Shropshire is one of England’s great castle counties. Here are the best to visit, from mighty Ludlow to fairytale Stokesay.
As a frontier county on the Welsh border, Shropshire is dotted with castles. These are the ones to visit.
Ludlow Castle
The county's grandest, a mighty medieval fortress at the heart of pretty Ludlow, host to markets and the famous food festival.
Stokesay Castle
Near Craven Arms, Stokesay is one of the best-preserved fortified manor houses in England — genuinely fairytale, with a timbered gatehouse and Great Hall.
Whittington Castle
A romantic, community-run moated ruin near Oswestry, free to visit (donations welcome).
Shrewsbury Castle
Guarding the neck of the river loop, the red-sandstone Shrewsbury Castle houses the regimental museum.
Off the beaten track
The lonely ruins of Moreton Corbet near Shrewsbury and Clun Castle in the south-west hills are both free, open and atmospheric.
See more heritage in our places to visit in Shropshire guide.