Five Reasons to Visit Tamworth

It’s Enjoy Tamworth Week this week (4^th-10^th Sept), so here’s our round-up of the very best days out in the borough.

At just 12 square miles, it’s the smallest borough in Staffordshire, and one of the smallest in the country, but don’t underestimate its significance – Tamworth was once, effectively, the capital of England!

In the 8^th Century, England was divided up into kingdoms, of which Mercia was the largest and most significant, and King Offa (757-796), established Tamworth as the seat of royal power – a position it retained for almost 200 years.

This history is evident across the borough to this day, and provides one of the most compelling reasons to visit – read on to find out more.

If we’ve missed out your Number 1 place to visit in Tamworth, let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the #EnjoyTamworth hashtag.

Image: Tammy Kerr

Tamworth Castle

While Tamworth was the seat of power, and there was a palace in the town in King Offa’s day, it wasn’t until the 11^th Century that Tamworth Castle was built, by Robert Despenser, steward of William the Conqueror.

Almost 1000 years later, you can explore the castle’s incredible history, hear tales of ghostly goings-on, try on Anglo-Saxon armour and weaponry, and climb the tower for panoramic views.

You can also immerse yourself in the fascinating Battle & Tribute exhibition, which houses pieces of the Staffordshire Hoard, and tells the story of Aethelflaed, Lady of the Mercians.

Find out more about the exhibition at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/blog/2021/05/five-reasons-to-visit-tamworth-castle-b627

The castle also has events all-year round, while the beautiful Pleasure Grounds which surround it host St George’s Day celebrations, food festivals, outdoor cinema and much more.

Snowdome

For a more contemporary and equally thrilling day out, the Snowdome has to be on your bucket list!

The first full-sized indoor ski slope in the UK, and home to the only ice track in the UK, the Snowdome offers an exhilarating adventure on real snow.

Whether you’re a total novice, or passionate about snowsports, there’s something for you, from beginner skiing and snowboarding lessons to weekly Tamlands Freestyle sessions for seasoned riders.

Read our blog on the beginner Learn to Ski in a Day sessions at https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/blog/2017/12/video-learn-to-ski-at-the-snowdome-tamworth-b55

Every Christmas, it’s transformed into a Winter Wonderland, with the Snow Trail – fun displays, snowball fights, enchanted forest – and the magic of the All-New Santa Show and Santa’s Christmas Village.

Statfold Country Park

If you’re looking for a great day out for railway enthusiasts and families alike, which won’t break the bank, Statfold Country Park is the place for you.

Explore the heritage museum, home to 30 locomotives – one of the most significant collections in the UK – and enjoy a journey on the narrow gauge railway, which offers a host of driver experiences.

Take a trip to Statfold Wood and spot the mysterious Fellumpas, a family of cute and cheeky characters which look after the forest.

Finish off your visit with an evening on your skates, dancing to the biggest 80s hits at the Retro Roller Disco (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays).

Or let off some steam on the soft play equipment and climbing wall at Toby’s Barn.

Prices for all-inclusive tickets range from £3 for the under 2s, to £35 for a family of four. Additional charges apply for the Retro Roller Disco.

Tamworth Tap

It’s official! The Tamworth Tap is the best pub in the country!

That’s according to real ale afficionados CAMRA, who declared this town centre hostelry the Pub of the Year for 2022.

And with its great selection of ales – many brewed at the micro-brewery next door – friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the stunning beer garden in the shadow of Tamworth Castle, who can blame them?

The Tap draws beer enthusiasts from across the country and pages of five-star reviews on TripAdvisor.

With a packed programme of events, including live music and comedy, film nights, art workshops, and even Bat Watch, you’ll have reason to visit again and again.

Tamworth Food & Drink Trail

Explore some of Tamworth’s other hostelries, eateries and cafes with the brilliant Tamworth Food & Drink Trail.

There are 64 fine establishments to try, from restaurants like Christopher’s, a bistro serving delicious British cuisine, to The Moat House, an ex-stately home which is now one of the town’s top pubs.

Download the map at https://www.visittamworth.co.uk/food-and-drink-trail, collect the printed version at the Tamworth Tourist Information Centre (in the Assembly Rooms theatre).

Or if you’re more tech-savvy, there’s an app version for your smartphone too!

It’s one of many town centre trails available in Tamworth.

The Historic Tamworth AR Trails use augmented reality to bring the story of Tamworth to life, with the help of famous figures like Sir Robert Peel (the former Prime Minister, and founder of the Metropolitan Police).

And the Tamworth AR Explorer guides you through the fascinating history of Tamworth Castle, while Love Tamworth offers a host of mini games and challenges for families.

More things to do in Tamworth

Looking for more things to do in Tamworth?

Sample the finest British produce, watch top chefs in action, and have a go yourself at the Tamworth Food Gusto Festival, or take a tour of the vineyard and enjoy a spot of fishing at Buzzard Valley.

See top comedians and musical acts at the beautiful Assembly Rooms theatre.

There's paintball, quad biking, archery and tons more at NPF Bassetts Pole Adventure Park, and indoor family fun at Namco Funscape, including ten pin bowling, adventure mini golf, arcades, and soft play.

Discover beautiful backdrops at Middleton Lakes, and one of the Borough’s 14 nature reserves and country parks, many of which are home to scavenger hunts and other self-led trails.

Our blog on walks in Tamworth has details of a few of them: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/blog/2021/05/walks-in-staffordshire-tamworth-b631

For other great ideas, visit our Lichfield and Tamworth section at: https://www.enjoystaffordshire.com/ideas-and-inspiration/explore-our-destinations/lichfield-tamworth