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Visiting Stafford Castle

Built after the Norman invasion, Stafford Castle has dominated the Stafford skyline for over 900 years. Robert of Stafford (originally Robert de Toeni) pioneered the Castle’s construction in the 11th century. Today, it’s a tourist attraction under the custody of Freedom Leisure, after going through several phases of demolitions and rebuilding.

Parking

There’s a car parking area on-site with free spaces. However, during some events, you’ll have to pay a parking charge. These include:

  • Wildlife and Country Craft Affair: Cars (£5) and motorbikes (£2)
  • Re-enactment Weekend: Cars £3
  • Classic Car Show: Cars £5

 

Price

Stafford Castle has no admission prices. However, there may be some charges during events, including:

  • Bat Walk: Adults (£3), Children (£2)
  • Have a Go Archery: £2 for six arrows
  • Easter Dinosaur Egg Hunt: £2 for children’s colouring competition

Christmas Wreath Making: £20 for the wreath-making materials

 

Opening

Stafford Castle’s opening hours depend on the season and are as follows:

Period

Days

Time

April to October

Tuesday to Sunday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

November to March

Saturday and Sunday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Castle is closed when there are unfavourable weather conditions such as storms and strong winds.

Location and Access

Stafford Castle is on Newport Road, Stafford, ST16 1DJ, United Kingdom. It’s a mile (1.60 km) from the town of Stafford, Staffordshire.

You can get to the Castle by car or train. If driving to Stafford Castle, you’ll exit M6 at junction 13 and take A449 and A34 to Lichfield Road. Then proceed to A518 Newport Road, and you’ll find it on your right after a mile’s (1.60 km) drive.

If travelling by train, you’ll alight at Stafford Station—around 1 mile (1.60 km) from the Castle. You can then walk or take a taxi. There are available train services from London Euston, and from Manchester and Liverpool.

Stafford Castle is accessible to persons with disabilities. The Visitor Centre is wheelchair-friendly, has a disabled toilet on-site, and also offers a guided tour to visitors with severe mobility impairment.

Know Before You Go

Since there are no entry charges, you don’t have to book your visit. However, booking is necessary for specific events, including birthday parties and Christmas wreath making.

You can either visit the Castle as a solo tourist or in a group.

Places To Stay Nearby

The Swan Hotel, Stafford

Distance from Stafford Castle: 0.9km (0.55 mi)

The Swan Hotel is a 3.5-star hotel with attractive facilities. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable place to spend a night or a relaxing venue to have a meal or drink, the hotel will meet your expectations.

Amenities in the Swan Hotel include free parking, WiFi, taxi services, a bar, and a restaurant. The hotel also offers a magnificent view of tourist attractions, including the Ancient High House, Stafford Castle, and St. Chad’s Church.

Book

Vine, Stafford by Marston’s Inn

Distance from Stafford Castle: 2.7km (1.67 mi)

If you’re looking for an accessible, cost-friendly, and comfortable place to unwind, Vine Stafford by Marston’s Inn is a perfect choice. It’s a 3-star inn at the heart of Stafford, Staffordshire.

Vine, Stafford guarantees its guests’ comfort by offering clean, well-kept, and furnished rooms. You’ll also enjoy free WiFi and parking, housekeeping services, sumptuous meals, and drinks.

Book

Holiday Inn Express Stafford

Distance from Stafford Castle: 4.7km (2.92 mi)

Holiday Inn Express, a 3-star hotel, offers some of the best accommodation amenities in the town of Stafford. It’s ideal for families as it has connecting rooms and allows pets.

Other attractive amenities include free internet, parking, a lounge, a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, laundry services, and a deli. You’ll also enjoy cable TV channels, tea or coffee makers, safes, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries.

Book

History of Stafford Castle 

Stafford Castle is one of the surviving examples of Norman earthwork. The building has over 900 years of history and renowned events, including the Civil War and the Parliamentary Invasion. The Castle’s remains and archaeological pieces are significant indicators of its rich history.

Time Line

-1070

William the Conqueror orders the construction of earthwork fortifications at Stafford. They would act as defences against the hostile and rebellious natives.

-1100

Robert de Toeni (later known as Robert of Stafford) builds an earth and timber fortress on an elevated ridge. The mound was at the highest point of the ridge, giving the structure elevated standing. A ditch of up to 22 metres (72.17 ft) protected the fortress while the mound formed a barrier to the Castle.

The Castle had a motte and bailey structure that included two bailey enclosures, a new settlement, and an earthwork enclosure. The buildings occupied approximately 14 acres (5.67 ha).

