Ludlow Castle
Shropshire, England
Photo: Gary Bembridge from London, UK, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Gary Bembridge from London, UK, CC BY 2.0 · Hchc2009, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Earl of Powis (Powis Castle Estates)
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Ludlow, 0.4 miles (straight-line)
- Stays
- Overnight accommodation available
- Note
- Castle House holiday apartments within walls
Pinpoint
Castle Sq, Ludlow SY8 1AY
Telephone 01584 873355
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
One of the largest and best-preserved castle ruins in the Marches, once the seat of the Council of Wales and the place where Prince Arthur, Henry VIII's elder brother, died in 1502. Reviewers with mobility concerns report they were able to get around most of it thanks to decent paths, though the tower stairs are steep enough to need a head for heights.
At a glance
Who to know
Prince Arthur · Henry VIII's elder brother, who died here in 1502
Worth the trip
The view from the top of the tower over the town of Ludlow - reviewers repeatedly rank it among the best views in Britain.
Before you go
Some reviewers found the on-site cafe closed when they visited, so don't rely on it being open; there are covered picnic tables if you want to bring your own, and the grounds are well kept enough for a relaxed few hours even in poor weather.
What visitors say
Ludlow Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 6,317 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently rate the scale of the ruins, the tower views, and the well-kept grounds highly, and value for the entry price is mentioned more than once.
A couple note the on-site cafe can be unpredictable - closed on one visit, limited seating on another - and that toilet access requires a code obtained after buying a ticket.
“What a fabulous castle! Love bed looking around and discovering all the twists and turns. Stunning ruins. Friendly and helpful staff. Sadly the café wasn’t open to try out what was on offer. We’ll certainly be back.”- Rosie Griffiths, visitor review
Within reach of Birmingham (36 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Weddings at Ludlow Castle
Ludlow Castle is on our wedding roll because Earl of Powis (Powis Castle Estates) mentions weddings on their own site. Visit their site.
Comparing options? See every castle wedding venue in England, or the full UK wedding roll.
Dates, capacity, licensing and exclusivity change constantly and we hold none of it - treat this as a starting point and speak to the venue before you plan anything around it.
History
Roger de Lacy · c. 1075
Built around 1075 by Roger de Lacy on a western promontory above the River Teme, Ludlow served as a strategic fortress controlling the Welsh Marches. The town developed around it from the late eleventh century onwards. The castle became the seat of the Council of Wales from 1472, where Prince Arthur died in 1502. The Earls of Powis acquired it in 1772 and purchased it outright in 1811.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking near the castle is easy and mainly consists of on street parking.” - Adrenaline-rush
- Terrain & accessibility
- “I didn't do the orginal steps as these I think were beyond me but being able to see and do so much was a real joy.” - Lizzie Jones
- Facilities
- “To use the toilets you first have to purchase you ticket, which has a code on to let you into the toilets.” - Adrenaline-rush
Common questions about Ludlow Castle
Where is Ludlow Castle?
Ludlow Castle is in Shropshire, England, at Castle Sq, Ludlow SY8 1AY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Ludlow Castle?
Yes - Ludlow Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Earl of Powis (Powis Castle Estates). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Can you stay overnight at Ludlow Castle?
Yes - Ludlow Castle offers bookable accommodation, so you can spend the night in the castle itself or within its grounds. See the Castles You Can Sleep In guide for the full list and how each stay works.
What is the highlight of visiting Ludlow Castle?
The view from the top of the tower over the town of Ludlow - reviewers repeatedly rank it among the best views in Britain.
Is Ludlow Castle a ruin or still intact?
Ludlow Castle is a ruin - Castle House holiday apartments within walls.
