Ludlow was described by John Betjeman as "the loveliest town in England" and I am inclined to agree with him.

For the discerning tourist Ludlow seems to have everything - narrow medieval streets, ancient buildings seemingly everywhere, an impressive and picturesque castle, a delightful river with quaint bridges, a cathedral-like parish church with a broad tower and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking.

This view of Lower Broad Street is from the southern edge of the town looking across the narrow Ludford Bridge. Lower Broad Street goes up to Broadgate, one of the original gates into the town, and thence into Broad Street with its delightful Georgian buildings.

The very impressive tower of the parish church stands like a beacon above the town.

The Feathers hotel, built in 1619, is probably one of the most photographed buildings in Shropshire and you can easily understand why. Have you ever seen such an extraordinarily decorative building? The hotel consists of the decorated centre section and the upper storeys each side.

The North Range and the Round Chapel of Ludlow Castle seen from the top of the Great Tower or Gatehouse Keep.

The castle was first referred to in the 12th century and the architecture suggests that some parts of the building date from the 11th century. It is a very large ruin with lots of interesting places to explore and this is one of the best castles that we have visited.

This hill is about 5 miles, as the crow flies, to the north-east of Ludlow and is a little over 1700 feet high. A rather stiff climb you think? Not a bit. There is a narrow little road which goes almost to the top and there is a large area in which to park your car and it is free. The walk from there is not difficult at all.