-1347

Ralph Stafford, a founding member of the Order of the Garter, becomes the first Earl of Stafford. He was also an enthusiastic supporter of King Edward III. He had the Castle rebuilt using stone and added a keep over the motte.

John of Bicester was the mason in charge of the construction. He built a rectangular fortress with octagonal corner towers. The authority also allowed the construction of battlements.

-1444

Humphrey Stafford becomes the Duke of Buckingham. He decided to extend the stone Castle and upgrade the residences to his standards.

-1460

Humphrey Stafford participated in the Wars of Roses. He later died while defending King Henry VI, and his son Henry became Stafford Castle’s new owner.

Henry became a member of the Yorkist Camp, where he supported two kings, Edward IV and Richard III.

-1483

Henry Stafford rebelled against the Yorkist Camp and supported Henry of Tudor. Consequently, he was killed for supporting Henry.

-1485

Henry of Tudor (Earl of Richmond) triumphed in the Battle of Bosworth Field of 1485. Henry’s victory resulted from an alliance between him and Lord William Stanley. As a sign of gratitude, he let Edward, Humphrey Stafford’s son, inherit the Stafford Castle.

-1521

Henry VIII regarded Edward Stafford as a threat to his throne. Therefore, he ordered his execution.

-1523

Parliament approved the attainder to confiscate the Castle and revoke Henry VIII’s title. Hence, the Castle came under the Crown’s ownership. However, the Crown later restored the Castle to the Stafford family. Therefore, Henry Stafford (Edward’s son) became the new owner of Stafford Castle.

-1537

After an inventory of the herbs' medicinal, aromatic, and nutritional value, a herb garden was planted in the Castle grounds. The garden consisted of 16 beds, each with a particular herb type for a specific disease.

-1603

Stafford Castle was in deplorable condition due to the owners’ financial constraints. The family members had not recovered their titles (and incomes) when they recovered the Castle.

-1610

The Crown took over the Castle as security for Edward Stafford’s debts. Edward died after a few years. His wife Isabel inherited the Castle in 1625.

-1642

Stafford Castle became a defence site during the Civil War. In 1643, Parliamentary troops attacked Stafford, but the Royalist Garrison led by Isabel Stafford did not surrender. The troops left the Castle after the Royalist army under Lord Hastings approached the Castle.

However, in December 1643, the Parliamentary troops returned, and the occupants fled. The troops seized the Castle and slighted it to prevent further use as a fortress.

-1813

After being abandoned for over a Century, Stafford Castle got a new owner, Edward Jerningham. The Jerningham family cleared the debris and rebuilt Castle in Gothic style. They reconstructed the east wing on the medieval foundations. However, this project didn’t attain completion.

-1949

Stafford Castle’s occupants abandoned the Castle after residing there for several years. The Castle was in a ruined state then and was unfit for habitation.

-1950

The Castle was partially demolished to stabilize the structures. For instance, they pulled down the upper keep to enhance safety after a fatal accident.

-1983

Stafford Borough Council restored the Castle and steered an archaeological investigation programme. The Council also set up a modern Visitor Centre where tourists could unravel the history of Stafford Castle.

Stafford Castle Occupants

In its age-long existence, Stafford Castle had been a residence to renowned occupants.

Notable occupants of Stafford Castle include:

  • Robert de Toeni (Robert of Stafford), the founder and original occupant of Stafford Castle
  • Ralph Stafford, the first Earl of Stafford and a founder member of the Order of the Garters
  • Humphrey Stafford, the Duke of Buckingham
  • Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond
  • Isabel Stafford, leader of the Royalist Garrison
  • Edward Jerningham rebuilt Stafford Castle in Gothic style.

Images of Stafford Castle

Tamworth Castle Tamworth Castle Stafford Castle
Tamworth Castle Stafford Castle Stafford Castle Stafford Castle Stafford Castle

Images Supplied and licensed from Shutterstock Standard Licence Package

Stafford Castle Facts

Stafford Castle is a scheduled monument that holds an interesting history. The occupants experienced fluctuating fortunes during their stay in the Castle. The existing example of a Norman earthwork offers a strategic view of the neighbouring sceneries.

The Castle, now under Freedom Leisure, sits on a 26-acre (10.52 ha) piece of land. The site includes a Visitor Centre, car park, keep, inner and outer baileys, woodland, and herb garden.

