Celebrate a proper Victorian Christmas in 2019 at Tamworth Castle

Last tickets are on sale now for the very popular Santa Trails at Tamworth Castle this December, but don’t leave it too late, get booking now to avoid disappointment!

Take a trip to Christmas past, where Father Christmas will be visiting the castle while the busy Victorian household prepare their festive celebrations.

The Santa Trails will be held during weekends in December between 10am and 4pm, from Saturday, December 7, through to Monday, December 23 2019. Tickets have already been selling fast, but there are still some time slots available if you call the Tamworth Information Centre in Marmion House on 01827 709618, or book online via: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.

Visitors attending this traditional Christmas event will be welcomed by a member of the Victorian household, who will lead the group on a tour of the castle rooms, where they will be invited to help the Victorian household prepare for Santa’s visit and the festive celebrations.

There are plenty of activities to get involved with, including cutting out gingerbread men, making traditional Christmas cards, writing a letter to Santa and joining in with some Victorian parlour games before meeting the main man himself.

Although Christmas has been celebrated for many hundreds of years, the Victorians helped shape Christmas in to the celebration it is today. Did you know that the classic 1843 novel A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens, encouraged middle and upper-class Victorians to redistribute their wealth and give money and gifts to the poor?

Other Victorian festive origins include carols such as O Come All Ye Faithful and Once in Royal David’s City, the Christmas cracker - invented by a London sweet maker in 1843, and the Christmas tree, which was popularised by Queen Victoria’s German husband Prince Albert, who brought the tradition to Britain from his home country. 

Cllr John Chesworth, Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said: “This traditional Christmas event is a big hit every year. Families can enjoy a tour of the castle and meet the Victorian characters, bringing festive cheer to all.

“Children of all ages will have the opportunity to meet Santa at the end of the tour and receive an age-appropriate gift. Don’t forget to bring your cameras to get a picture of your littles ones with the man himself.

“With so many of our Christmas traditions to thank the Victorians for, what better way than getting involved in the festivities in a truly historic setting. You’re sure to find your Christmas spirit at Tamworth Castle this December.”

More information on this, and other events at Tamworth Castle, is available at www.tamworthcastle.co.uk, or by calling the Tamworth Information Centre in Marmion House on 01827 709618. You can also keep up to date with all events at Tamworth Castle on Facebook and Twitter.

Please note this is a timed-ticket only event, the castle will be closed for general admission throughout December.