Lazy picnics, long walks and sunny beer gardens. Bright shorts, vanilla ice creams and big sunglasses – just thinking about it makes us want to book summer holidays!
And for those who want to start the warmer season off early, there’s one event that will be a sure-fire hit. Boasting both a ’70s and ’60s music festival (in May and June respectively), and known as the food capital of Shropshire, Ludlow is fast becoming the ideal place for a much-needed break. But if you’re aiming for something the whole family will enjoy this summer, look no further than the Ludlow Spring Festival.
Taking place on the evenings of 14-15th May, this feast of food, drink and classic cars is a welcome change from the same-old weekend away. So why not check out our guide below and book our Ludlow Travelodge before it’s full up?
1. The lowdown
Take the best bit about a beer festival (the beer) and add more than 60 local food and drink makers, over 180 real ales, live music, classic cars, demonstrations, and events and you’re just about scratching the surface of the Ludlow Spring Festival. Don’t miss the local perry and cider from the Marches and Welsh borders.
There really is something for the whole family, so while the adults try the local brews, the kids will be happy stretching their legs, chowing down on some lovely bangers, and cheering on the bands and entertainers on show. Of course, all this within the dreamy Ludlow Castle, which is everyone’s idea of what an historic castle should be.
Remember to book a room in our Ludlow Travelodge to sleep off the celebrations. It’s also ideal if you want to dip in and out of the town’s 500 listed buildings (amazing!) and the glorious green countryside of South Shropshire.
2. Meet the Brewer
Friday night sees the opening of the Festival Pub – your friendly local for the weekend and the setting for the festival’s Meet the Brewer event.
Local brewers will give you the chance to try their beers and answer any questions about the process or taste, while live music will keep the party going throughout the night. This event should be in the calendar of all real-ale lovers. If you can’t get there Friday night, don’t worry; the pub stays open all weekend and the live music continues…
There are also brewery tours you’ll want to get in on, but book soon because they’re especially popular!
3. For the kids and the car fanatics
Phew, there just isn’t time to tell you about everything the Ludlow Spring Festival has to offer, but here are a few things we’ve missed.
If you fancy nurturing the next Jamie Oliver or Lorraine Pascale, the festival does cookery lessons for under-12s. What’s more, the chefs will give you easy, healthy packed-lunch tips and more.
While petrolheads have to spend a few hours in the impressive display of classic cars at the Outer Bailey. Ask the owners their maintenance secrets (and costs) and lose yourself in the beauty of motors.
That coupled with demonstrations from some of the UK’s finest foodies and you have the recipe for one hell of a weekend. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your May weekend in South Shropshire today.
4. Top tip(s)
The Ludlow Brewery is right near Ludlow train station, and if you come in by train you can get a free sample when you show your train ticket at the brewery. If you’re going to the Festival, ask about the trails through town too. They’re a top way to find taste-tastic local food shops selling everything from pate to bread.