If you’re planning to tour the Castle, here’s what to expect:

  • A detailed trail with informative panels of the Castle’s history
  • A beautiful herb garden where one can learn about different types of herbs and their use
  • An audio-visual display of Stafford Castle’s history
  • A hands-on exhibition of artefacts, including armour, costumes, and arms
  • A display area with various exhibitions and exhibits
  • A shop at the Visitor Centre where one can buy local crafts, traditional toys, souvenirs, ice cream, drinks, and snacks
  • Exciting events at different times of the year, including Stafford Festival Shakespeare production (summer), Christmas Wreath Making (winter)
  • School and group tours, workshops, and talks

Stafford Castle Q&A

  • Is Stafford Castle baby-friendly? No. The site has no baby-changing facilities. However, it’s perfect for toddlers and older children as it hosts birthday parties on weekends. Kids enjoy dressing up in costumes, treasure hunts, knighting ceremonies, and short walks on the site.
  • Is Stafford Castle accessible to persons with disabilities? The Castle has accessible toilets for all visitor categories. Moreover, visitors on wheelchairs can access the site. Though the grounds may pose a challenge to people with severe mobility impairment, guides on the site readily offer help.
  • Are pets allowed on-site? Stafford Castle’s management hasn’t provided any information about allowing pets on the site.
  • Can I bring a picnic? There’s no information about allowing food from outside. However, the Visitor Centre has a dining facility.
  • Are there tour guides at Stafford Castle? Yes. Apart from offering audio-visual tours, the Castle has dedicated tour guides to lead education tours.

Location of Stafford Castle

Stafford Castle is located in the market town of Stafford, Staffordshire. The town is 24km (14.91 mi) north of Wolverhampton, 39km (24.23 mi) north-west of Birmingham, and 24km (14.91 mi) south of Stoke-on-Trent. Stafford has an extensive history that dates back to 700 AD.

Stafford Castle is approximately 2km (1.24 mi) from Stafford Township. Hence, visitors can walk, drive, or ride a bus (or taxi) to the site.

Other Places To Visit Near Stafford Castle

Apart from Stafford Castle, the town of Stafford has other significant attractions. Therefore, after touring the Castle, you might as well visit the following places:

Victoria Park

If you’re intrigued by nature, Victoria Park will take your breath away. The park offers magnificent natural scenery that includes ancient trees, lakes, and mountains. You’ll also marvel at the beautiful flowers and sculpture fountains.

Victoria Park is perfect for recreation activities, including picnics and duck-watching along with River Soy. More attractive facilities include the Sensory Raised Garden, Riverside Amphitheatre, Bowling Green, Glass House, Education Centre, and Albert’s Café.

Shugborough Estate

Shugborough Estate, a heritage property owned by the Anson family since 1624, is the Staffordshire paradise. Its picturesque landscape, lush gardens, captivating monuments, and magnificent architecture are a combination of perfection.

You can visit the estate’s Park Farm to watch the Tamworth pigs, Longhorn cows, Dorking chicken, and Southdown sheep. Also, explore the Lichfield Apartments (hosted Patrick, the fifth Earl of Lichfield) and the Georgian Mansions (with interesting treasures).

Your visit would be incomplete without stopping by the Park Farm Café or the Mansion Tearoom for sumptuous meals, beverages, or snacks. You can also walk by the attractive shops within the estate to buy some gifts or souvenirs.

Ancient High House

Do ancient houses fascinate you? The Ancient High House is an attractive timber-framed Tudor building. The townhouse located on Greengate Street, Stafford, has hosted royalty, including King Charles I and Prince Rupert.  

Intriguing things to see at the Ancient High House include the Civil War Room (where King Charles I and Prince Rupert) stayed, the Stuart Bedroom, and the Wallpaper Room.

You’ll also be captivated by the display of construction materials used to build the house in the Castle Room. Regional artists hold exhibitions in the two gallery spaces. There are also history exhibitions for visitors to view artefacts.

The family-friendly historic house also has a shop to purchase local history books, crafts, traditional toys, gifts, and souvenirs.

Gentleshaw Birds of Prey and Wildlife Centre

Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre is an ideal place to visit if you love birds and animals. The centre is home to exotic birds of prey, reptiles, invertebrates, and some mammals (primates and cats). It’s also a rescue haven and hospital for wild raptors.

Activities at Gentleshaw Wildlife Centre include flying displays, walks, and talks. Admission prices to the centre are £5 (adults) and £4 (children above three years, carer, and concession).

Cannock Chase

Cannock Chase is a remarkable landscape offering beautiful scenery, wildlife, and rich history. It’s a family-friendly site where you can engage in hiking, walking, horse-riding, and cycling.

At Cannock Chase, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking view of forests and historic parklands. Birds, reptiles, berries, and invertebrates also add to the site’s diversity.

Cannock Chase is a cultural heritage site that has preserved historical components. They include remains of medieval hunting landscape, historic houses, canals, military camps, and cemeteries.

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