Top 8 things to do in Tamworth

There’s plenty that puts Tamworth on the map. The town, located in south Staffordshire, is brimming with history, family-friendly fun, and outdoor adventures. From the motte and bailey Tamworth Castle to Jump Xtreme Tamworth, this small hamlet has everything you need for an exciting day out. 

Plus, it’s nearby Birmingham and other Staffordshire attractions, making it the perfect base for further adventure. In this guide, we’ll identify the eight best things to do in Tamworth so that you can create the perfect itinerary. 

The best Tamworth activities 

Every Tamworth itinerary should include at least a few of the following activities: 

Tamworth Castle 

One of the best Tamworth activities has to be Tamworth Castle. This structure stands as one of the best-preserved examples of a motte and bailey castle in the whole of England. Dating all the way back to the 1080s, the castle features examples of early Norman herringbone masonry. During the Anglo-Saxon period, it served as the home to Mercian kings and the Marmion family during Medieval times. 

A small entrance fee can grant you access to over 900 years’ worth of history. As you explore the castle grounds, you’ll encounter perfectly preserved halls, rooms, and chambers, each telling a tale from the castle’s storied past. 

Explore the Tamworth Castle grounds 

The Tamworth Castle grounds are an experience in their own right. They’re open 24/7 and one of our favourite things to do in Tamworth for free. The surrounding gardens are perfectly maintained, with stunning flower beds, verdant grass, and shade-providing trees. 

Perfect for a quiet afternoon stroll or a picnic with the family, the grounds are definitely worth spending time in after exploring the castle. 

The grounds are the site of the town’s weekly park run. So, if you’re a keen jogger and are looking for the most convenient place to run a 5k, head straight to Tamworth Castle. During the summer, the grounds are frequently used for evening concerts. 

Jump Xtreme Tamworth 

If you’re wondering what to do in Tamworth with your kids, consider a visit to Jump Xtreme Tamworth. As suggested in its title, this attraction is all about jumping on the park’s extensive selection of trampolines. There’s a massive hall full of trampolines of all shapes and sizes, where kids, teens, and adults can all bounce the afternoon away. 

There’s a cafe upstairs that looks down onto the trampoline area. So, if mum and dad would prefer to sit and enjoy a coffee while keeping an eye on the kids, they can do so. Besides coffee and tea, the coffee shops have plenty of food and drink options available. 

Odeon Luxe Cinema 

The Tamworth cinema scene is limited to one Odean Luxe Cinema – but that’s all you need. Here, you can catch all the latest blockbusters, indie films, rereleases, and so on. If you’re faced with a rainy day in Tamworth, making your way to this premium cinema is one of the best things you can do. Each cinema room boasts loads of space, comfortable seats, and perfect sound and picture quality.

The Odean Luxe Cinema in Tamworth is also home to Oscar’s Bar, which is the perfect place to pick up a drink for the movie. Alternatively, there’s also a Costa Coffee on site. 

Kingsbury Water Park 

If it’s a sunny day and you’re looking for outdoor attractions in Tamworth, the nearest option is Kingsbury Water Park. From the centre of Tamworth, Kingsbury is just a 10-minute drive south via the A4091. This massive green open space is perfect for nature walks, cycles, picnics, fishing, jet skiing, kayaking, and birdwatching – basically, you can do everything you’d expect to be able to do in a nature park. 

You could spend all day walking around this 600-acre park and still have parts to explore. For younger kids, there’s a kids’ play area and craft area for fun and entertaining activities. For animal lovers, there’s a children’s farm where kids can meet a wide range of animals. Or, if you definitely want to make it around the entirety of the park, bike hire options are available right next to the main car park. 

There’s also the Echills Woods Railway that runs around two kilometres around the park. 

Moat House Tamworth 

If you’re into historic pieces of architecture, you need to add the Moat House to your things to do in Tamworth itinerary. This stately home was built back in 1572 as a stately home by William Comberford. It’s a well-preserved example of Tudor architecture and is Grade II* listed – as is the summer house located in the rear garden. 

Today, visitors can admire the interior of the building as they dine in the onsite restaurant. There’s also a public bar and outside beer garden. So, if you’re looking for adult activities in Tamworth, the Moat House should definitely be near the top of your considerations. 

Drayton Manor Theme Park 

It’s impossible to talk about things to do in Tamworth without mentioning Drayton Manor Theme Park, given that it’s one of the main reasons that tourists pass through Tamworth. With its rollercoasters and zoos, many families descend on Drayton Manor during summer and other school holidays. 

Rides like the Wave, Accelerator, and G-Force are perfect for bigger kids, while Thomas Land is ideal for younger ones. Food options are numerous, with such options as Safari Pizza and Pasta, Chicken Dinner, and the Burger Kitchen available. 

Tamworth SnowDome 

Beside Drayton Manor, the second most popular reason why families travel to Tamworth is to visit the Tamworth SnowDome. Located right in the centre of town, the SnowDome was the first-ever recreational and full-sized indoor slope in the UK when it opened in 1994. Regardless of the time of year, you’ll be able to ride the slopes, with classes available for all age groups and ski levels. 

The instructors are great communicators, with lots of patience and help to offer. This ensures you’ll leave with at least the basics of skiing learned. 

This venue doesn’t only offer skiing opportunities; snowboarding and ice skating experiences are also available. On top of that, you can also enjoy the onsite swimming pool, spa facilities, and gym. 

For post-activity refreshments, Apen’s Bar & Kitchen offers a good range of food and drink options. Or, if you’re just looking for a quick coffee, head to the Lifthouse Coffee Co. 

Things to do near Tamworth 

As aforementioned, Tamworth provides you with easy access to plenty of other Staffordshire attractions. The closest noteworthy town to Tamworth is Lichfield, which can be reached in under 20 minutes via the A51. There’s plenty to do in Lichfield, such as visiting the historic Lichfield Cathedral. 

If you’re looking to explore nature, the Cannock Chase nature reserve is just a short half-hour drive away via the M6 toll. 

The sights and sounds of Birmingham are also only half an hour by car away via the M42. 

Places to eat and drink in Tamworth 

Tamworth doesn’t just cater to tourists. With a population of 76,092, there are plenty of permanent residents and a wide selection of food and drink options for them to choose from. 

Some of the best-rated options include the Tame Otter, the Pretty Pigs Stonehouse, the Crafty Two, the Albert Bar and Restaurant, and the Amington Inn. 

For more options, you could head to Lichfield, which has a vibrant food and drink scene.

FAQ

Is Tamworth in Birmingham? 

Tamworth is part of Staffordshire county, however, it lies very close to Birmingham. It only takes around half an hour drive from Birmingham to Tamworth. It can be found on the northeastern periphery of the West Midlands. 

What is Tamworth, UK famous for? 

Like many towns in Staffordshire, Tamworth is known for being a market town. During the 18th and 19th centuries, the town also contributed to Staffordshire’s industrial output. Factories in the Tamworth area made aluminium ware and textiles. 

What day is the market on in Tamworth? 

Tamworth’s market days fall on Tuesday and Friday. The Tamworth market takes place on St Editha’s Square, Market Street, and George Street between the hours of 9.00am and 4.00pm. At the market, you can pick up fresh local produce, trinkets, and arts and crafts. 

How long does it take to walk around Tamworth Castle? 

It should only take you between an hour and an hour and a half to make your way around Tamworth Castle at a comfortable pace. This will give you enough time to visit every room in the castle, read all the information boards, and generally take in the amazing architecture that’s been perfectly preserved.