Ludlow or Shrewsbury?

[Leafy2018]

We would like to move next year and have looked at several places, the most recent being Cheltenham which we ruled out as it felt too gritty around the edges (although really lovely in places).

For context we have four children who will be 4, 7, 16 and 19 when we move. I’m not sure what our 18 year old will be doing then - possibly uni/dance school but will be keen to get back and see us regularly.

We are booking four nights just outside Ludlow to explore the area at Easter.

It would be great to hear any thoughts on Ludlow or Shrewsbury. What are the schools like (both state and independents)? Safety? Quality of life? Healthcare? Things to do as a family? Leisure facilities? I’d be interested to hear how easy it is to integrate and make friends if you’re not from the area originally.

I understand the main drawback to Ludlow is that it’s a bit cut off and Shrewsbury is better connected to other areas. On first blush I think Ludlow looks more our cup of tea as we are used to a smallish market town (Cheltenham felt too much like a city). We like walking and there seems to be plenty of NT and castles close by to Ludlow to pop out to. Are there any other places that are a must to visit while we are in the area?

I’d be so grateful for any help or advice. This move has been a long time in coming. We’ve never really settled where we are so we really need to get this right.

Thank you!

Ludlow is indeed rather cut off. I can’t imagine many teens wanting to live there. Beautiful as it is.

Theres only a very small community hospital. Larger hospitals are miles away.

Shrewsbury would have everything you need including very good schools. There are however ‘gritty’ areas on the outskirts too, although probably not as bad as Cheltenham.

Shropshire as a whole is ideal for walking and visiting historic places, it is the most beautiful part of England IMO.

Have a look at Bridgnorth perhaps while you’re in the area.

Oh, and Ludlow is a pain in the arse to get to by road.

Seconding Bridgnorth. Well worth a look if you want that market town vibe.

Look at Cirencester, nice town, usual amenities with good countryside, train station a couple of miles outside.

Ludlow seems a town of two half’s. Shrewsbury has a nicer feel

I far prefer Cirencester or Ledbury to Ludlow or Shrewsbury. Stroud is nice too.

Thanks so much for replies so far. We have been to Cirencester and it is lovely but not much to go out to nearby. We really want somewhere with NT, castles, farms etc within easy drive. Will look at Bridgnorth, thank you. Any idea on schools there?

Oh and we’ve been to Stroud but I wasn’t blown away to be honest. The town centre looked a bit tired. Just my opinion. I know there are lovely parts around too.

I'd definitely go for Shrewsbury. Far more going on. Better transport links - more trains, A5/M54 gives easy access to M6. Plenty of NT properties within easy reach and Attingham park is on the edge of Shrewsbury. Stokesay Castle, Chirk Castle and Powis Castle aren't far away. Plenty of hills to walk up around Church Stretton - easily accessible by car on A49 or by train from Shrewsbury. You can easily visit Ludlow from Shrewsbury if you like it that much but I wouldn't want to be based there - lovely as it is.
(I've lived in the north of the county for 30+ years)

Forgot to add - plenty of good schools and Shrewsbury Colleges Group for 6th form or vocational subjects for16 year old. 18 year old will have good train links to almost anywhere that has a station from Shrewsbury to get to Uni too.

I think if you find Cheltenham too gritty… possibly you need a reality check as opposed to a different town. Or is it just contact with anyone “poor” you can’t cope with.

Oh and Shrewsbury is lovely.

@ohtowinthelotterythank you, that is so helpful. I will look up all those places. Do you have any knowledge of nice villages outside Shrewsbury please? We are looking for a five bedroom house, ideally with a good size garden/some land. Max £950k. I don’t think we’re likely to find many houses like that in Shrewsbury itself and we’d prefer somewhere that isn’t too busy or near busy roads. Thank you for your helpful advice.

This is very good news. Schools have been a very tricky part of our moving plans.

Possibly you need to learn to be pleasant or not comment at all. Your reply here was neither kind nor helpful. I hope you’re not an example of the people I’d meet in Shropshire - I’ve always heard they are a friendly bunch!

If it helps - we are simply used to living in a smaller market town, as I said in my original post. Some people like cities or large towns, others prefer something smaller. We’re all different and that’s ok.

@Leafy2018

100% Shrewsbury. Ludlow is gorgeous, but as has been said, not much there. And hard to get to places. Not much public transport.

I would 100% go for Shrewsbury. So much there, 100s of shops, including lots of quirky ones, a gorgeous big park (The Quarry,) and the lovely River Severn. Also excellent public transport links/trains/buses, large hospital, lots of retail parks, several big A roads for quick access to other towns (Whitchurch, Telford, Bridgnorth, Wolverhampton, Birmingham, Chester, and Ellesmere...) And there are lots of gorgeous old buildings... Some 600+ years old ... And it's not too far into beautiful mid (and north) Wales.

All the best. 😄 You will love Shrewsbury! And if your budget is nearly a million ££££, you will be able to get somewhere pretty amazing!

And Shropshire folk ARE a friendly bunch. 😄 Certainly more friendly than that poster you quoted! 😆

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Cound is a beautiful village just outside Shrewsbury.

Plot twist I’m not from Shrewsbury - you said gritty! If you’ve ever been or lived in Cheltenham is absolutely not gritty! It’s obviously not a village and clearly doesn’t have that feel - but you would have to have lived an extremely sheltered existence to consider it grotty or gritty!

Are there any other places that are a must to visit while we are in the area?
There are quite a few English Heritage sites (so many that an annual membership might be worth it). Also Ironbridge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.

If you’re thinking of unis and the future, then Shrewsbury, 100%. Trains to Chester, Crewe, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham. We live near ish and have one student in Leeds and one in Liverpool, one looking at Manchester, Cardiff and even Edinburgh which is only 5h. I can be in London in 3. Holidays? Three airports within a 90 min drive. Ludlow adds an hour to all that (tho Cardiff will be closer, and Newport for Bristol and the south west). Yes Shrewsbury is bigger than Ludlow and has rougher bits. It also has lovely bits.

Baschurch. 9 miles north, schools up until 16. People move there for the Corbet. £950k will buy you top whack.

So much more going on in Shrewsbury and although it's bigger it's still only a town but with a market feel and a good arts and music scene. Ludlow is great for food festivals markets but it's easy enough to get from Shrewsbury for a visit.

Thanks so much - super useful to know about trains and connections to wider area.

I'm reading along here, interested as we're considering retiring in Herefordshire or Shropshire.

We've spent a week and several weekends in the area, but one thing putting us off is that we have an excellent hospital where we are, and everything I read about the Shrewsbury and Telford Trust is less than enthusiastic.

That’s also our consideration @Papyrophile. The healthcare doesn’t sound good. Can anyone share their experiences of that please?