Tamworth Castle
WHAT’S ON THIS JULY – DECEMBER NEW EVENTS FOR 2014 GREAT FAMILY DAYS OUT
At The Centre of English History Step back in time at Tamworth Castle to see how the Saxons, Normans, Tudors and Victorians shaped the history of this unique building. Wander the chambers and hallways to get a real sense of what life used to be like!
Visit the new Armoury and Interactive Displays Our ÂŁ1.16m Heritage Lottery Fund investment includes fantastic new displays, superb improvements and a chance to get some unique hands-on experience trying on the armour.
To BOOK OR Find out more: call 01827 709 581/ 618
All-Year-Round Events and Activities Tamworth Castle really has something for everyone!
There’s a lot to choose from, whether you are planning a day of activity, getting involved in one of our workshops, attending one of our big events or simply looking for a stroll around as you soak up the history of this unique building. Children will love the costumed characters and all the family can get hands-on trying out some traditional tasks from domestic chores to trying on armour, handling weapons and even dances! Come and see the Castle as it was meant to be seen, and soak up the historic atmosphere with the re-introduction of everyone’s favourite event – Castle by Candlelight.
Looking to organise a group booking or arrange a guided tour? Call our specialist team and you will be on your way! Keep a look out on our website for more details – we hope to welcome you here very soon!
Plan Your Visit This Year!
It will be just like you remembered.
Staffordshire Hoard Tamworth Castle retains a permanent display of the now famous Staffordshire Hoard, Saxon Gold. Come and learn about Saxon Tamworth and see some unique pieces of The Hoard alongside replica weapons and lots of hands-on activities. Keep an eye on the unravelling story of the Saxon Gold this year and discover more about the Mercian Trail.
or visit: www.tamworthCASTLE.co.uk
Explore Life in the Past Saxons at the Castle
Tuesday 22nd -Thursday 24th July & Tuesday 19th -Thursday 21st August 11.30am – 4.00pm (Castle closes 4.45pm) Come and find out what life was like for those living in Tamworth during the Saxon times. Learn about our very own warrior princess Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians and find out about the Saxon battle tactics. Try your hand at making Saxon jewellery or solve a runic puzzle.
Medieval Living History
Tuesday 29th - Thursday 31st July & Tuesday 12th - Thursday 14th August 11.30am – 4.00pm (Castle closes 4.45pm) Meet the Medieval characters as they go about their Castle duties. Learn how to play Medieval games with Lady Freville and help the Laundress prepare clothes for washing. Talk to the Castle Armourer, find out how chain maille was made and then have a go at handling some replica weapons.
WWI Centenary
Come and join us as we commemorate the outbreak of World War I Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd August 11.30am – 4.00pm (Castle closes 4.45pm)
Look back to the era of the Great War as we explore the times through a mixture of stories, music and songs. Turn back the clock and remember the courage of our young lads who signed up to fight and the people they left behind.
Tuesday 5th -Thursday 7th August 11.30am – 4.00pm (Castle closes 4.45pm)
Take a look back at life on the home front during World War I. Explore rarely seen original archive materials and objects from the Castle collections. Tap out some Morse code using an original wireless key, then have a go at decoding a secret message.
To BOOK OR Find out more: call 01827 709 581/ 618
Castle Collections Weekend Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th October 11.30am – 3.00pm (Castle closes 3.45pm) An opportunity to see some of the costume items held in the Castle’s collection, that are not usually on display. Visitors will have the opportunity to handle original accessories and speak to Castle staff about how we care for pieces in our collection.
Zombie Apocalypse Friday 24th October
Groups every half an hour from 7.00pm until 10.00pm (Times: 7.00pm, 7.30pm, 8.00pm, 8.30pm, 9.00pm, 9.30pm, 10.00pm)
Enter Tamworth Castle at your peril. Now it’s the final stronghold during a Zombie Apocalypse, you must try and help in the battle to save Tamworth. Take instructions from the operation commander and visit the checkpoints to keep ahead of the Zombie threat. Joint tickets are available to this event and for the after party at Tamworth Assembly Rooms. Admission: Adults £19.00. Over 18s only.
PRE-BOOK ESSENTIALING
Haunted Castle Week
Monday 27th - Friday 31st October 11.30am – 4.00pm (Castle closes 4.45pm) Be prepared for a fun and scary Autumn half-term as a frighteningly great day out awaits. Challenge the Castle hags to a game of eyeball Ping-Pong, seek out the executioner and find out how the butler was drowned! Enjoy a chillingly fun day out. Come along in your own Halloween costume and try out some spooky craft activities during your visit.
GENERAL AdmissionS : • Adult £7.00 • OAP/ Concessions £6.00 • Child 5+ £4.50 • Child 2-4 yrs £1.50 • child under 2 yrs free • Family Ticket £21.00 (2 Adults, 2 Children) or visit: www.tamworthCASTLE.co.uk
Halloween Ghost Search Friday 31st October 9.30pm – 2.00am
An exclusive paranormal investigation on All Hallows Eve. Are you serious about paranormal investigation? Join us for a night with a difference on our ghost walk around the Medieval Castle, with vigils conducted in reputedly haunted rooms led by mediums. Soft drinks bar available and complimentary refreshments also served during the evening. Note: Cameras and camcorders can be used. We would advise warm clothing and rugs or cushions (for use during the vigils).
