Ludlow Brewing Company

Real ale doesn't get much better than what's coming out of Ludlow Brewing Company. This is a proper working brewery in the heart of Ludlow, where you can actually watch the process happen - no pretense, just good beer being made the right way. The brewery sits right in town, which is handy given Ludlow's already worth a full day of wandering anyway.

You get to see the kit, understand what goes into each batch, and taste the results fresh. Staff know their stuff and won't bore you with nonsense. The ales are consistently excellent - they've built a real reputation locally. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Ludlow Touring & Holiday Home Park just down the road, it's a five-minute drive into town and worth the trip.

Best for people who actually care about beer rather than those just ticking off tourist attractions. Not the place for young kids unless they're sat outside with a juice while adults get on with it. Allow 45 minutes to an hour if you're doing a proper tour and tasting. Go on a weekday afternoon when it's quieter and you'll get better attention from whoever's about.

Ludlow itself is excellent for families - the castle, the river walks, the Georgian streets. The brewery fits nicely as an afternoon stop rather than a full morning's work. Close enough to Westbrook Park and Woodland Escapes if you're basing yourselves further out, though you'll want a car to get in and out properly.