Follow Staffy's lead along the Staffy Trail in Tamworth
Welcome! You’re now a Staffy Trail Trooper!
Tamworth is full of paw-some history and heritage, but my trail will reveal even more astounding history that even locals don’t know is right there on our doorsteps.
Tamworth is extra special in that it is the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mercia – an Anglo-Saxon stronghold.
On this walking trail you find out about figures and places in history that have not just shaped Tamworth and Staffordshire, but the whole country.
It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to walk and is accessible for people with most abilities.
Don’t forgot to sniff out my three unique Staffy sculptures – developed by local artists and schools- and win some great prizes and discounts. They’re pup-tastic!
Did you know that You can get 50% off Tamworth-Plus family day-tickets on Arriva buses on Staffordshire Day (1st May)
You’re in for a real wag-tastic time. Enjoy!
Staffy x
Visit the main Staffy Trail webpage to read How the Staffy Trail works
Route description – Staffy’s Trail in Tamworth
Our thanks to Tamworth Borough Council for the development of Staffy’s Trail in Tamworth.
Here’s a step-by-step description for you to enjoy the Staffy Trail in Tamworth, even if you don’t have the app or a printed map!
Click on the Staffy Trail Map image opposite to download PDF copy of the Map
As you exit Tamworth Railway Station, keep to the pathway on the right, bearing right, to the pedestrian crossing.
Trail Stop 1 - Aethelflaed statue
Notice on your left, in the middle of the traffic island, Aethelflaed pointing the way to the town centre.
Cross over and walk straight ahead to the next pedestrian crossing. Turn left once over the road, with Dominos Pizza on your right, make your way down Victoria Road for the next five minutes.
When you reach the end of the road, just to your right is a pedestrian crossing, cross over and turn left then right into Victoria Road, here you will see the Victoria Road bus terminus.
Trail Stop 2 - The Sheriff Pub
Walk to the end of the road, approx. 2 minutes and turn right into Colehill, as you walk up the slight incline notice the building on your right, now known as ‘The Sheriff Pub.’
Keep walking straight, with ‘The Penny Black Pub’ on your right into Lower Gungate. On the right is Spinning School Lane Car Park.
Trail Stop 3 - Thomas Guy’s Almshouses
Just ahead on the right are the Almshouses.
Directly opposite the Almshouses you will see Little Church Lane, this short walk will bring you into the Churchyard. Walk straight ahead until you reach the Library on your right.
If you are arriving from Corporation Street Bus Terminus, from Corporation Street, turn left keeping the Assembly Rooms on your right and the library on your left.
Trail Stop 4 - Memorial Obelisk
In front of the library you will see the memorial obelisk.
Turn left and take the pathway towards St Editha’s church. Continue towards the end of the path, look right over your shoulder and see Tamworth’s War memorial. Turn left, take the path behind the church and walk to the end, turn right, walk along the path, halfway look left, and you will see the head stone of Thomas and Lydia Parkes and at the bottom, the memorial stone for Samuel Parkes
Trail Stop 5 - St Editha's Church.
Walk to the end of the path (do not go down the steps) and turn right along the path in front of St Editha’s church. At the end you will see the ‘Nature & Rural Communities Staffy’ in the corner of the church. This was developed by pupils from King Edward VI School and local artist, Steve Edwards.
Walk to the front of St Editha’s church and read the signs to learn more about one of the largest and oldest churches in the Midlands.
Trail Stop 6 - St Editha's Square & Anchor Memorial.
From the church walk into St Editha’s Square and head for the memorial of 3 large anchors dedicated to three seaman serving in the Second World War.
Trail Stop 7 - 'Pride in Staffordshire Staffy' Market Street.
Turn around and walk back across St Editha’s Square towards the entrance of Middle Entry, when you reach the end of the undercover shopping area, directly in front of you is the second Staffy sculpture on the trail. This is the 'Pride in Staffordshire Staffy' designed by Tamworth resident Amy Stokes, winner of the 'Sketch a Staffy' competition, and local artist Victoria Turner.
Turn around and walk back towards the Town Hall, built by Thomas Guy in 1701, the area beneath the hall served as the Butter Market.
Trail Stop 8 - Sir Robert Peel Statue
Turn left and walk behind the Town Hall. You will reach the statue of Sir Robert Peel.
Continue past Sir Robert Peel to the other side of the Town Hall, opposite take the Castle Gateway. Why not take a selfie with Tamworth Castle in the background?
Trail Stop 9 - Tamworth Castle.
Once you’ve crossed the bridge turn immediately right and head up the motte of the Castle (steep incline) for the best panoramic views across Tamworth. Find the wishing seat! (Note that the castle is open Thursdays to Sundays only).
Make your way back down the motte, at the bottom, turn right and follow the pathway always keeping the Castle on your right. As you near the end of the pathway you will see on your left a large black anchor (See the interpretation panel) The anchor was donated by the Peel family, it came from a Russian ship which saw action during the Crimean War.
Trail Stop 10 - Aethelflaed Monument
A little further along the pathway on the right is the oldest Aethelflaed Monument.
Trail Stop 11 - Holloway Lodge
Keep walking to the left of the monument and continue under Holloway Lodge.
Trail Stop 12 - 'Connection Staffy' at Ladybridge
Turn left, walk straight ahead to Ladybridge where you will find the 'