How to find the Merchant House

Ludlow sits west of central England right by the border with Wales. There’s lots of useful information on the area at www.ludlow.org.uk. But the essential bits are below:

BY ROAD: Access is fairly easy. The main A49 runs up from Hereford, past Ludlow, on to Shrewsbury.

From the south, take the first sign to Ludlow. This enters the town via a bridge (traffic lights) over the river Teme. Go round to the right, and then the road bends left and up-hill to the centre. Go down the other side, past Tesco’s, and as the road starts to go left, turn right into Lower Corve street. We’re on the left. You should be able to find a parking space in the street outside, or in the road opposite opposite.

BY RAIL: The railway station is only a short walk from the centre of town, and is on the main Marches line from Manchester Piccadilly with its connections from the North; down to Cardiff. The stop at Newport connects through from London. www.walesandborderstrains.co.uk has more info, or call 0870 9000 772 for telesales.

ACCOMMODATION: Nowhere outstanding, but recently customers have approved of:

The Feathers £55, 01584 875261 www.feathersatludlow.co.uk

Dinham Hall £90, 01584 876464

Mr. Underhills £65 (also good restaurant) 01584 874431.
www.mr-underhills.co.uk

There’s a full list of the options at www.ludlow.org.uk/accomm2.asp

TAXIS: Recommended are Annette’s Taxis, 01584 878787; PM Taxis, 01584 878849; Ludlovian Taxis, 07970 208020. Note in this rural part of the world, taxis can be difficult to book at short notice. If you need a taxi to take you home, it’s best to book it in advance. Allow about 2½ hours for dinner.

From the north, follow Bromfield road (changing to Coronation avenue) from the roundabout on the A49, and take the second left into Lower Corve street.

From London, use the M40 up to the M42 and go west to M5. Go north on the M5 to first junction, 4. Exit on A491 signed Kidderminster. Go through Kidderminster on A456, towards Leominster. But turn left after Bewdley, A4117, signed Cleobury Mortimer. This road crosses the A49 into Ludlow. Just before the railway, the road bends right, then left under bridge. Our road is second on the left.