- Join a fun, hands-on clay workshop in Tamworth Castle Grounds – absolutely free!
- Take home your own clay masterpiece inspired by the castle’s amazing architecture
- Perfect for families, creatives, and history lovers – no booking needed!
Tamworth Borough Council is inviting residents and visitors to roll up their sleeves and get stuck into a free, family-friendly clay workshop on Saturday 13 September, as part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days celebration.
Taking place from 11am to 4pm at the Castle Grounds Bandstand, this interactive event will bring history to life in a fun and creative way, inspired by the theme of the 2025 Heritage Open Days – architecture.
With Tamworth Castle as your backdrop, you’ll be guided by local potters to design and make your own clay creation. Drawing inspiration from the castle’s unique features, think towers, arrow slits, stone walls, and arched windows, participants can shape their piece using simple tools and textures, then polish it to a smooth finish using pebbles or spoons.
And the best part? You get to take your clay artwork home as a personal keepsake of your day.
This event is not only a celebration of heritage but also ties in with Tamworth Castle’s upcoming £1.7 million conservation project, funded by Arts Council England. The work will preserve the castle’s iconic architecture, including towers, stair turret, leaded windows, and historic masonry, for generations to come.
Councillor Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement, leisure and heritage, said: “This year our heritage free activity offers people of all ages the opportunity to create and take home their own clay design, inspired by our fabulous castle.
“With the theme of architecture, it’s not just about buildings, it’s about how people interact with the spaces around them. Delivered by our castle team, the hands-on workshop is an open invitation to explore, learn and celebrate Tamworth’s rich history.”
No tickets or pre-booking required. Clay sessions will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
All materials are provided. Suitable for adults and children aged seven and above.
This activity is funded by UKSPF as part of the castle’s Heritage Crafts project and are taking place during Heritage Open Days.
In addition to the clay workshop, Tamworth Borough Council, in partnership with Tamworth History Group and Tamworth Young Farmers, is offering two special opportunities to explore Tamworth’s rural past at Tamworth Castle:
On Sunday 14 and Saturday 20 September, visitors to the castle can discover newly acquired archive collections on local farms, meet the collections team and local contributors, and hear stories from the town’s young farming community.
This display includes the artwork ‘Champion’ the bull, part of the castle’s growing rural archive. Please note that entry is included with a general admission ticket price. No pre-booking required, but tickets can be reserved through the castle’s booking page: general admission ticket page.
St Editha’s Church is also involved in Heritage Open Days. On 13 September, the tower staircase is open to climb, you can view beautiful Anglo-Saxon stonework, explore magnificent paintings, see a display of historic vestments and archive material, and see the new statue of St. Editha. The Ruskin pottery exhibition will also be free all day and there will be home-made refreshments available in the café. The church is open 10am-2pm.
About Heritage Open Days
Heritage Open Days is England’s largest celebration of history and culture. From 12–21 September, thousands of free events across the country open doors to hidden places and unique experiences. The festival is coordinated by the National Trust and supported by the People's Postcode Lottery. For more information visit: www.heritageopendays.org.uk