Castles, Hill Forts and Historic Places to Visit Near Ludlow

Castles, Hill Forts and Historic Places to Visit Near Ludlow

Shropshire is perhaps best known for its beautiful countryside, walking trails and market towns but it also has a fascinating history stretching back thousands of years. From ancient hill forts and medieval castles to the ruins of once-powerful monasteries, there are reminders of the past scattered across the county.

One of the advantages of staying at St Milburga Chapel is just how many of these historic places are within easy reach. Some are well-known attractions, while others are quieter spots that are often overlooked by visitors. Whether you enjoy exploring medieval castles, discovering local history or simply finding somewhere interesting for a wander and a picnic, there are plenty of historic places to visit near Ludlow and the Shropshire Hills.

Here are some of our favourites.

Ludlow Castle

No visit to Ludlow would be complete without a trip to this famous attraction. Situated in the centre of the historic market town of Ludlow, the expansive and well-preserved ruins are a great place for the whole family to explore. Children will love climbing the walls, playing hide and seek amongst the stones or completing one of the seasonal themed trails. Adults will enjoy the history and the superb views across Ludlow town and Mortimer Forest. Refreshments can be found in the popular Chapter 66 restaurant or head into town to one of the many cafes and tea rooms around the market square.

Head to: https://www.ludlowcastle.com/  for prices, opening times and to find out what’s on.

Just 20 minutes from St Milburga Chapel, Stokesay Castle is a historic gem and a must-see for anyone visiting south Shropshire. Stokesay Castle claims to be the “best-preserved fortified medieval Manor House in England” and we can see why – it has a roof for a start! Pick up an audio guide and it will take you on a tour around the historic site. The incredible bright yellow gatehouse is the first thing you’ll spot on a visit here. Then you’ll tour the great hall, towers with their upper floors and up onto the roof for the beautiful views across the Shropshire Hills. Nature lovers will enjoy the pretty garden in the courtyard as well as the swallows that nest within the castle. Run by English Heritage with café, toilets and gift shop.

See: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stokesay-castle/ for admission prices and a guide to what’s on.

Just a short walk up the hill from St Milburga Chapel, Nordy Bank is the last surviving of what would have been 3 iron-age hill forts on the slopes of the Brown Clee Hill. It’s free to visit and its defensive banks and ditches are well preserved and clearly visible even to a someone with no archaeological knowledge like me. You can head straight to the hill fort along the well-used paths which should take less than an hour from the chapel. Or, if you want something a bit longer and more challenging, head up onto Brown Clee Hill first, around the ridge and back down towards Nordy Bank. Either way, there are some stunning views looking back down towards Stoke St Milborough and across to the Clee Hills in the other direction. There are no facilities at the hill fort as expected but a café is not needed for this walk as you can just head back to St Milburga Chapel when you are done for a drink and a well-earned rest.

Guests often ask about the origins of the chapel’s unusual name and a visit to Wenlock Priory will help tell the story as St Milburga was the abbess at the priory founded by her father in the mid 600s AD. Another English Heritage run site, Wenlock Priory is situated in the pretty town of Much Wenlock around a 35 min drive from Stoke St Milborough. Don’t miss the intricate carvings still visible in the Chapter House as well as the peaceful cloister garden. Afterwards, make time to have a look around Much Wenlock with its pretty streets and medieval buildings and perhaps enjoy a drink and a cake in one of the town’s many tea rooms.

For more information visit: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wenlock-priory/

And to learn more about St Milburga, our namesake, head to: https://stmilburgachapel.co.uk/st-milburga-who-was-she/ as we have an entire webpage on our site devoted to this fascinating character.

Summary

Whether you spend the day exploring a medieval castle, walking around an Iron Age hill fort or wandering through the ruins of a former priory, each place offers a different glimpse into Shropshire’s rich history. For guests staying at St Milburga Chapel, all of these historic places to visit near Ludlow are within easy reach, making them additions to a relaxing break in the Shropshire countryside.

If you’re looking for more ideas of things to do, you might also enjoy our articles on Spring Walks near Ludlow and Beautiful Gardens to visit in Shropshire and Herefordshire.