Tower with a view

Intrepid visitors to Ludlow can now get a bird’s eye view of the town - if they can negotiate the 200 steps to the top of a local church’s bell tower.

The tower at St Laurence’s Church, situated in the centre of the south Shropshire town, gives 360 degree views of the area including the Strettons and Clee Hill.

Check out our photo gallery below

Now that the days are getting warmer and clearer, visitors to the medieval town can add the attraction to their list of things to see and do, along with the famous Ludlow Castle and food markets.

Parish secretary, Gill Leary, said: “People have been visiting the church and enjoying the views for years, but we are publicising it a bit more now so that people come here and make the most of the spectacular views.

“When it snowed, the views of the snow on the surrounding hills were magnificent. On a clear day you can see the Clee Hills, Malvern Hills and into Wales.”

St Laurence’s, a member of the Greater Churches Group, is often hailed as one of England’s finest churches.

It is visited by people from all over Britain and the rest of the world, and has handy guides printed in many languages to help tourists.

It was largely rebuilt in the 15th century in the soaring perpendicular style of the day.

The church also has features of the Norman, early English and decorated periods.

It is also home to a collection of artistic treasures, glass and well carved 15th century misericords and bench-ends, a series of memorials and a Snetzler organ.

The tower will be open every day from 10am until 5.30pm apart from Sundays when it opens at 12.30pm.

Tickets from the church cost £2.50 each with money raised going to church funds.

Visiting the church is free of charge but as the cost of conserving and maintaining the building is very high a £1 donation per adult visitor is suggested.