Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Essentials
GETTING THERE
By train from London's Paddington Station, Hereford is a
3-hour trip via First Great Western and Arriva, and involves changing at Newport in
South Wales (£34 one-way). Shrewsbury is 2
1
⁄
2
to 3 hours from London Euston via
Virgin Trains and a change to London Midland at Birmingham (one-way from £42).
VISITOR INFORMATION
Hereford's
Tourist Information Centre
(
&
01432/
268430;
www.visitherefordshire.co.uk) is located at 1 King St. and is open April to
September daily 9:30am to 4:30pm, and October to March Monday to Friday 10am
to 4:30pm.
The
Shrewsbury Tourist Information Centre,
in Rowley's House Museum on
Barker Street (
&
01743/281200;
www.visitshrewsbury.com), is open May to Sep-
tember Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, Sunday 10am to 4pm. From October
to April, its hours are Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
Exploring the Area
Hereford Cathedral & Mappa Mundi
CATHEDRAL This is one of the
oldest and most beguiling cathedrals in England (its cornerstone was laid in 1080).
The cathedral is primarily Norman and includes a 13th-century Lady Chapel, as well
as a majestic “Father” Willis organ, one of the finest in the world. Exhibited together
in the new library building at the west end of the cathedral are two priceless historical
treasures: the
Mappa Mundi
of 1300, which portrays the world oriented around
Jerusalem, and a 229-book
Chained Library
of medieval manuscripts, with some
dating from the 8th century. In the summer you can also climb the 218 steps to the
top of the Tower for bird's-eye views of the town.
Cathedral Close, Hereford.
&
01432/374200.
www.herefordcathedral.org. Free admission and tours,
donation of £5 suggested. Admission to Mappa Mundi and Chained Library £6 adults, £5 seniors and
children 5-18, £14 family ticket, free for children 4 and under. Cathedral Mon-Sat 9:15am-5:30pm, Sun
9:15am-3:30pm; exhibits Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 11am-3:30pm (Apr 16-Oct 31 only).
Ludlow Castle
CASTLE This spell-binding Norman castle was built around
1094 as a frontier outpost to keep out the as-yet-unconquered Welsh. The original
castle, or the inner bailey, was encircled in the early 14th century by a very large outer
bailey and transformed into a medieval palace by Roger Mortimer, the most powerful
man in England at the time. Since 1811 the castle has been owned by the earls of
Powis. Many of the original buildings still stand, including the Chapel of St. Mary
Magdalene, with one of England's last remaining circular naves.
Castle Square, Ludlow.
&
01584/873355.
www.ludlowcastle.com. Admission £5 adults, £4.50 seniors,
£2.50 children 6-16, £14 family ticket, free for children 5 and under. Dec-Jan Sat-Sun 10am-4pm; Feb-
Mar and Oct-Nov daily 10am-4pm; Apr-July and Sept daily 10am-5pm; Aug daily 10am-7pm. Last
admission 30 min. before closing time.
Ludlow Museum
MUSEUM This small museum was completely renovated in
2008, telling the story of Ludlow in four galleries: wildlife, archeology, history, and
geology. There are several hands-on interactive displays, including a video microscope
that lets you examine geological specimens. Visitors can also try on helmets used in
England's Civil War. It's a great place for kids.
Castle Square, Ludlow.
&
01694/781306.
www.shropshire.gov.uk. Free admission. Apr-Oct Mon-Sat
10am-5pm; June-Aug also Sun 10am-5pm. Closed Nov-Mar.
Shrewsbury Abbey
ABBEY Founded in 1083, this small but handsome abbey
church remains an active place of worship today. The church is the only surviving
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