Shropshire's Great Days Out - Ludlow Castle
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions. Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
Ben Bentley continues his month-long campaign to highlight the area's top visitor attractions.
Click here for an overview of the great days out campaign and check back each day for the latest idea.
Where is it? Castle Square, Ludlow, SY8 1AY
What is it? Ludlow Castle, the finest of medieval ruined castles, is set in glorious Shropshire countryside, at the heart of the bustling black-and-white market town of Ludlow.
How much is it? £5 for adults, £2.50 children, £4.50 concession, £13.50 family ticket.
Summer Wednesdays and Thursdays through August feature a host of extra, organised activities. Prices are £6.50 for adults, £3.00 for children, £6.00 for concessions, and £17.50 for a family ticket.
What is there to do? If you're feeling a bit medieval, walk through the castle grounds and see the ancient houses of kings, queens, princes, judges and the nobility - a glimpse into the lifestyle of medieval society.
Specially laid-on Summer Wednesdays and Thursdays feature a full programme of activities for all the family. Have a tour around the castle - there are three guided tours a day, at 11am, 1.30pm and 4.00pm with interpreter 'Lady Caroline' bringing the castle and its history to life.
If you were inspired by Team GB's archers at London 2012, there is a 'Have A Go Archery' and 'Living History Tent' open between 10am and 4.30pm.
Birds of prey are on display all day, with flying displays (weather conditions permitting) which run between 12 noon and 3pm.
Visitors are invited to talk to the castle's falconry expert and take the opportunity to get a close up look at these beautiful wild birds.
There are also sessions of short story telling in the inner bailey and medieval games and castle crafts in the outer bailey. You'll be needing a cuppa from the tea room or a picnic blanket to lie down on after all that . . .
Interesting fact: Prince Arthur the elder son of Henry Tudor, brother of Henry VIII, died at Ludlow Castle on April 2nd, 1502. He had been staying there with his new wife, Catherine of Aragon on honeymoon. Prince Arthur's heart was buried at Ludlow. His wife returned to London where she later became the first of Henry VIII's six wives.
The daughter of Catherine of Aragon and Henry VIII, Mary became Queen Mary I and spent three winters at Ludlow Castle as a young girl.
Opening times: 10am to 7pm in August. The Castle reserves the right to close part or all of the castle and its grounds without any notice, so visit the website or ring before you make your journey.
Further information: Visit the Ludlow Castle website ludlowcastle.com or follow the ancient landmark on Facebook.
