Shropshire
IN AND AROUND LUDLOW WITH A WHEELCHAIR
Ludlow Town
Ludlow is situated at the southern end of Shropshire near the Herefordshire border. The town is built on a hill that rises above the river Teme. It is packed with interesting historic buildings and is a thriving market town with many individual shops. There is a market held in the main square every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year. here are disabled parking spaces at various points throughout the town and in the three car parks. The town has a variety of cafes, restaurants and public houses, a lot of which have outside eating areas that are accessible.
For accessible places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page
Ludlow Museum
Ludlow Museum
The museum which tells more of the towns history is housed within the same building as the Visitor Information Centre, which is also in the main square.
The Town Trail
The view from St Laurences Churchyard
There is a very interesting town trail leaflet that can be picked up from the Visitor Information Centre that takes visitors around the main points of interest in and around the town centre. The route is wheelchair accessible and not to be missed is the spectacular view from St Laurences Churchyard.
Ludlow Castle
Ludlow Castle
Just off of the main square is the 11th century Ludlow Castle. The entrance is across a cobbled surface but once inside it is mainly down to grass. The information boards explaining the history of the castle are at a good height for wheelchair users. You can access all the main areas but obviously not the towers. There is a shop and designated toilet on site.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
St Laurences Church
A tomb in the Chancel at St Laurence's
The parish church of St Laurence is situated off of Church Street which is adjacent to the market square. The church was built in 1199 and had many alterations and additions over the next 300 years. It is a magnificent building and is well worth a visit. It is possible to access most of the church via ramps but you cannot get into the chancel, however you can get close enough to see into it.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Ludlow Assembly Rooms
The entrance to the Assembly Rooms
Ludlow Assembly Rooms which are situated off of the main square offer a wide programme of film and live performances. For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Mortimer Forest
The all ability trail in Mortimer forest.
Bordering the town is some beautiful countryside and to the southwest is the Mortimer forest. If you take the B4365 out of town and after going over the bridge take the first right marked Burrington and Wigmore. Follow this road for a couple of miles until you see a car park called The Vinnalls on your left hand side. If you park here there is an all ability trail starting from the car park marked with blue signposts. The trail runs around a figure of eight circuit for approximately a mile and a quarter. Although the surface of the paths are excellent, there are some long steep inclines so you will either need a strong pusher or to have good upper body strength yourself.
The Spaceguard Centre
The Spaceguard Centre
Twelve miles from Ludlow along the A4113 is the Spaceguard Centre at the border town of Knighton. Just before you enter the town you will see a signpost on your left directing you up a steep hill, the centre lays on the right hand side at the top. The views from here are magnificent on a clear day. The Spaceguard Centre is a working astronomical observatory that was established in 1996 as an information point for observing Near Earth Objects and the threat they could pose to life on earth. Day tours are arranged at 10.30am (1st May to 1st November only), 2pm and 4pm Wednesday to Sunday each week. It is possible to access all of the observatory apart from the telescope platform and the tour is extremely interesting. There is a disabled toilet on site.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Back down the hill in Knighton is the Offa's Dyke Centre which along with tourist information about the area has a small exhibition with interactive displays. There is a good disabled toilet here (Radar key operated) ask at the desk if you don't have a key.
Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre
Secret Hills Discovery Centre
Seven miles north of Ludlow on the A49 at Craven Arms is the Shropshire Hills Discovery Centre. The centre has good access throughout and there are many interactive displays that explain the history of the local landscape and a video theatre giving a unique view of the area from a hot air balloon. There is a cafe, shop and a disabled toilet as well as free parking.
Visitors can also enjoy an all ability trail around Onny Meadows that includes a dipping platform over a small lake.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Shropshire Shuttle Bus
There are Shuttle buses that operate three routes from the Secret Hills Discovery Centre, the Carding Mill Valley and the village of Bridges and all the buses are wheelchair accessible. Telephone 01743 251000. They allow you to relax and explore the hills, valleys and villages of this beautiful part of Shropshire whilst someone else does the driving and you can concentrate on the views. If you wish you are able to swap from one shuttle to another to see as much of the area as possible. Only one wheelchair can be accommodated at a time so it is essential to prebook the service and the friendly staff will help you plan your route to ensure you enjoy your day fully. This can include a stop for lunch at the various pubs on route including the 'Inn on the Green' at Wentnor where they have recently installed a ramp to assist access.