PRE-BOOK ESSENTIALING
PLEASE BOOK EARLY AS PLACES ARE LIMITED Admission: Adult £26.00 Over 18s only. Doors open at 9.00pm
Children’s Halloween Evening
Friday 31st October 5.30pm – 8.00pm
PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL
A wonderful and fun evening hosted by the Friends of Tamworth Castle. Bring all the family and enjoy the ghostly goings on around the Castle. Free pumpkin lantern for all paying children. Full payment at time of booking. Admission: Adult £6.00 & Child £5.00
Bonfire Night Saturday 1st November Held on the lead up to Bonfire Night, this is a chance to visit Tamworth Castle after dark, before enjoying the ever popular, breathtaking firework display in the Castle Grounds. Entrance to Castle Grounds is free so why not combine with a Castle visit at a discounted admission. Admissions: Adult £5.50, Child 5+ £3.50, Child 2-4 yrs £1.50, Child under 2 yrs Free
Normal Castle opening times apply, then doors open at 5.30pm – 8.00pm during the evening. Grounds activities start at 6.00pm with Fireworks at 8.00pm. Last entrance to Castle is 8.00pm. There is no access to the Tower on this evening.
To BOOK OR Find out more: call 01827 709 581/ 618
Castle by Candlelight
PRE-BOOKIN ESSENTIAL G
Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd November 5.30pm – 8.00pm
This year sees the welcome return of a family favourite. See the Castle in all its splendour and glory, lit by magnificent candlelight. Walk through the period rooms and soak up the atmosphere of Castle life. Dedicated family hour bookings from 5.30pm – 6.30pm Admission: Adult/OAP £7.50, Child 5+ £5.00, Child 2-4 yrs £2.00, Child under 2 yrs Free
Tudor Banquets
Friday 5th & Saturday 6th December 7.30pm – 11.00pm Dine like King Henry VIII at our sumptuous and fun Tudor Banquet! Be royally entertained* by musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers. This popular event captures the spirit of historical feasts so why not live the role and come dressed up in period costume? Complimentary glass of wine with the meal and table waiter service is available throughout the evening.
Contact Tourist Information Centre on 01827 709 581/618 for further information Admission: Adult £42.00, Over 18s only. Doors open at 7.00pm, for a 7.30pm start. * The nature of the entertainment will vary depending on the audience.
Children’s Christmas Santa Trails
PRE-BOO ESSENTIKING AL
Saturday 13th & 20 th December / Sunday 14th & 21st December Tamworth Castle’s magical Victorian Christmas is fun all the way as the Castle household prepares for Santa’s visit. Help the servants make the Christmas pudding, decorate the Castle and receive a surprise gift from Santa’s grotto. Admission: Child £6.50 & Adults £3.50
Tour times: 10.00am & 10.35am 11.10am & 11.45am 1.20pm & 1.55pm 2.30pm & 3.05pm 3.40pm & 4.15pm Opening times: 10.00am to 4.15pm
(first two adults per child charged at £3.50 each, then additional adults charged at £5.00 each)
or visit: www.tamworthCASTLE.co.uk
PRE-BOOKING ESSENTIAL
How to find us Tamworth Castle is right in the heart of Tamworth Town Centre with easy access by road and rail. By Road: From M1/M6 northbound take the M42 and exit at Junction 10. From the M6 southbound exit at Junction 12 and approach Tamworth via A5.
By Rail: The Castle is ten minutes walk from Tamworth station.
Castle Information Group Visits Why not bring a group to one of our guided tours?
Your costumed guide will bring the Castle’s colourful history to life, with tales of past owners and ghostly legends.
For further details Phone 01827 709 626
Workshops for Schools
DERBYSHIRE EAST MIDLANDS AIRPORT
LEICESTERSHIRE
The award-winning Education Team provide a varied programme of workshops for Key Stage 1 to 4 students throughout the year, Monday – Friday.
Contact the Education Team on 01827 709 632 Email: castleeducation@tamworth.gov.uk
Opening Times Summer Opening
April 2014 to September 2014: Tuesday – Sunday, 11.30am – 4.45pm (last admission 4.00pm) Winter Opening
October 2014 to March 2015: Saturday & Sunday, 11.30am – 3.45pm (last admission 3.00pm) Please phone to check as opening times and seasonal start dates may vary. We are open extra days for Schools and Bank Holidays. If you require any assistance with regard to access into the Castle please telephone in advance.
Admission Prices
Adults £7.00, Child 5+ £4.50, Child 2-4 yrs £1.50, Child under 2 yrs Free, OAP / Concessions £6.00 Family Ticket £21.00 (2 Adults & 2 Children). Admission charges for special events and Bank Holidays may vary.
Facilities
Tamworth Castle
The Holloway, Tamworth, Staffordshire B79 7NA
Tel: 01827 709 626 (during opening hours) and 01827 709 629 (24hr message board) Email: heritage@tamworth.gov.uk Visit: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk All details are correct at time of going to print but are subject to change at any time. Please contact 01827 709 629 for up-to-date information on events, opening times and prices. Tamworth Borough Council reserve the right to close any part of the Castle or Grounds without prior notice. © Arka Cartographics Ltd 14/15 Tel: 01342 823 423
Toilet facilities available on site including easy access toilet. Gift shop available and café selling drinks and confectionery only. Visitors can exit the Castle to get food from local shops, and re-enter the Castle later. Large children’s play area in the Castle Grounds with tables available for picnics.
Access
The Castle is reached via a steep slope. Interior tour includes many steps, narrow doorways and uneven floors. Ground floor access only for wheelchair users. Carer admitted free. Drop off point for people with disabilities, please telephone before visiting for assistance.