The Feathers Hotel

The Feathers Hotel's story began in 1619 as a private building constructed for Rees Jones, an attorney from Pembrokeshire. It was envisioned with a striking half-timbered Tudor design, decorated with carved motifs of the Prince of Wales’s three feathers, thus inspiring the hotel's name. Jones’s grandson converted the property into an inn in 1670, and it has been welcoming visitors ever since, offering food, drink, and lodging across the centuries.

Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner described The Feather as a “prodigy of timber-framed houses,” in his 1942 book. Over a decade later, in 1954, it was designated a Grade I listed building. Master craftsman Robert Pancheri was awarded the UK’s Civic Trust Award in 1970 for his careful restoration of the hotel’s intricate wood carvings.

The Crest Hotel Group acquired the property in 2018, investing millions to restore and update the facilities while respecting the inn's historic fabric. Today, the hotel blends centuries-old charm with contemporary comforts, striving to maintain British quirks, history, and culture, while upholding its tradition of hospitality in this new century.

Found sitting prettily along the streets of Ludlow's old neighborhood, The Feathers Hotel is a striking example of early 17th-century Jacobean timber-framed architecture. Its most notable feature is the half-timbered Tudor facade, richly decorated with various carved wooden motifs, including the Prince of Wales’s three feathers, from which the hotel takes its name.

The building’s exterior is defined by a combination of timber framing and plaster, topped with a plain-tiled roof with ornate gables. The inn's porch retains its original, centuries-old studded plank front door, covered by the balcony. The front-facing windows are set with molded and carved mullions and transoms, completing the structure's iconic look that has lasted over 400 years.

Just like the outside, The Feathers' interior is rich in heritage features, showcasing detailed oak panelling, elaborately carved mantelpieces, exposed timber framing, and decorative plaster ceilings. These historic elements are carefully maintained and restored, with one notable instance by craftsman Robert Pancheri in 1970, earning him the Civic Trust Award. The Crest Hotel Group ensures that the hotel's Grade I listed status is preserved, retaining it as one of England’s most handsome inns.

Plume @ Feathers

Dining at The Feathers Hotel centers around its two restaurants, the main of which is Plume @ Feathers. Awarded one AA Rosette in 2024, Plume provides an a la carte evening dinner menu focused on bistronomic twists of traditional inn fare. Aside from traditional pies, steaks, and fish & chips, they also serve curry, pizza, and burgers. The restaurant also prepares vegan and gluten-free versions, provided the staff have been informed beforehand.

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 6 pm - 9 pm

The Lounge

The Lounge offers a more relaxed setting and service, featuring a variety of menus for midday and evening dining. Enjoy plates of tapas and sharing boards with friends and family, or grab a sandwich or salads for an on-the-go meal. You can also check for daily specials such as the hotel’s own pie of the day. Feel free to complement your meal with your drink choice, chosen from the bar's lineup of casual drinks, cocktails, and coffee.

Opening hours: 12 pm onwards

Reservations for both Plume @ Feathers and The Lounge are recommended.

Aside from the restaurants, The Feathers Hotel also offers a variety of dining experiences that are highly recommended.

Cocktails

Available every day starting at noon, guests can indulge in a tasty buzz before their excursion or when they get back from one. Over the years, the hotel has acquired a selection of classic mixes as well as signature specials like the Whiskey Sour, Espresso Martini, and Caribbean Mule.
Availability: 12 pm onwards

Afternoon Tea

Join in a traditional afternoon tea service in the hotel’s historic lounge. Delight your tastebuds with plates of delicate sandwiches, handmade scones with clotted cream and jams, and a variety of desserts and savory bites. You can also celebrate a special moment with an optional glass of Prosecco.
Availability: 12 pm onwards

Saturday Bottomless Brunch

Enjoy a lively two hours of unlimited spritz cocktails alongside a selection of small plates and tapas-style dishes such as honey & soy pork belly, patatas bravas, duck croquettes, and more.
Availability: Saturday: 12 pm - 2:30 pm

Sunday Lunch

No British experience is complete without a Sunday Roast. Enjoy the diverse menu of starters, roast mains such as chicken, beef, or salmon Wellington, and desserts
Availability: Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm

Turn the deeply historic Feathers Hotel into your dream wedding venue. Choose from their selection of stunning event spaces, which are also licensed for civil ceremonies. Their largest event space, the Prince Charles Suite, can accommodate up to 140 guests, while smaller rooms like James I and James II are ideal for more intimate gatherings.

Wedding packages are fully personalized to suit your style and needs, with a dedicated wedding planner who shall guide you through every detail of the event, from start to finish. Catering includes freshly prepared menus for wedding breakfasts, buffets, and canapés, all created with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients by the hotel’s Head Chef and their team.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Set in Ludlow's historic neighborhood, The Feathers Hotel is perfect for travelers who would love to experience the town's incredible history alongside its modern attractions. Ludlow Castle is an impressive 11th‑century fortress, accessible year‑round, and hosts a variety of seasonal events such as cultural fairs and concerts. The town itself is dotted with over 500 listed heritage buildings, including the iconic St Laurence's Church. If you're in town for race day, drop by the Ludlow Race Club Ltd and catch some exciting competitions. The Ludlow Brewing Company offers tours and tastings, and plays a major role in the town’s food culture, which is well-loved throughout the country.

For big yearly happenings, check the hotel's calendar if your holiday will line up with any big events. The Ludlow Food Festival is held in September and celebrates regional cuisine, featuring live cooking demos and artisan stalls. The Ludlow Fringe Festival is held every August, filling the venues and streets with theatrical, dance, and musical performances. If you're visiting during the cold months, the Ludlow Winter Festival brings festive light shows, live music, and many other activities.

The Feathers Hotel welcomes families, groups of friends, and corporate entities looking for a beautiful, historic venue for their events. The hotel has four flexible function spaces that can be booked individually or in combination. The James I Room, for example, can accommodate up to 24 guests, while the largest venue, the Prince of Wales Suite, handles up to 140 attendees.

Facilities include modern audiovisual equipment and free Wi-Fi, as well as customizable configurations. Just as versatile are the delegate packages, featuring buffet and dinner menus, and even the option to use the hotel’s lounge and bar areas. Ready to assist you is an experienced events team, who will be right there to support everything from planning to execution.