Beautiful UK market town with a 'friendly feel' and over 900 years of history

Those looking for towns and villages to visit for a break from crowded cities should not miss Ludlow, a beautiful market town located in Shropshire, which has everything you could want,from regular food festivals to historic sites and stunning countryside walks. Sometimes overshadowed by its neighbours, Shrewsbury and Hereford, Ludlow is still well worth a visit if you find yourself in the area.

From its ancient castle and museums, to restaurants in medieval halls and pubs in 16th-century buildings. Ludlow's history is on proud display. The castle was built following the Norman Conquest of England, and is one of the "finest medieval ruins" in the country, according to the Ludlow Castle website.

Due to its proximity to Wales, Ludlow Castle played a pivotal role in the wars between England and Wales. In 1223, King Henry III and the Welsh prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth met at the castle for peace talks.

Ludlow Castle has been home to numerous influential figures throughout the centuries, including Roger Mortimer, who allied with Queen Isabella to overthrow her husband, Edward II, in 1327. In the 15th century, Edward IV regularly visited Ludlow and established a council there to govern his estates in Wales.

Edward IV also sent his sons, the future King Edward V and his brother Prince Richard, to live at the castle. The brothers would later become known to history as the Princes in the Tower, following their disappearance from the Tower of London in 1483.

Ludlow Castle was also the site at which Prince Arthur died in 1502, leading to his brother, the future King Henry VIII, to becoming heir to the throne.

In the centuries since the Civil War, Ludlow Castle has fallen into ruin, but with much of the exterior still standing, it is certainly still worth a visit.

Elsewhere in Ludlow, visitors can head to St Laurence's Church, which, much like the nearby castle, dates back to the Norman invasion. The largest parish church in Shropshire, St Laurence's, has also been dubbed the "Cathedral of the Marches".

For those who want to relax in the outdoors, be sure to visit Ludlow Millennium Green or take a stroll along the Mortimer Trail, a long-distance path from Ludlow to Kington on the Herefordshire/Wales border.

And visitors to Ludlow should not miss out on a visit to the famous Ludlow Farm Shop, which offers a "one-of-a-kind" shopping experience, according to the Ludlow website.

Ludlow regularly hosts Antique, Local Produce, and Craft Markets. Check the Ludlow Market website ahead of your visit if you would like to attend any of these.

As we head into the festive season, families will also be excited to know that from December 6 to 23, Santa will be in residence at Ludlow Castle, with children able to have a magical meeting with Father Christmas in the castle's stunning grotto.