Stafford Castle holiday

Stafford Castle holiday

Stafford Castle is a building in the town of Stafford, which dates back to 1100. It is located on Castle Bank, Newport Road and is a major draw for tourists visiting the area due to its picturesque setting and historicity.

The castle was built by William the Conqueror to protect the Normans from the local community, which had been disgruntled by the 1066 invasion. Originally the castle was built in the motte and bailey building style of the era, but in 1347 Earl Ralph upgraded the fortification by building a massive stone keep.

The building was rebuilt once again in 1813 in the gothic style it can be found in today. However. the building has become damaged over the years and is crumbling in a way which tourists may find adds to its rustic charm.

Furthermore, the castle is visible from the M6 motorway to travellers keeping their eyes peeled.

Stafford Castle Location

Motorists travelling to Stafford Castle will find the attraction well-served by major roads. Stafford is accessible by the M6 and the M6 Toll roll, which is generally fairly traffic-free but this perk obviously comes at a price. There is a park and ride scheme in Stafford enabling motorists to park conveniently.

Those arriving by train can use the West Coast Mainline services, which connect Stafford with London, Birmingham, Manchester and the North West and Bristol and the South West.

Furthermore, international travellers and those taking domestic flights from far-flung destinations in the UK can reach Stafford easily from Birmingham International Airport or Manchester Airport, which are both within an hour's driving distance.

There are also a number of regional bus services operating within Staffordshire.

Why Visit Stafford Castle?

As well as being an important reminder of the feeling in England after the Norman invasion, Stafford Castle is an interesting day out for all the family.

The visitor centre promotes a hands-on approach to history, with the emphasis on having fun rather than absorbing dry facts about the attraction's past. A collection of artefacts excavated from the castle site are on display and there is an audio-visual area, with a film narrated by Robert Hardy, giving visitors an insight into the castle's background.

Furthermore, the castle hosts a diverse programme of events throughout the year. These include family fun days and events to mark historical occasions. Over the last 15 years the castle has also served as a venue for several productions of Shakespeare's plays.