Fares are extremely reasonable, an adult day rover is £5.00, a childs day rover is £2.50, a family rover (2 adults and up to 4 children) is £10.00 and if you have a concessionary bus pass then where ever you come from in England you can travel free!!
Acton Scott Working Farm Museum
Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
If you continue up the A49 north for another five or six miles you will see a signpost directing you right to Acton Scott Working Farm Museum. Most of the site is wheelchair accessible but it is important to bear in mind that it is a farm and the paths may be muddy. The farm yard where the young animals are housed has a cobbled surface that you might find difficult to negotiate. Having paid at the main entrance please ask for directions to the disabled parking area that lies directly behind the cafe. There are lots of activities and events that take place throughout the season and there is plenty to see. There is a shop as well as the cafe and a disabled toilet.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Clee Hill lies about six miles to the east of Ludlow on the A4117. There are panoramic views over the surrounding countryside both from the viewpoint on the main road and from the summit car park.
PLACES TO STAY
Annie's Cabin
The patio area adjacent to the main bedroom
Ludlow Ecolog Cabins are a family run business set in peaceful countryside at Caynham Mill on the outskirts of Ludlow. Annie's Cabin sleeps up to six people in a twin and double bedroom plus a sofa bed in the living area. It has been designed with ecology, comfort, style and accessibility in mind. There is excellent internal access and the lofted ceiling adds to the spacious feel of the open plan living area .
The kitchen in the open plan living area
The principal bedroom is well proportioned and has its own external door on to the patio. The wet-room is ideal for all guests but particularly suitable for families with young children and visitors with level access needs.
An external patio sweeps around the front and side aspects of the cabin with great views over the surrounding meadow.
For more detailed accessibility information a link to their own website please click here
Ludlow Travelodge
There is also a Travelodge on the outskirts of Ludlow. The hotel is situated adjacent to the A49 and has 3 ground floor accessible rooms with en-suite wheel-in showers. There is also a public house and a supermarket located within close proximity of the hotel.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
The Clive
The Clive
The Clive at Bromfield, Ludlow :- This property is situated on the main A49 a short distance from Ludlow and is accessed via a ramped entrance from the adjacent car park. There is one attractive, spacious twin bedded room and the beds are positioned to allow right or left hand transfer and with sufficient underneath clearance to allow use of a portable hoist. The en-suite shower room has room to side transfer to the toilet and a fold down seat in the shower (N.B. the shower controls although at a low level are not easily reached when seated on the seat). There is a portable ramp on site that allows access to other ground floor bedrooms and the conference suite. Also on site is the Clive bar and excellent restaurant with ramped access via the bar entrance and a good sized accessible toilet in the foyer. This could be suitable for both accompanied and unaccompanied wheelchair users.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Tugford Farm
Tugford Farm
Tugford Farm B&B is situated at Tugford, Nr Craven Arms. The Bed and Breakfast twin bedded room with a spacious ensuite wheel-in shower on a working farm in picturesque south Shropshire. This very attractive accommodation has good outside access via a hard surfaced path and shallow ramp. There is ample internal wheelchair turning space and clearance under the electric bed to allow a portable hoist. A raised toilet seat is available and other equipment can be hired in. Access to the breakfast room in the farmhouse is across a hard surfaced path and through widened doorways and via a shallow ramp. This would be suitable for both unaccompanied and accompanied wheelchair users.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Shuttocks Lodge
Shuttocks Lodge
Then there is Shuttocks Lodge at Norbury, near Bishop’s Castle :- Attractive self catering lodge on one level set in peaceful rural countryside close to the Longmynd and Stiperstones. There is level access into the property from a gravelled drive. Good proportioned bedroom with king sized (zip and link) bed with sufficient underneath clearance to allow a portable hoist and ample wheelchair turning space. There is an en-suite wheel-in shower room (fixed seat) with turning space and room for side transfer to the toilet. There is an attractive lounge/dining room with access through french doors and over a small sill on to an outside eating area.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Peace and Plenty Cottage
Peace and Plenty Cottage
Lake House Cottages are situated at Clun in the beautiful countryside of South Shropshire. 'Peace and Plenty' is the owners Tim and Julie's latest project and the fifth cottage on site. The cottage has its own large garden and stunning views over the surrounding hills.
