- Join creative workshops inspired by Tamworth Castle’s conservation work and historic building fragments
- Local artists will help visitors explore the castle’s history through hands-on activities
- A medieval trail will also be available throughout August, giving visitors another way to discover the castle’s fascinating past
Tamworth Borough Council is inviting visitors to experience Tamworth Castle in a whole new way this August with a series of free creative workshops included with castle admission, inspired by the castle’s ongoing conservation work and the remarkable historic building fragments that have been carefully collected over decades.
The workshops celebrate the story of one of the town's most treasured heritage sites and the generations of people who have built, repaired and cared for it over almost 1,000 years.
Original fragments of the castle, including pieces of stone, brick, ironwork and architectural features that have fallen from the building over time, will inspire visitors to create their own artwork under the guidance of four talented local artists. Through sculpture, collage, etching, drawing and storytelling, participants will explore the textures, craftsmanship and hidden stories preserved within these unique pieces of history.
Alongside the workshops, visitors will also be able to enjoy a brand-new medieval trail throughout August, offering another opportunity to uncover the castle's rich history while exploring the site. Castle volunteers will be delivering weaponry demonstrations every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4-26 August 2026.
The drop-in workshops are free with castle admission and are suitable for all ages, with children required to be accompanied by an adult. No previous artistic experience is needed.
The programme includes:
- Emma Hayward Curzon – Sculpting Stories from Stone
- Tuesday 4 August and Thursday 6 August, 10am to 3pm
- Create sculptures using air-drying clay inspired by the castle's historic building fragments, exploring the textures, shapes and craftsmanship hidden within centuries-old masonry.
- Rosa Brown – Colouring Conservation
- Wednesday 12 August and Wednesday 19 August, 10am to 3pm
- Discover the colours, textures and patterns revealed through the castle's conservation work while creating vibrant paper-based artworks celebrating historic materials and architectural details.
- Steph Coley – Stories Hidden in Stone
- Saturday 15 August and Wednesday 26 August, 10am–3pm
- Choose a historic building fragment and imagine its journey through the castle's history using collage, drawing and creative storytelling. Together, participants will create an illustrated storybook inspired by the castle's enduring memories.
- Rae Baker – Beauty in Repair
- Saturday 22 August and Saturday 29 August, 10am to 3pm
- Experiment with etching, image relief and layered techniques inspired by the marks of time, repair and renewal revealed through conservation, celebrating the beauty that emerges through care and craftsmanship.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Tamworth Castle has stood at the heart of our town for almost 1,000 years, and these workshops offer a fantastic opportunity to experience its history in a completely different way.
"As conservation work continues to protect this much-loved landmark for future generations, we're inviting visitors to look beyond the walls and discover the stories hidden within the castle's historic building fragments. Working alongside talented local artists, people of all ages can get creative, learn something new and become part of the castle's continuing story.
"Whether you're fascinated by history, enjoy trying new creative activities or are looking for something different to do during the summer holidays, these workshops and our new medieval trail offer a unique way to explore one of Tamworth's greatest heritage assets.”
For more information about Tamworth Castle and to plan your visit, go to www.tamworthcastle.co.uk