LUDLOW has been named as one of the prettiest towns in the UK by a national newspaper.

The market town came seventh in the list compiled by the Telegraph, with a score of 43 out of 50. It was described as 'an achingly English vignette of rolling hills, chocolate box rooftops, a lonely church spire and stocky grey castle turrets'.

“It’s a really lovely town,” said Rosalind Caird, volunteer coordinator at Ludlow Visitor Information Centre.

“There is a market on nearly every day of the week, and you’ve got a great castle with lots of events on. There are also lots of places to eat to enjoy the river.

 “We’re part of Ludlow Assembly Rooms, which is a fantastic community venue, and are open six days a week, Monday to Saturday.”

Also scoring highly was Ledbury in Herefordshire, which came in seventh. However, Telford was deemed as being one of Britain’s ugliest towns, with Slough in Berkshire only being ranked worse.

According to the Telegraph, Lewes in East Sussex is the prettiest, followed by Queensferry, near Edinburgh, St David’s in Pembrokeshire, St Andrews in Fife, Ilkley in West Yorkshire and Chagford in Devon.

Experts were asked rank each town on the pleasantness of their shop fronts, historic architecture, low traffic/ litter, stunning viewpoints and plentiful greenery, culminating in a score out of 50.

Meanwhile, Ludlow Outdoor Market is in the running named Britain’s favourite market. The National Association of British Markets is organising the Great British Market Awards 2024, where you can vote in a variety of categories.

Love Your Local Market recently posted the first 25 of the current voting, with Ludlow appearing on the list. Nominations close at midnight on Friday, December 15. Last year Shrewsbury Indoor Market won the overall prize to be named Britain’s favourite market 2023.