I’ll never forget the drive to Ludlow – what was meant to be a straightforward jaunt from the M54 turned into a comedy of errors. Sat-nav insisted on taking us down some winding B-road that felt like it hadn’t seen tarmac since the war, and just as we were congratulating ourselves on the stunning Shropshire countryside rolling by, we hit a flock of sheep blocking the way. There we were, engine idling, watching the farmer round them up with his dog like something out of a postcard, while I fumbled for a crisp packet to stave off my rumbling stomach. Half an hour later, we finally spotted the castle walls looming ahead, and my heart did a little flip – we’d made it, mishaps and all.

Pulling up to the castle entrance, the anticipation bubbled over. I’d been dreaming of this restorative break for weeks, and the first glimpse didn’t disappoint. We parked in the designated spot and lugged our bags up to the luxury first-floor apartment nestled right within the historic walls – one of four similar spots, ideal for a couple like us craving something unique. The door swung open to reveal a cosy, elegant setup with everything you’d need: plush bedding, a well-kitted kitchen, and those big windows framing views straight over the market town. It felt like stepping into a medieval fairy tale, but with modern comforts and a cheeky bottle of local wine waiting as a welcome touch. First impressions? Bloody marvellous – sorry, I mean spot on.

We dumped our bags and headed straight out to shake off the journey’s chaos. Ludlow’s buzzing market square was just a stone’s throw away, alive with stalls hawking fresh cheeses, artisan breads, and the most tempting street food. Grabbed a couple of pork pies from a vendor who swore they were the best in Shropshire – he wasn’t wrong. Wandering back via the castle’s charming café, we sipped tea overlooking the grounds, already plotting tomorrow’s adventures. The castle itself hosts all sorts of events from April to November, so we timed it perfectly for a bit of live music in the courtyard that evening – proper atmospheric stuff.

Next morning, we ambled along the River Teme, the water sparkling underfoot and herons eyeing us suspiciously. It’s dead easy to lose a couple of hours there, spotting kingfishers or just breathing in that fresh country air. Feeling bold, we joined a stretch of the Mortimer Trail, just two miles out to some cracking viewpoints – nothing too strenuous, but enough to work up an appetite for lunch back in town. I had a moment of gentle self-reflection sat on a bench there, musing on how we city folk get so wound up over nothing. Here, amid the hills and history, life slows right down; it’s a proper reset button.

Our few days flew by in a haze of castle wanders, pub suppers featuring Shropshire ale, and lazy evenings in the apartment plotting walks in the Shropshire Hills – that Flounders’ Folly trail from Craven Arms is calling us back for a full 6.5-mile loop next time, panoramic views galore. If you’re after a holiday that blends luxury with a dash of medieval magic, right in the heart of Ludlow on the Shropshire-Herefordshire-Wales border, this is it. Chaos on arrival aside, it was the perfect tonic. Can’t wait to return.