Ludlow, a market town in Shropshire, has been named the UK's highest-rated inland destination for food and drink, achieving a full five stars in a 2024 Which? Travel survey of more than 9,000 people. The town, long celebrated by poet John Betjeman as "the loveliest town in England," also boasts over 500 listed buildings and a skyline dominated by a Norman castle.
A Culinary Reputation Built on Local Produce
Frequently dubbed the "food and drink capital of the Marches," Ludlow's hospitality scene thrives on locally sourced produce. The Which? Travel survey asked respondents to rate food and drink in their favourite inland towns and villages, with Ludlow coming out on top as the only inland town to earn a full five stars in that category.
As Which? Travel put it, "Instead of a handful of high-end eateries, there's a culture of local produce as well as numerous pubs and cafes, served by people who care about the food." This ethos is reflected in menus that change with the seasons, emphasising fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Top Dining Spots and Local Markets
TripAdvisor currently ranks Old Downton Lodge as Ludlow's finest restaurant, while CSONS, Kin Kitchen, and The French Pantry are also popular choices for relaxed dining. Pub lovers can choose from highly rated options including The Queens and The Boot Inn.
Experts from Ludlow Distillery note that the town's food and drink scene benefits from a thriving network of local producers, from artisan cheesemakers and bakers to craft brewers and distillers. They stated: "The strength of this offering is best seen (and tasted) by a visit to the Local to Ludlow Market in the Castle Square (where growers and makers based within 30 miles of the town sell a range of high-quality and carefully selected produce), and the award-winning Broad Bean fine food delicatessen on Broad Street."
Festivals and the Slow Food Movement
Ludlow proudly champions 'Slow Food', a global grassroots movement that combines a love of good food with community values. Slow Food Ludlow Marches offers activities throughout the year, including visits, talks, demonstrations, meals, and Taste Workshops at the Ludlow Food Festival in September.
The Ludlow Food Festival is one of the town's most celebrated annual events, regularly drawing around 15,000 visitors to Ludlow Castle over three days. The Winter Festival at Ludlow Castle, taking place between 27 and 29 November 2026, will showcase local entertainment, mulled wine, and highlights from the Ludlow Food Festival.
Visitors can also explore the Ludlow Local Produce Market on the second or fourth Thursday of each month, featuring food and drink made within a 30-mile radius. The stalls champion sustainability and seasonality.
Outside of Shropshire, Wells was named runner-up for inland dining by Which? Travel. Other destinations receiving recognition include Lavenham in Suffolk, Llangollen in Denbighshire, Stamford in Lincolnshire, and Cartmel in Cumbria.