One of the stunning views from the large picture windows
It has been specifically designed and built to include an accessible ground floor twin bedroom (with an en-suite wet room) to enable all visitors to enjoy the peace of this unique and very special location. It also has 3 further bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs and would be ideal for families or small groups with one less ambulant/wheelchair user member.
As well as assistance dogs, pets are welcome on site and livery for a horse including a stable is also available if required.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Goosefoot Barn Cottages
Goosefoot Barn Cottages
Next there are Goosefoot Barn Cottages :- ‘Munslow’ self catering cottage is set in a secluded valley in the beautiful South Shropshire countryside. There is level access to the property around a paved path. The accommodation comprises of a spacious kitchen (The kitchen units and appliances can be accessed from a wheelchair) and pleasant lounge area, a separate bedroom with king sized divan bed allowing wheelchair access on the right hand side and a shower room with a level access shower (with shower stool) and room for side transfer to the toilet. There is also an outside courtyard eating area. Dogs are welcome by prior arrangement. This would only be suitable for accompanied wheelchair users as access to the property is through a five bar farm gate.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
The Byre
The Byre
There is also the Byre, Gravels Bank, near Minsterley :- Attractive self catering converted cow byre on one level set in a beautiful valley with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside towards the Stiperstones. There is level access into the property from a concreted drive. The accommodation is a spacious studio apartment with a fold down double bed that has sufficient underneath clearance for a portable hoist. Also available is a single bed that can be placed adjacent to the double bed. Wheelchair users can reach the units and cooker in the kitchen area from their wheelchair. There is a very large en-suite wheel-in shower room with a shower chair and access for side transfer to the toilet. This could be suitable for both unaccompanied and accompanied wheelchair users.
For more detailed accessibility information and contact details please click here
Swallows Nest
Swallows Nest
Also in the area near Craven Arms is Strefford Hall and ‘Swallows Nest’ Cottage, this is a very attractive ground floor self catering cottage with ramped entrance set in farmland. Good wheelchair access throughout including en-suite wheel-in shower with seat. Adjoining kitchen and lounge with french doors on to accessible outside eating area. The bedroom has wheelchair access to either side of the bed and underneath clearance for a portable hoist.
This could be suitable for accompanied and unaccompanied wheelchair users.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here
Broome Retreat
A view of the conservatory end of the property
Broome Retreat is a large property sleeping up to 15 people located in the village of Broome near Craven Arms in South Shropshire. Although it set in a peaceful setting having picturesque views over fields to the hills beyond, it is within easy walking/wheeling distance of the railway station and the local pub.
One of the lounge areas
The property contains one double bedroom, four twin bedrooms and five singles all with their own en-suite toilet/washbasin and some having showers. In addition there are two separate wetrooms, one of which is very spacious and also contains a bath. Access varies within the bedrooms with some being suitable for non-weight bearing wheelchair users and some for those with more ambulant ability.
There is level access thoughout and an attractive conservatory as well as a separate lounge. The fully fitted kitchen has underneath clearance to the cooker and sink and two adjacent dining rooms and there are two utility rooms.
This unique property lends itself to providing ideal holiday accommodation for groups or extended families wishing to holiday together.
For more detailed accessibility information and contact details please click here
Ludlow is an interesting and historic town and makes an excellent base to explore the south of Shropshire.