Tamworth Castle hosting spooky events and spine-tingling tales

Lots of Halloween events on offer Don’t get too scared! Tickets selling fast, so book now

There’s lots of spooky themed events coming to Tamworth Castle this autumn.

Tamworth Borough Council is excited to welcome visitors to spooky events and spine-tingling tales at Tamworth Castle.

Halloween is the prime time to go to spooky events and Tamworth Castle has lots on offer for you to enjoy.

During Halloween week (26 October - 3 November) activities in the castle will have a witch theme, with a children’s witches’ trail, information about the historical perceptions of witches and witchcraft, and other witch themed activities. Children are encouraged to come in their favourite Halloween costume.

From Wednesday 30 October to Saturday 2 November, the residents of Tamworth Castle have taken over to celebrate the haunted season... and you're all invited! Search the castle and hear their spooktacular stories - just make sure you don't get stuck with them for centuries to come. Hear tales of how they got trapped in the castle, ghostly goings on - you'll also need to help them complete their tasks so they can rest for forever more!

On Thursday 24 and Friday 25 October, there is an immersive ghost walk experience. Join your guide in the ‘Wandering Spirits Ghost Walk’ and discover strange but true stories about plague, highwaymen, and crime. Be warned… some of the ghosts will be joining you on your journey.

The ghost walk lasts for an hour and a half and is for over 16s only. Choose to take part in the walk at either 6.30pm or 8.30pm and meet at the castle gatehouse. Uncover the gruesome hidden history of the old streets and listen to chilling tales of things that go bump in the night.

Visit https://www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/whats-ticket?webeventid=castleqghost to book your tickets now. Limited tickets still available.

On the evening of Saturday 26 October, Brian Hoggard’s talk - ‘Magical House Protection – the Archaeology of Counter-Witchcraft’ - will explore the material evidence of counter witchcraft which has been discovered in the fabric of the buildings throughout the British Isles. Objects such as witch-bottles, dried cats, horse skulls, written charms and markings which have been carved onto surfaces all testify to strong beliefs which were once the norm. 

The evening will also include the opportunity to see apotropaic marks (also known as witch marks) on some of the stonework at Tamworth Castle. Apotropaic marks are ritual protection symbols that can take various forms and were usually scribed onto stone or woodwork near a building’s entrance points, particularly doorways, windows and fireplaces. Their purpose is to protect inhabitants and visitors from evil spirits. These marks are evidence of the castle’s own ‘untold story’ in which magical symbols and ritual objects were a common part of life.

Tickets are £10 each and you must be 16 or over to attend. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.15pm start.

Book your tickets here: https://www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/whats-ticket?webeventid=castlewitch

On Saturday 27 October watch an original one-man performance ‘Confessions of Sweeny Todd – Don’t Go into The Cellar’. The classic penny dreadful tale is performed with gusto and swagger by Jonathan Goodwin in a show directed by Gary Archer.

This show is suitable for people aged 11 and over. Ticket prices are £15, and the show starts at 8pm.

more information and to book your tickets visit https://www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/whats-ticket?webeventid=Sweeney.

On Sunday 27 October there is a ‘witches in the woods’ water colour workshop led by professional storyteller Maria Credali. During the workshop you will create your own personalised version of Maria’s picture. As you paint, you will find out all about the astonishing variety of witches in folklore and fable across the world - from Macbeth’s three witches to Russia’s Baba Yaga, before touching on our own dark history of witch trials.

Book your tickets here: https://www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/whats-ticket?webeventid=castlewitches

On Sunday 3 November at 1.30pm, there is another chance to spend an afternoon creating a bespoke witch themed art piece with Maria Credali. You will learn how to use water colours to paint a beautiful witch's familiar (cat). As you paint, Maria will share the folklore surrounding the witch's familiar - you will find out exactly why witches kept all manner of interesting animals.

Book your tickets here: whats on ticket | Award-Winning Heritage in a Stunning Castle (tamworthcastle.co.uk)

Pre-booking is essential and there is a 10% discount available for booking both watercolour workshops.

On Sunday 10 November, watch the Alfred Hitchcock silent film ‘The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog’ with live musical accompaniment from Minima Music.

Set in a foggy and unsettled London with a serial killer on the loose, this is Alfred Hitchcock’s masterpiece of atmospheric thriller filmmaking, containing many of his subsequent trademark themes, including his first recognisable film cameo.

The show starts at 8pm and a cash bar is available. Book your tickets here: whats on ticket | Award-Winning Heritage in a Stunning Castle (tamworthcastle.co.uk).

Lewis Smith, portfolio holder for people services, engagement and leisure for Tamworth Borough Council, said: “Halloween is soon approaching and now is the time to start booking your tickets to enjoy a range of spooky events at Tamworth Castle.

“The castle is the perfect setting to embrace the scary and have a fun time with your friends and family. Who knows, perhaps some castle ghosts may join the fun!

“Tickets are going quickly for all of the spooky activities, get booking now!”