters. You name it, Myriad have it. This is fast becoming my favourite organic store in the local counties. The staff are always helpful and polite.

Great range of produce. From day to day groceries to seasonal items Myriad is a very well stocked shop. The staff are always helpful, friendly and knowledgeable.

Brilliant shop and Brilliant staff. I popped in yesterday and purchased a herb plant, the man who served me was very friendly and knowledgeable. Thank you.

Extremely rude man who locked up the shop. Admittedly left engine running whilst charging my phone in order to phone my mom, a recent widow and to check she was ok. The ill mannered man offered a torent of abuse, including in an aggressive manner " we all have the right to clean air". Yes of course we do and I'm sorry I didn't turn my engine off sooner, he is right. But let's spread some kindness, no one knows what others are going through. Let's ask in a kind manner because I would have totally agreed with this hypocritical van driver and profusely apologized

Their truffles are apparently "to die for"! Very helpful staff. Thank you!

Fantastic shop , fantastic chocolates , friendly staff , ignore the comments about not being allowed in without a mask , it has no significance to the quality of the truffles sold at all , I don't blame them not letting someone in without a mask 3 years ago , the height of covid it's their choice whether they wanted to risk covid or not !

Extremely lovely lady to serve us with big happy smiles, a very good selection of confectionaries that all looked tasty.

I don't normally indulge in buying myself posh chocolates but I was on holiday......! What a treat, the chocolates were amazing and I didn't dare share any. I can also recommend the ice-cream, truly scrumptious. Service was good, very lovely friendly lady that served us. Don't miss this treat if you are in Ludlow. Obviously it's good for gifts too if you aren't as selfish as me!

I have been going into the chocolate shop for eight years and not once have I been disappointed. I’ve read other reviews criticising the price of their ice cream. Well, all I can say is that you get what you pay for. Same with the chocolate. Their handmade chocolates are to die for. And for a chocoholic it’s an absolute dream come true. They also have a selection of chocolate boxes, and they are exquisite. So, long after you’ve polished off the contents you have a gorgeous box as a keepsake.

Really nice little shop, the young lady who served us was very attentive and polite. The chocolate is really good and so is the ice cream. Would very much recommend a visit if you have some spare cash to spend on some fancier chocolates. They make for good gifts!

THE best chocolates me and my partner have ever had! We are forever buying ‘nice’ chocolates from Hotel Chocolat and Waitrose etc, and neither come close to The Chocolate Gourmet!! We only stopped here on our way through and it’s such a shame that it’s 3.5 hours away from home for us. We vow to return however - one day!

My husband called in literally as we walked past as he was struggling to get a belt to fit, half an hour later and a bespoke belt had been made. It doesn’t get any better than that. First class service thank you 🤩

Just picked up a beautiful handbag I’d had my eye on for a couple of weeks. The quality is superb and I love the fact that it’s an individual product and not the same as anyone else’s bag. I’m going to enjoy it for years to come. I also had a belt made and I’m very happy with everything.

A big thank you to Matt for making my husband a fabulous 'booster cushion/pad'. It works a treat and is potentially life changing for him post hip surgery. Over the past few years, we've purchased several items from this wonderful shop. The quality and design of the products is so amazing that one bag/purse/holdall/keyring just isn't enough! When my husband needed a large seat sized cushion, Matt was our obvious choice and once again, he didn't disappoint. Great shop, great products, superb workmanship and excellent customer service. Thank you :-)

Had a lovely gym bag hand made out of leather about 4 years ago. Still as good today as the day I bought it, such a beautiful item. Going back to get a case for my macbook air. For these prices the goods are beautiful handmade quality. Can't get anything near as good for the money elsewhere.

Recently purchased a leather belt from Matt Fothergills shop which I am really pleased with . He uses superior quality brass buckles and leather to make fantastic products ,which you know will get even better with age .Cant recommend his products highly enough . Do checkout his website or better still make a visit to his shop in the beautiful market town of Ludlow

Nice enough belt, took far too many visits though. Ordered a belt - two, actually - and went back to collect on the agreed date to be told, belt's not done, and we don't have the materials for the other one anyway. Might get your belt done today. Might??? Went back at the new agreed date to find belt was not as specified, so had to be remade to be told by far too grumpy person, 'I might not have any more of these buckles'. Oh. Probably best get some more then, or read your order book and maybe, you know, make what's been ordered so you don't waste one. Maybe I'm a bit odd, in wanting what I've actually ordered, for when it's been ordered. What should have been a two-visit transaction took more like five visits, including yet another for the second belt; some of the staff seem nice, but some seem like they can't be arsed with actually dealing with people, or seeing that their orders are accurate. Won't be shopping there again.

I live in the Cotswolds and sometimes drive all the way to Ludlow just to visit Matt’s shop. The quality of the leather is exceptional and it is a real treat to see all his lovely waistcoats and belts etc. I read two reviews on here about the service however I have to admit I bought a belt and a bag and the service was TOPNOTCH!!

Fab experience last Sunday. Bought fly fish rod and coat. Super lady serving. Gorgeous shop with super selection. Great Covid safe procedures. I bubble at a time. We will be back.

