Cool Place of the Day: Old Downton Lodge, Shropshire

Every day, a new place to discover or explore in the UK, as recommended by coolplaces.co.uk

Martin Dunford
Wednesday 06 April 2016 06:46 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Old Downton Lodge

Downton on the Rock, Ludlow, Shropshire SY8 2HU

Tucked into the rolling Shropshire hills just outside Ludlow, Old Downton Lodge has been here so long it almost feels part of the landscape – a mixture of timbered houses, barns and outbuildings that have been ingeniously converted to one of the most comfortable rural boltholes you could imagine. With just nine guest rooms grouped around a herb and flower-filled courtyard, this feels like the secluded country retreat you’ve always dreamed of – and the good news is you don’t have to leave, because, in keeping with Ludlow’s latent foodie traditions, it also hosts an acclaimed restaurant, atmospherically housed in a grand Norman hall, where chef Karl Martin prepares different tasting menus every night from Tuesday to Saturday – inventive seasonal affairs using local produce that are excellent value at £40–£50 a head.

When you’re not partaking of Karl’s feasts, you can relax in a comfy sitting room fashioned out of the old stables, before retiring to rooms converted from former medieval barns that sport high-timbered ceilings, stone floors covered with Turkish rugs, en-suite showers or baths and extremely comfy beds, including a couple of four-posters. They also have Freeview TVs, CD and DVD players and all mod cons, although the wi-fi signal isn’t great. As for the location, it couldn't be better, with glorious walks and countryside right outside the window, and Ludlow just a few minutes' drive away.

Martin Dunford is Publisher of Cool Places, a new website from the creators of Rough Guides and Cool Camping, suggesting the best places to stay, eat, drink and shop in Britain (coolplaces.co.uk)

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in