Historic Midlands town named as one of the UK's best places to retire

A Shropshire market town has been named as one of the best places to retire in the country.

Online resource publisher, WorldAtlas, has named one Shropshire market town on a list of the eight best places to retire in the UK.

The list highlights locations that combine heritage, accessibility and affordability and where a significant proportion of residents are already over 65.

Recommendations include Wells in Somerset and Whitby in Yorkshire, along with the south Shropshire market town of Ludlow.

“Cobblestone lanes wind their way to warm, casual eateries, delicatessens, and lively pubs in the historic town of Ludlow, which John Betjeman once labelled as ‘probably the loveliest town in England’,” the website states.

The list goes on to praise the town’s market and food offerings, concluding that the modest population of 10,000 residents makes it “not too big to feel impersonal,” and points out that retirees make up around a third of the inhabitants.

Affordability was another key factor in the ranking. According to property website Rightmove, the average house price in Ludlow over the past year was £283,456, significantly below the UK average asking price of £371,042 recorded in March 2026.

Local property experts Samuel Wood, which merged with Mannleys estate agents last month, say the recognition reflects what they have seen on the ground for years.

Andrew Cadwallader, co-director of Samuel Wood with Mannleys, said: “Ludlow has always had a very special appeal.

“We regularly see buyers relocating from across the UK who are drawn by the town’s architecture, its strong food culture and the sense of community you get here.

“What sets Ludlow apart is that it offers that quintessential English market town experience, but with genuinely accessible house prices compared to many other historic locations. For retirees in particular, that balance is incredibly important.

“There’s a real desire for properties that allow people to enjoy everything Ludlow has to offer without relying heavily on a car, whether that’s the market, independent shops or riverside walks,” he said.