The best market town in the West Midlands has been crowned. When it comes to excellent market towns in the region, there are plenty that could have claimed the top spot. Shrewsbury in Shropshire is often ranked among Britain's most perfect market towns, located on the River Severn and featuring hundreds of Tudor timber-framed buildings. Ledbury in Herefordshire is another favourite, famous for its black-and-white timbered buildings and its location near the Malvern Hills. But only one market town can be named the finest of them all. That honour goes to Ludlow in Shropshire.
Why Ludlow Stands Out
Ludlow is well known for its foodie scene, and its award-winning market does not disappoint. It has been trading in Castle Square for over 900 years. With over 40 outdoor stalls, visitors can find artisan cheeses, fresh produce, books, crafts, and local wines. Sundays often feature flea or special themed markets too. Just imagine all of this set in the shadow of Ludlow Castle, a gorgeous backdrop for a day of browsing and tasting.
Ludlow is built around one of the finest planned medieval street layouts in Britain, with broad streets radiating from the market square. The timber-framed black-and-white buildings are beautifully preserved, giving the town an almost cinematic historic quality. The ruined Ludlow Castle dominates the town from a rocky promontory above the River Teme. It is a substantial ruin with a rare circular Norman chapel inside. Roger Mortimer, the lover of Edward II's queen, held court here while the young Prince Arthur, Henry VIII's elder brother, died here in 1502.
A Culinary Paradise
Ludlow is a heavy hitter when it comes to food. It has long been regarded as one of England's great foodie destinations, with an exceptional concentration of independent butchers, bakers, cheesemongers, and restaurants for a town of just 11,000 people. The Ludlow Food Festival in September is one of the best in the country. The town sits at the confluence of the Teme and Corve rivers, with beautiful walks along the water meadows. The surrounding Shropshire Hills, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, offer some of the finest walking in the Midlands. Clee Hill, the Long Mynd, and Wenlock Edge are all nearby.
Unlike many historic towns, Ludlow is compact enough to explore entirely on foot in a day, yet rich enough to justify staying longer. It has good independent accommodation and is an excellent base for exploring the wider Welsh Marches.
The UK's Ten Best Market Towns
- Fleetwood, Lancashire – A delightful coastal town on the Fylde Coast featuring a Victorian market with more than 200 stalls, operating Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
- Ripon, North Yorkshire – An almost 1,000-year-old Thursday market in a historical Yorkshire town, featuring a bellman opening ceremony and age-old Hornblower tradition at 9pm.
- Stamford, Lincolnshire – A postcard-perfect, honey-coloured stone town with Friday and Saturday markets offering everything from handcrafted cheese to retro records.
- Ludlow, Shropshire – A culinary paradise with more than 40 stalls operating in Castle Square for over 900 years, open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
- Cirencester, Gloucestershire – A Roman-founded Cotswold town whose Monday and Friday Charter Markets trace back to the Domesday Book and are so picturesque they have appeared in television commercials.
- Skipton, North Yorkshire – A mediaeval market town with a cobbled High Street market operating four days weekly, enhanced by Skipton Castle and canal trips close by.
- Totnes, Devon – One of Britain's most unconventional towns, with diverse Friday and Saturday markets providing ethical products, street food, antiques, and retro treasures.
- York, North Yorkshire – A historical city with a daily Shambles Market offering handcrafted jewellery, street food, and more, situated amongst mediaeval lanes and renowned architecture.
- Hexham, Northumberland – A peaceful and inviting Northumberland town with a Tuesday market, a daily covered Shambles, and a fortnightly Farmers' Market beside the impressive Hexham Abbey.
- Bury, Greater Manchester – A multiple-time winner of Britain's Favourite Market title, with over 200 stalls including a fish and meat hall, open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.
