Today we’re travelling over to the market town of Ludlow which boasts nearly 500 listed buildings and one of England’s oldest castles with battlements you can climb to enjoy a 360 degree view over the countryside. This Shropshire town is full of black and white half-timbered buildings, narrow alleyways and cobbled streets to explore. There are regular outdoor markets in Castle Square and an abundance of independent boutiques to mooch and cafes and pubs to relax in. But the drive over is just as beautiful as the town itself as you pass over Clee Hill, with its panoramic vistas spanning the vast Shropshire countryside. Read more: ‘Dreamy’ town that ‘feels like stepping back in time’ only 75 minutes from Birmingham Read next: Colourful town full of independent shops and cool cafes an easy train ride from Birmingham You’ll find everything from gifts and clothes to homeware, art and jewellery, making Ludlow a great place to go for a mooch – and to support small businesses. Before arriving in Ludlow, be sure to stop off at the Ludlow Farm Shop as you’ll pass this huge store on your way in. It’s won awards for bringing farming, food production and shopping together and has a caf茅 and gallery. Whilst in Ludlow, be sure to have a mooch in the following independent boutiques: Find out more about shopping in Ludlow via The Ludlow Guide website If you decide to make a weekend of it, why not stay at Troutbeck Cottage ? This traditional, mid-terrace property backs onto the River Teme and offers pretty riverside views, whilst being just a short walk from the centre of Ludlow. Or you could try Cariad Cottage , an 18th century characterful cottage just five minutes from the town which has a sitting room with beams and two cosy bedrooms. As well as the Ludlow Farm Shop, here are some other gems to check out whilst there: Follow our Brummie Mummies Facebook page and Instagram page, sign up to our Brummie Mummies newsletter and listen to our podcasts for more ideas on fun days out within easy reach of the Midlands Follow the A456 Hagley Road out of Birmingham all the way to Kidderminster and then onto the Cleobury Road which takes you high onto the Clee Hills – be sure to stop to take in the views. It takes around an hour and a half, traffic permitting. Alternatively, you can catch a train to Ludlow from Birmingham New Street, switching at Shrewsbury, which takes around an hour and 45 minutes.