Access Statement for Tamworth Castle

Introduction

We welcome all visitors and aim to make our visitor experience accessible to all. We hope that the following information helps you to plan your visit and ensures you have a great day out at Tamworth Castle.

Pre Arrival

  • Information on our Opening Times and Ticket Prices can be found on our website where you can also pre book tickets.
  • We offer free admission for carers of disabled visitors. Please note that ‘carers’ tickets can only be collected on arrival in reception and are not bookable in advance online. Please note that proof of eligibility may be required.
  • Castle Leaflets are available in alternative formats and languages upon request (telephone 01827 709634). Castle Guide Book in large print is available upon request.
  • We have a manual wheelchair is available at the Castle upon request, please contact us before visiting (telephone 01827 709626).
  • Shop Mobility Scheme is available on Level 5 of the Ankerside Car Park (telephone 01827 709392).
  • Information about public transport and routes are available via our website.
  • Taxi Ranks are located at the Railway Station, Bolebridge Street, Corporation Street and Lichfield Street.
  • Tamworth Town Centre is fully pedestrianised and has a Tourist Information Centre, they can be contacted on 01827 709581.
  • Check the Castle website for information on facilities, access and car parking. www.tamworthcastle.co.uk

Arrival

  • There is no visitor car parking available on site. There are several Pay and Display public car parks available. Details of car parks close to the Castle can be found on the castle’s website.
  • Drop off point for visitors with disabilities is at top of the castle drive, at the base of the entrance slope. This is accessed through Holloway Lodge, post code B79 7NB, just beyond the Castle Hotel (off Silver Street/The Holloway).
  • Please telephone the Castle Reception in advance of visit: 01827 709626 to advise of any specific needs.
  • You will be asked to check in to Tamworth Castle via the NHS app or leave your details with us to help combat the spread of Covid-19.
  • You will be required to wear a face covering inside the Castle and Café unless you are medically exempt from this.
  • If you have booked your ticket online, please see a member of the Visitor Services Team in the Café or Reception on arrival for access related information that will help you make the most of your visit.
  • The Castle entrance slope whilst steep is a smooth tarmac surface, the pathway width can accommodate a four-wheeled motorised wheelchair.
  • Reception is located at top of the slope inside the main entrance door. Reception entrance is accessed by ramp from the Courtyard or two wooden steps from porch (no hand rail) with a level carpeted floor throughout reception.
  • Visitors with wheelchairs can be met and served within the entrance porch area, or can enter Reception via ramp.

During Your Visit

  • The Castle sits on top of a Norman motte and is accessed via a steep entrance slope. Tamworth Castle is a magnificent motte and bailey castle. The intact shell keep houses over 17 internal rooms, a tower roof, dungeon and intra mural passageway, spanning 900 years of history from Saxon era to present day.
  • Follow the story of the Castle and its noble families and experience the interactive hands on Saxon Battle & Tribute, Medieval Armoury, Tudor Dining Room, Stuart Servant's Chamber and Victorian reception rooms and much more.
  • The magnificent Great Hall and atmospheric Courtyard with Dungeon and Intramural Passageway, take you back in time to follow in the footsteps of Lords and Royalty as the Castle reveals its colourful history.
  • The Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade I Listed Building. The building is characterised by narrow winding staircases and some uneven floors, so care is needed when accessing the upper floors including the Medieval Tower and parapet walkways.
  • Floor areas within the Castle are stone flags or brick paviours and old wooden floors. Some are uneven and care needs to be taken.
  • The Castle is divided over three floors and split into two wings which are linked by narrow external high level parapet walkways. There are numerous staircases, some of which are narrow in places and winding.
  • Visitor seating is available in most of the period room displays.
  • Lighting is not uniform, and is mostly overhead track lighting with spot lights.
  • Some rooms have blinds in place to protect the displays from light levels that can cause damage, please respect the need for blinds to remain down.
  • Interpretation available in rooms is in clear text, readable font and black type on cream background, suitable for those with visual impairments.
  • Ground floor access only for wheelchairs users, access to the website, digitised collection and archive, castle augmented reality trail and castle virtual guided tour is available in the ground floor Discovery Hub.
  • Wifi is available in the Castle for you to enjoy an augmented reality trail within the Castle, users will need to download our app onto personal devices.
  • Induction loops are installed in the Café and Reception.

General

  • Assistance dogs and other registered support dogs are welcome on site and can accompany visitors through all areas of the Castle.
  • Public toilets available within the Castle and easy access toilet. Baby changing facilities are available in the easy access toilet.
  • Easy access toilet is available on the Ground Floor of the Castle, the Ankerside Shopping Centre and the Castle Pleasure Grounds. RADAR Key accessible, keys can be purchased from the Tamworth Information Centre, Assembly Rooms, Corporation Street, Tamworth, B79 7DN, 01827 709581.
  • The Castle and Motte is a non-smoking / non vaping site, including the courtyard and external parapet walkways.
  • Gift shop is available on the ground floor selling a range of souvenirs
  • Cafe is available at the bottom of the slope selling a range of hot and cold drinks, confectionary, ice creams, snacks and souvenirs. Outside seating and tables are available.
  • The Castle is a licensed premises but only sells alcohol at selected events.
  • The Castle sits within the Castle Pleasure Grounds, with floral displays and river views accessed by smooth tarmac pathways. Seating, picnic area and an adventure playground are also located in the grounds.

If you require any information from us ahead of your visit please contact us by telephone 01827 709626 or email [email protected].

If you require any assistance during your visit, please speak to a member of the team who will be more than happy to help you. If you have any feedback that could help us to improve our accessibility please email us at [email protected]. We welcome your comments and suggestions.