Heraldry Trail & Activities at Ludlow Castle

Crack the Heraldry Code at Ludlow Castle this summer 

 Step into the world of knights, castles and secret symbols with our exciting Heraldry Trail – a hands-on adventure for curious minds of all ages.

 Long ago, when knights were covered head to toe in armour, it wasn’t always easy to tell friend from foe. The solution? Bold, colourful coats of arms – unique designs painted on shields, banners and even horses!

 Now it’s your turn to become a heraldic code breaker…

What’s the mission?

As you explore the castle, you’ll follow clues and solve puzzles hidden in real coats of arms. 

Learn how to:

• Spot different colours with their secret medieval names
  Decode shield positions (is it dexter or sinister?)
  Identify shapes, symbols and fierce animals like lions and boars
  Discover how families marked their place in history
   

Each challenge helps you unlock the secrets of heraldry—just like a medieval detective!

 Fun for the whole family

From younger explorers to grown-up adventurers, everyone can join in. Work together to hunt down the hidden shields around the castle, solve fun “missions” along the way and celebrate as you become an official heraldry expert.

Create your own coat of arms
When you’ve cracked the code, head over to the activity area on the first floor of the gift shop to decorate your own coat of arms – a perfect souvenir of your day at Ludlow Castle.

Free of charge (Castle admission applies)