Business Details
Luxury Hotel & Restaurant in Ludlow | Old Downton Lodge
Old Downton Lodge is a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury, nestled in an 18th-century farmhouse with panoramic views of the Herefordshire countryside. Our individually designed bedrooms combine rustic features like wooden beams and flagstone floors with contemporary amenities, including super-fast fibre-optic Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms stocked with Noble Isle toiletries. The award-winning restaurant, housed in a grand dining room originally built as The Granary to Old Downton Farm, offers seasonal menus crafted from local produce, featuring both la carte and tasting options. We specialise in creating memorable experiences for guests seeking countryside retreats, fine dining, and exclusive events in a setting that seamlessly merges medieval heritage with modern comforts. Our team ensures exceptional service, from warm welcomes upon arrival to meticulously curated wine pairings and attentive dining experiences. The lodge's secluded location provides a tranquil escape while remaining conveniently accessible to Ludlow's historic attractions. We cater to special dietary requirements with advance notice and maintain rigorous standards of cleanliness and hospitality across all areas of operation.
Services
Accommodation
Fine Dining
Wedding Venues
Afternoon Tea
Local Tours
Highlights and features
- Award-winning restaurant with seasonal local cuisine
- Historic 18th-century farmhouse with modern comforts
- Scenic countryside location near Ludlow's attractions
- Exclusive event hosting in unique spaces
- Exceptional service with attention to dietary needs
What people say
Lovely place
Delicious food
Knowledgeable staff
Stunning location
Impeccable service
People
Willem Vlok
Owner
Willem Vlok co-owns Old Downton Lodge, bringing his passion for hospitality to the historic property. He oversees operations with a focus on maintaining the lodge's unique character while ensuring exceptional guest experiences through attentive service and quality accommodations.
Pippa Vlok
Owner
Pippa Vlok co-owns Old Downton Lodge, contributing her expertise in hospitality management. She works alongside Willem to preserve the property's historic charm while delivering modern comforts and exceptional service standards that consistently earn guest appreciation.
Nick Bennett
Head Chef
Nick Bennett leads the award-winning kitchen at Old Downton Lodge, creating seasonal menus that highlight local produce. His culinary expertise ensures the restaurant maintains its reputation for excellence, offering both la carte and tasting menu options that delight discerning guests.
Tomasz Szpakowski
Sommelier
Tomasz Szpakowski curates the lodge's wine pairings, bringing extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to enhance dining experiences. His expertise in matching wines with the head chef's creations contributes significantly to the restaurant's acclaimed culinary offerings.
Questions
What accommodation options are available at Old Downton Lodge?
We offer nine uniquely designed bedrooms in a historic 18th-century farmhouse, featuring modern amenities like super-fast Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and en-suite bathrooms with Noble Isle toiletries.
Does the lodge provide dining facilities for non-residents?
Yes, our award-winning restaurant serves dinner daily from 6pm to 8:30pm and offers afternoon tea between 3pm and 5pm, both available to non-residents with prior booking.
Can I host a wedding or private event at Old Downton Lodge?
Yes, we specialise in exclusive events with multiple venues including our atmospheric sitting room, dramatic dining hall, and large Museum room, complemented by scenic outdoor spaces.
Are there any special offers or packages available?
We offer gourmet breaks including accommodation, three-course meals, and breakfast, with prices starting at £375 for two people midweek and £425 at weekends.
What are the cancellation policies?
Our policies consider extenuating circumstances, though standard cancellations may incur fees. We recommend contacting us directly to discuss specific situations and potential flexibility.
Is Old Downton Lodge accessible for guests with mobility needs?
While our historic buildings present some challenges, we strive to accommodate guests with mobility requirements. Please contact us directly to discuss specific needs and available options.
Reviews (11)
Lizzy Jj
Jun 17, 2022
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The receptionist was frosty and two events meant we couldn't go. This was Tuesday. Was then told earliest she'll could 'fit us in' was Sunday? Not sure is she knows there is a Friday and Saturday.?! Anyway found the whole experience they were doing us a favour. Won't return sadly
Deborah Higgs
May 27, 2022
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Tranquil, and secluded location, with a lush garden set in fabulous countryside. We enjoyed an overnight stay with dinner and breakfast. The room was lovely, large, superbly relaxing with a great shower and wonderfully comfortable bed. We loved the food, enjoyed in the opulent dining room. The beef tartare, trout and pork fillet dishes deserve a special mention as especially good! Friendly and helpful staff rounded off a brilliant stay.
Geoffrey Wilding
Mar 01, 2022
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We had a lovely afternoon tea. Staff were attentive but not intrusive and the food was lovely, almost too much, almost
Mark Daniels
Nov 28, 2021
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Great venue, excellent accommodation and the private dining experience was special. The staff were also extremely good.
Sophie Beesley
Aug 24, 2021
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Amazing place to stay and eat. Luxurious in every way and just the best, most attentive and accommodating customer service. Recommend very very highly.
Andrea Toze
Aug 22, 2021
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Had the perfect break here; what a gem of a find. Stunning setting and immaculate rooms. Friendly and super professional staff, breakfast was the highlight until we had an evening meal - our best dining experience ever, just exquisite. Thank you so much for making our stay so comfortable and special. Will be singing your praises to all!
Christopher Sumner
Jul 16, 2021
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I attended a wedding (previously cancelled due to Covid twice!) this weekend - a wonderful occasion for all in the lovely surroundings of Old Downton Lodge. Thanks to all guests and the staff for making it an occasion to remember for all including the bride Anna and groom Richard.
Chris Sheppard
Jun 30, 2021
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Old world dining room meets modern food. Eat in a beautifully restored oak beamed, converted grain store, that feels like a Middle ages great hall. With excellent food, a nice wine list and great service. Recommended.
Barbara Corlett
Jun 30, 2021
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This is an amazing place. The rooms are absolutely fabulous, staff were wonderful nothing too much trouble. Food was amazing. Can't wait to book again.
Cliff Bennett
Jun 27, 2021
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We spent just the one night in celebration of our twentieth anniversary. Everything about this place is of the highest possible standard, from the beautiful manicured gardens, to the attention to detail and standard of finish in all the construction and fittings of the rooms/stairs/bar area/restaurant, etc, to the efficiency yet friendliness and courtesy of the staff, the beautiful delicacy of the cuisine which, whilst the servings might be a little small were nonetheless of the highest culinary standard - I could go on. Yes, the prices are above average but in the light of my assessment as above, are entirely justified. There are no negatives to record. Thank you for a lovely, relaxing, rewarding and thoroughly enjoyable (albeit brief) experience.
Amanda Lancaster
Oct 24, 2020
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We stayed at the Old Downton Lodge for 1 night in August 2020. It was an absolutely brilliant stay and well worth a visit! The room was very beautiful with an authentic four poster bed, but a modern bathroom and amenities. The grounds were lovely and peaceful, very private and secluded, which makes it feel like a true getaway from the city (we live in London!). The most incredible thing about the stay, though, was the food. Every dish we ordered was superb and exceptionally delicious. Would highly recommend anyone to stay if they ever find themselves in or near Ludlow/Shropshire!