Ludlow defies weather with tourism record
Ludlow has defied this year's dreadful summer weather and attracted a record number of visitors to the town, it has been revealed.
Tourism chiefs say in August this year more than 25,000 people visited Ludlow Tourist Information Centre – the highest number recorded since figures began in 2004.
Bosses at the centre say between April and September more than 100,000 people came into the venue off the town's market square.
This is the highest figure recorded since 2006 when in the same time period 101,000 people were recorded collecting information about area.
Angela Linsday, manager of the visitor information centre, said there were a number of theories why Ludlow had shaken off the financial downturn and miserable weather.
She said: "My own theory is that more people are not going abroad for their holidays and are staying at home to save money.
"We have also seen an increase in visitors from countries like Australia, New Zealand and China. I think this is down to the Nicholas Crane 'Town' TV show which featured Ludlow.
"I have been told by a number of foreign visitors that they watched the show and felt compelled to visit Ludlow because of what they saw. The number of events in the town has also swelled numbers – I think it could have been better though. Ludlow Festival unfortunately suffered because of the dreadful weather and in June – that month we had 14,512 visitors, down from 1,6190 the previous year."
Tourism bosses say the variety of different events have helped beat the rain.
Ludlow Food Festival in September avoided the worst of the weather and single handedly sold more than 20,000 tickets.
The tourist centre that month recorded 17,580 visitors – a rise of almost 2,500 on the previous year. Bosses hope next month's Medieval Fair in Ludlow Castle will help give the town another boost.