To be completely fair, my 2 star rating is solely due to how I felt when visiting Orvis on Monday 12th Nov. 2018. There is no computer facility where I live and I have been unable to access the review page until today - 2nd Dec. - my mobile was updated yesterday at the phone shop. I visited Orvis of Ludlow on 12/11/2018, the day after the main Day of Remembrance - 11.11.18 - such am inportant day, being the centenary of the end of WW1. I had wandered around Ludlow, pausing to look at the photographs of fallen soldiers displayed in so many shop windows and reading a little about them, from the words below each picture. Seeing all the tributes made me think even more about those who had given their lives for us. They were not faceless soldiers but became individuals, as I read about them. I entered Orvis soon after they opened for trading, the day after Remembrance Day. A sales assistant came close to where I was stood reading the tribute to a fallen soldier. She quickly 'grabbed' a poppy which had been attached to a very large model bear. I tried to continue my moment of remembrance as I read the words beneath the photograph of the soldier. Another sales assistant was hovering around the easel upon which the tribute was displayed. She clearly was anxious, so I asked if there was a problem. I was told that it had to be removed. I addressed the 'poppy' assistant...." it seems like a case of remember them yesterday and forget them today". The reply was that they needed to put up the Christmas decorations. .I left the shop. I know that commercial outlets are coping with difficult times. I know that Christmas decorations are to attract people into the store. BUT, how much nicer and respectful if I had been allowed to finish reading the displayed words. How much nicer if the tributes in Orvis had remained in place so that visitors to Ludlow could have wandered around the town on that Monday, remembering the fallen. So many other shops still had tributes in windows. So many other shops continued to show respect. Speaking to orhers it seemed that I was not alone in feeling Orvis acted a little too hasty. I hope that they do not try and justify the very speedy removal of the tributes. It will make people consider the sincerity in the first place.

Many thanks to Jenny for locating wading boots and getting them delivered the next day.First class service she will always go the extra mile.

Grat shop excellent staff big hello to Jenny Jackson and her staff..! 😉👍

Nice shop very expensive stuff good quality

Great range of clothing and fishing gear

Got what i needed. No fuss. Nice chap.

Helpful, well informed manager.

Friendly staff with excellent custom printing

Ludlow local sports shop and people should support there local small but friendly shop

Very good

Very helpful

Really lovely and useful pottery. I am a huge fan.

Top quality. Subtle, tasteful, full of integrity.

Great craftsmanship and a lovely potter.

Beautiful craftsmanship.

Ludlow food festival 5 days to go.. I went last year and it was really good.. so I'll probably be going this year as well.

Good day out. Just wish there was more variety in the markets.

First time visit on a school . Lovely atmosphere , plenty of tasting 😉

First time visiting today. Really enjoyed a mooch around, so much to look at. Prices very affordable, can pick up some nice unique gifts. Great coffee shop, coffee was lovely. Friendly staff and clean toilets also. Easy to find and plenty of parking.

I have been here quite a few times over the years and it's a nice eclectic place to visit of different things for sale,some antique,some new from furnishings,to toiletries,to records,clothes all sorts. There is a cafe where I have eaten in previously which is really and nice and have lots of options. My only disappointment is there are not so many qwerky door handles and hooks as there used to be and no one around upstairs on my recent visit to ask questions about items on sale. There is a spacious carpark, the toilet facilities are clean and well maintained and this place is quite close to other nearby stores

Loads of lovely stores to explore and trinkets to look at, great coffee shop.

Came upon this place quite by accident on the way to Cheltenham. Has a small cafe inside, good parking outside and a huge range of goods inside. Quite amazed at the range of stuff on sale, my son loved his 1960s style wool coat!

A fantastic place full of a variety of fun homeware and great preloved clothing. There is something for everyone, and items are labelled with plenty of info and history, which is interesting! I especially loved how organised it was; all the displays had themes!

Tried to buy some glasses earlier today and there was no price tag attached so the man working there told me they couldn't be sold nor could the seller be contacted as their phone landline was down. Upon my suggesting he use his mobile or my own to contact the seller the man refused. Shame to think of how many items could be left unsold due to this.

Interesting items, change often and not the usual stuff you see in every other shop. Prices can be a bit high for some items but worth a browse

Amazing Helpful Staff and a Great Range of Clothes We went specifically for a men’s jacket and didn’t have time to look properly but the range of Men’s wear is excellent with the Barbour label included. Traditional and contemporary stock.. The person who served us was SO very lovely and helpful. We will definitely be going back to look for longer next time.

I love shopping in Bodenhams and it is my go to local place to shop for clothing for myself. I would say about 50% of my wardrobe is from there! its men’s department also needs to be mentioned as it is amazing as I always struggle for gifts for my dad and literally he loves the entire mens section so it makes life nice and easy for me. The staff are so helpful with sizing and honest opinions and getting stock in. Highly recommend.

Bodenhams is Our favourite shop, I have been shopping here for over 30 years and seen lots of changes in that time but only for the better. Such a fantastic choice of both women’s and gents clothes and some great things for the home too. The staff are a credit to you both …. Thank you 🤩

I love this shop! Their windows are always filled with lovely things and inside is beautiful. I've bought several unusual items for home including a Buddha and a Wind in the Willows set of characters. Staff are always friendly and helpful too.

Bodehams is a treasure of a shop. For quality clothing, both men and women’s, it is simply excellent. The service is consistently helpful and pleasant. If you want to wear clothes that are well-made, interestingly designed and make you feel good to wear them go and have a look at what they have in store. 100% genuine in every way.

If I could review this 10 stars I would. Always so welcoming and incredibly friendly when you enter the shop. The selection of clothes is perfect for the season and very well laid out. Could not recommend more and I can’t wait for my next pop inside!

No visit to Ludlow is complete without a visit to Bodenhams. This independent clothes store has a fantastic range of quality ladies and gents clothing. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable and there is a customer loyalty scheme as well.