Arts and culture in the Shropshire Hills

Festivals

Arts, Crafts & Learning

Heritage

Poetry and Literature

Venues

What is culture? The answer to that can be hard to pin down, precisely because it can mean different things to different people.

For sure, the culture of a place flows from its people, its history, its customs, its traditions.

The Shropshire Hills are distinctive in all these aspects and the relationship between the landscape and the people who live here is hugely productive one, culturally.

Artistic people find stimulation in the landscape, which can effortlessly combine tranquillity with high drama. And with a rich and dramatic history evidenced by the many relics of ancient peoples, and by the ruins of castles from more recent turbulent times, it’s small wonder culture in all its forms is alive and well here.

Indeed, the Shropshire Hills are a veritable hive of artistic activity, with vibrant festivals enjoyed by local people and visitors alike. Some of these events, like Clun’s Green Man Festival, draw their inspiration from ancient tradition, others – like the festivals at Church Stretton and Bishop‘s Castle, and Ludlow’s Fringe – set out to bring the best of contemporary artistic endeavour to the Shropshire Hills. You can find out more about events & festivals across the Shropshire Hills here.

All Arts and Culture in Ludlow

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    Ludlow Castle

    Construction of Ludlow Castle began in the late 11th Century as the border stronghold of one of the Marcher Lords, Roger De Lacy. Early in the 14th Century it was enlarged into a magnificent palace for Roger Mortimer, then the most powerful man in England. Later, in the 15th Century Read more [...]

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    Stokesay Castle

    Stokesay Castle, near Craven Arms, nestles in peaceful South Shropshire countryside near the Welsh Border. It is one of more than a dozen English Heritage properties in the county. Stokesay Castle is the finest and best preserved 13th century fortified Manor house in England. It offers visitors a unique glimpse Read more [...]

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    The Aardvark Bookery

    A bookshop, cafe and exhibition space all in one The Aardvark Bookery ( or Book Barn) was created from a nineteenth century farm building, on the historic Harley Estate in the village of Brampton Bryan. Using the services of craftsmen who lived and worked on the estate, a special space Read more [...]

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    Wheely Wonderful Cycling

    Cycling Holidays, Walking Holidays. Cycle hire. Cycling Maps. CYCLING HOLIDAYS – Choose from over 30 different cycling holidays through Shropshire, the Wye Valley and Wales.  Superb cycle tours on traffic-free country lanes cycling. From family cycling holidays and adventurous cycling short breaks on the Kerry Ridgeway, to weeklong tours around Shropshire’s Castles Read more [...]

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    Loudwater Studio

    Loudwater Studio, part of the Charity Vision Homes Association, is a fantastic arts and crafts studio for the whole community. Situated on the Burway Trading Estate in Ludlow,  Loudwater is bright and packed full of artistic materials with an amazing atmosphere that many of our visitors simply love to enjoy. They run many activities Read more [...]

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    Tenbury Wells

    Tenbury Wells, referred to as ‘The Town in The Orchard’ by Queen Victoria, is an ancient Market Town in North Worcestershire and just a short car journey from Ludlow. Explore places to visit in Tenbury Wells – its Town Centre area is a conservation area and has a unique selection Read more [...]

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    Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre

    Visit Ludlow Medieval Fayre at the end of November A weekend to mingle with medieval jesters and enjoy live music as you explore over 100 stalls selling seasonal wares, food and drink, crafts, historical goods and more; it’s the ideal chance to find the perfect, original gift or indulge in Read more [...]

© Shropshire Hills Tourism Association