by Joe Jeffrey
Plenty of activities in and around Ludlow announced as park sees record number son visitors
Popular five star Ludlow Touring Park has reported a 15 per cent increase in business in the first quarter of 2016.
The park, which is located just outside the historic market town and generates around £2 million a year for the local economy, is gearing up for a very busy year and has only limited availability for Ludlow Spring Festival on 14 and 15 May.
Other major events in the town during the year include Ludlow Fringe Arts and Community Festival from 11 June to 3 July, which will feature hundreds of music, street theatre, dance, comedy, performing and visual arts events around the town.
On 3 July, the 13th annual Richards Castle Soap Box Derby will take place at Hanway Common. Since the first home-made cart rolled down the hill in 2004 a staggering £80,000 has been raised for local charities.
Furthermore, in what looks set to be a fantastic fun day out, Ludlow Dog Day is set to be held in the impressive grounds and gardens of Stokesay Court on Sunday, 24 July and a Small Gardens Festival is being held on Sunday, 7 August when 12 gardens will open for the afternoon in and around Sandpits.
Magnalonga on Sunday, 14 August comprises of a leisurely countryside walk with local food and drink stops accompanied by live music, while the famous Ludlow Food and Drink Festival will be held between 9 and 11 September inside Ludlow Castle and around town.
The next major event in the town is Ludlow Medieval Christmas Fayre on November 26 and 27, which celebrates the start of the festive season in medieval style.
Due to the popularity of all the major events in the town, Ludlow Touring Park managers David and Karen Price are encouraging caravan and motorhome owners to book early to avoid disappointment. Some customers book their space up to a year ahead, such is the demand.
“Our bookings are increasing every year, mostly through personal recommendations and repeat business,” said Karen. “A lot of regular customer are coming back and bringing friends with them.
“Ludlow is such a fantastic town to visit with its castle, top restaurants and food shops. The major events attract thousands of visitors to the town, which is also an ideal base from which to explore the Welsh Marches.”
The 135-pitch Ludlow Touring Park, an affiliated site of The Caravan Club, is located on a 20-acre site alongside the River Teme and A49 near Richards Castle within walking distance of Ludlow, dubbed the food capital of England. The park is one of six owned by Morris Leisure based in Shrewsbury.
