During the summer holidays my partner, our two daughters (aged 3 and 9) and I visited Staffordshire for a few days. The main purpose of our visit was to go to Drayton Manor, however we were looking for some fun interesting things to do in the staffordshire area for the next day. Whilst researching the area prior to our visit i came across a website for Tamworth Castle and it sounded like just the type of thing we were looking for.

Tamworth castle is right in the heart of Tamworth town centre. It is very easily accessed by train or road. The castle is only a two minute walk from Tamworth train station. However, we drove and found it well sign posted and easy to find. There is plenty of parking nearby and at £1 for a three hour stay we were very happy. 

The castle itself is set in a brilliant location in a large park. There are plenty of things to keep you and the kids entertained there. There is a massive childrens play-area, which my daughters had a great time playing in. Swings, slides, climbing frames and a massive wooden pirate ship and castle to climb. The play-area amused the children for quiet sometime whilst we were waiting for the castle to open. Next to the play-area is a little cafe selling drinks, icecreams etc. There is also a large clean public toilets, which has baby changing facilities. Also nearby is a mini golf area and Ankerside shopping centre.

Of course the castle itself is the main attraction. On our arrival we were greeted by two staff members who were very friendly and informative. They explained to us that the castle was currently undergoing refurbishment and therefore some parts were closed. This included the toilets and we were advised to use the toilets near the play area or inside the shopping centre.  Having two kids with us this was a bit of a pain.

The entrance prices were very reasonable and a lot cheaper than the prices advertised on their website. Admission for one adult was £5.50, for a child was £3.00 and a toddler (aged 2-4yr) was only 50p. We were also offered a guide book for £1.50 which was interesting and a great little souvenir. Both children were also given a sheet of paper to take around with them and tick of various things as and when they see them. On completing the sheet the children were rewarded with a lollypop at the end of the tour. This was great fun for my 9 year old, but my 3 year old was a bit young for it. 

 Unfortunately, due to the renovations the dungeon was closed, which was a pity, as it sounded very interesting. However, the rest of the tour more than made up for it.  Some of the rooms included the Tudor dining room with its magnificent Table set for a truly Tudor feast, the Medieval Room with its armour and weapons, the Georgian room, the eerie Victorian Nursery and many different chambers and bedrooms. A long winding narrow staircase takes you up to the top of the Medieval tower With 360 views of the beautiful castle surroundings and plenty of historic landmarks. There is also plenty of information about Tamworth and its history. Tamworth castle is extremly beautiful and each of its rooms is more interesting than the last. It has plenty to keep both adults and children amused. I was particuly impressed with some of the different ways children were kept amused during the walk around the castle. Including small chairs and tables in some of the rooms with crayons and things to colour in, dressing up boxes with great outfits and wigs to try on, educational jigsaws, blocks to build mini castles, toy castles and figures to play with etc. Another thing that really impressed me about the castle was that much of it was very interactive and hands on. It was great being able to actually sit at a Tudor dining table and pick up and look at the things for sale at the "market". 

It took approximately two hours for us to walk around the whole castle. By the exit there is a reasonably priced gift shop where we bought a Tamworth castle fridge magnet, 2 princess tiaras and a couple of sticks of rock, all of which came to under a tenner (althought there was a charge for using debit card, so i would advise to take cash). There was also a cafe, however i can't comment on it or its prices as instead we headed to the subway around the corner from the castle. 

Tamworth castle is a great day out for both adults and children and is well priced. I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys castles and stately homes. 

Further information can be found on the Tamworth castle website 

http://www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/