Ludlow or Stratford-upon-Avon stop over

[Thighdentitycrisis]

We’re driving back from Wales and wants stop over for lunch - haven’t been to either and would like opinions and why please

Ludlow is very pretty, has a castle that is interesting but privately owned so quite expensive. Lots of nice pubs and cafes and parking is quite easy. I usually use the Smithfield car park and walk up the hill. It's the town nearest to my parents so we go quite a lot.

Stratford I grew up by and used to go to loads but I am out of date on it. But it will be much busier. It's bigger as well so has more chain shops/eateries bit obviously all the Shakespeare museums too. Nice places to sit by the river if weather good.

Do you want to stop IN Stratford or NEAR Stratford? As PP said, it will be busy in town, but the area along the river is lovely if the weather is nice. I think the Shakespeare houses are still closed.

There are a wealth of lovely village pubs close by though. Or check out The Farm at Snitterfield (just outside Stratford). That would be a lovely lunch stop.

Ludlow, very pretty and lots of places to eat, not too big so no trailing around for miles in the middle of a journey.

I love Stratford. There's a fabulous tea room called the Four Teas, which is 40s themed.

Ludlow, Stratford too busy and stressy

We had a lovely week in Ludlow, so I am perhaps biased, but I would highly recommend it as a destination and we found it reasonably easy to get parked very close to the centre on the times we went in.

I was a bit disappointed the time we went to Stratford upon Avon. It was a lot bigger and less rustic than I had imagined. We did have an awfully good pub dinner though on the outskirts.

Ludlow, no contest.

Thanks all who replied
It’s seems about 50/50 but the Ludlow camp are more positive, so we have opted for there.

Agree with Ludlow. Good choice OP!

Haven't been to Ludlow in years! I'm sure you will have a lovely time.

Stratford really is not busy at the moment. I agree it is normally hell. But it's all rather pleasant and tranquil at the moment. I'm sure the business owners are missing the tourists but I'm not! Managed to park first carpark I went in the other week .