I visit the Shropshire market town named one of the best places in the UK to retire
The south Shropshire market town made a list of the best eight places to retire.
According to online resource publisher, WorldAtlas, the south Shropshire market town of Ludlow is among the best places in the UK to retire.
The list highlights locations that combine heritage, accessibility and affordability and where a significant proportion of residents are already over 65 and includes recommendations such as Wells in Somerset and Whitby in Yorkshire, along with Ludlow.
The website said that Ludlow’s “Cobblestone lanes”, “casual eateries”, “and lively pubs” were a draw for people to the historic town, and they cite John Betjeman once labelled it as ‘probably the loveliest town in England’,”.
The list goes on to praise the town’s market and food offerings, concluding that the modest population of 10,000 residents makes it “not too big to feel impersonal,” and points out that retirees make up around a third of the inhabitants.
So we decided to see what retirees in Ludlow thought.
Janette Butler, 78 said it didn’t surprise her that Ludlow made the list.
“It doesn't surprise me in the slightest,” she said. “I came to Ludlow when I was already retired and had been for a few years. But it's a lovely town. It's a historic town. It's got lots of interest in the town itself and in the buildings.
“For me personally, I mean, there are plenty of the sorts of things I like to do. I am pleased that the Assembly Rooms is now operational. It has all the sorts of things which I like to do. In fact, I'm just on my way to buy some cinema tickets now.
Ludlow is also in one of the most beautiful areas of the country. Actually, the countryside, you know, surrounding Ludlow is outstanding. And there's so much of interest in the area to visit and to see.”
Murial, a church steward at Saint Laurence’s church in Ludlow, agreed.
She said: “I find it a very friendly town. I've entered into a few activities and with being a steward in Saint Lawrence's Church and doing various other things, you get to know a large group of people that way and everyone is so friendly and nice.
“The local businesses are great too,” she added. “I really like living here and I'm originally an American!”
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