Differences between counties

[EnchantedAutumn]

I may be moving from Cumbria to Shrewsbury in Shropshire (or areas around Ludlow) later this year.
Having visited on a few occasions, my impressions were that it felt slightly milder weather-wise and and a touch less touristy. People were friendly, a bit more car oriented, and there seemed to be a lot less infrastructure outside of Shrewsbury itself (supermarkets, etc) compared to , say, Kendal.

Is anyone familiar with both counties? Some details I may not have noticed would be most welcome. We don't have school aged children so not concerned about that side of things. Anything I ought to prepare for?

What would you say are the main differences, if any, between these counties? Would I be less likely to spend 5 months of the year in waterproofs further south?
Am especially interested in the vibes of these places and how they might differ. Most of my experience is in the north of the UK.

I don't know Cumbria very well so can't compare but I live not far from Ludlow. Shrewbury and Ludlow are not really very touristy day to day but they do have a lot of events arts/theatre and food festivals throughout the year which does attract the crowds. You're right in thinking car is king. Shropshire is a vast county as in it has few small towns and not much in between so public transport isn't great. With regards to the weather, i think Wales takes a lot of brunt of the westerly wind and rain before it gets this far inland but I don't think it is that much of a temperature difference.

This is great, thank you! We can't decide between Shrewsbury and Ludlow at the moment, I love the more rural life but DP would prefer the arts/events. Need to find the sweet spot for us both. We have previously lived in Kendal and Penrith - there is definitely something 'brighter' and softer feeling in Shropshire, but maybe I am just so used to the grey skies, architecture and rain!

I live in Kendal and my parents between Ludlow and Shrewsbury!
Shropshire definitely seemed drier. There seemed to be plenty to do in both areas, my parents were into amdram and there were lots of opportunities, arts festivals and whatnot. In a strange way, I found them quite similar. Kendal was definitely " greyer". Ludlow seemed a little more cut off as access to the M6 from Kendal was easier. Obviously, Kendal has the Lakes to hand but, because of the tourism associated with the area, I did find it incredibly busy in summer, Shrewsbury and, To a lesser extent, Ludlow just seemed a bit quieter-although Shrewsbury can be very busy too. The countryside around Shropshire is lovely, very pastoral rather than the magnificence of the Lakes.
Personally, I would live in any of them!

I love Shrewsbury and plan to retire to Shropshire.
I'm not hugely familiar with Kendal but have had many holidays in the Lakes.

Shrewsbury isn't very touristy, you might get a few but not hordes of them like in Cumbria, it's definitely drier and milder.

I live in a small town in Staffordshire which is about 40 minutes from Shrewsbury and the Midlands in general often avoid the more severe weather as it fizzles out before it reaches us.

Ludlow is lovely but personally I'd prefer to live nearer Shrewsbury for the convenience of better road networks and shops then visit Ludlow.

Such helpful replies, thank you very much!
We might see if we can spend a week or two over there soon to do a bit more research. We run our own business from home so location isn't dependent upon that, but I do wonder if we might feel cut off in Ludlow. I spent a few months there last year and loved it, especially how it has managed to keep a lot of big chains out of the town, but this also has the drawback of us having much less choice, at least in terms of shopping and so on. Some fantastic local food though.

The Lakes has really changed in the past few years. I don't know whether it is due to the pandemic or the heritage status, but even the visitors seem different. The roads really are a challenge that's for sure! Whilst the cost of living is country wide, it has become more and more expensive to live in the Lakes.

The more West you are, the more chance of rain. The British Isles stick out into the Atlantic after all. Ludlow is some way east of the Cambrian Mountains, compared to the position of Kendal to the Irish Sea. In theory it should be drier.

Ludlow is also bordering on Herefordshire which along with Worcestershire and Gloucestershire benefits from a warming effect due to its, soils, topography and watercourses. I read a technical article once that explained all this and why from the vale of Evesham right through the Golden Valley and beyond we can consistently produce great quality produce; hops, apples, plums, grapes, asparagus etc. Different regions can excel at different crops, but the success of those three counties is down to various factors that tie in to a milder climate.

@Chatillon I can believe that about the fruit produce around here. I can think of 4 separate Apple festivals that take place in the small towns around here 😂

Apples are the fruit of the soul. They are the healthiest food of all. Do you have 'apple fest' in these towns? Which are they?

Tenbury, Leominster, Ross-On-Wye. I guess they're technically Herefordshire and Worcestershire but its all that part of the woods.

A fusion of mellow fruit-fullness.

Well this is wonderful, I want to take part in an apple festival now!

Thanks @Chatillon, i love this kind of thing.