Visit Tamworth for half-term spooktacular fun

There’s plenty to keep families entertained in Tamworth during the 2019 half-term, from spooky haunted castle and pumpkin carving, to candlelit tours and lantern making. 

If you’re looking for things to keep the children entertained next week, the Visit Tamworth website is a great place to start. It’s full of ideas and has a busy What’s On section, as well as highlighting some of the fantastic attractions the area has to offer.

Halloween is a great time to discover and explore the ancient Castle and encounter some of the resident ghosts said to haunt its walls. The popular attraction will again be inviting visitors to take part in a variety of Halloween-themed activities for all ages this half-term.

Tamworth Castle’s haunted spooktacular returns on October 26 – November 1 2019, for a week full of ghostly fun. Encounter a series of creepy characters and activities as you tour the Castle. Only the courageous will manage to finish their tour without being scared! No pre-booking required, but you can book in advance online.

More details on the events, prices and tickets for Tamworth Castle can be found at: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk/events

Youngsters are being invited to attend free drop-in workshops during half-term where they will be able to make special lanterns to carry in this year’s Christmas Lantern parade. A series of open workshops are being held in Ankerside Shopping Centre on Saturday, October 26, and Saturday, November16 2019 with sessions at 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm both days.

Popular Tamworth artist Maggie Carney will be on hand to help children build and paint a card lantern to carry in the parade at the Christmas Lights Festival on November 24 2019. 

Halloween Steam and Scream will be hosted at Statfold Barn Railway on October 26 and October 27 2019. Come in fancy dress and ready to climb aboard the scream train on a journey round the railway to Hangmans Creek and ride past the spooky pirate ship. 

Come and see Middleton Hall lit by the light of candles from October 24 to October 26 2019. Visitors are invited to learn about the building’s history, plus hear spooky stories about the ghost that is said to haunt the hall. Or why not bring the family to the Halloween at the Hall event on October 30 and October 31 to enjoy creative activities and wear your spookiest outfit?

Planters Garden Centre is hosting the return of its popular Pumpkin Paddock. This Halloween event runs from mid-October to October 31 2019, with lots of family fun such as pumpkin picking, carving, games and lots more.

More pumpkin fun can be found at Manor Fruits Farm in Hints. Their annual Pumpkin Fest will be open from during weekends in October and from October 26 to November 3 2019, where you can choose your own pumpkins from the field. No pre-booking required. There will be a bouncy castle area, plus children’s activities. In addition, a wide range of food will be on offer from the onsite café and the Strawberry Cabin Tea Room and Restaurant.

Halloween at Ash End Farm and Play Barn is again offering a farm n' barn combi-ticket from October 26 to November 1 2019. Visitors will have access to all the usual farm fun, unlimited time in The Big Play Barn, plus entry to their Spooky Barn. This year, there will be additional crafts and face painting in the chandelier lit Forest Room in the Play Barn. 

If you fancy a boogie this Halloween, then you will be in for a treat at the Castle Hotel on Saturday, October 26 2019, from 7pm. Together 4 Tamworth presents a Halloween charity Fancy Dress Disco (adults only event), raising funds for next year’s Tamworth Carnival. Dress in your scariest costume for a chance to win a £50 prize.

If you prefer a brass band entertainment, then join Amington Band on Saturday, October 26 2019, at Amington Band Room, Sharpe Street. The autumn concert ‘Stage and Screen’, will feature some of the greatest songs from the stage. Entrance is free, refreshments will be available.

There’s also plenty on offer at the wide variety of Tamworth attractions including Tamworth Snowdome, Drayton Manor, Jump Xtreme, Namco Funscape and Monty’s Indoor Adventure.

Tamworth is also a great place to get back to nature with an abundance of nature reserves and country parks to explore; perfect for a crisp autumn walk. Many parks also host their own Halloween events such as ‘Halloween Lanterns’ and ‘Twiggly Broomsticks’ at Kingsbury Water Park, on October 29 and October 30 2019.

Cllr John Chesworth, Cabinet member for Culture and Operational Services, said:  “Tamworth has so much to offer when it comes to family and child-friendly activities to keep the boredom at bay during the school holidays. The autumn half-term is no exception and we’d encourage people to visit some of our great local attractions, or join some of the spooky activities happening during Halloween.”

Visit www.visittamworth.co.uk for more information, including dates, times and prices where applicable. Or visit the Facebook page www.facebook.com/VisitTamworth/ or Twitter @VisitTamworth.

Groups, bands, organisations, attractions and businesses are invited to advertise their events free of charge on the Visit Tamworth website. Visit the What’s On page for more information.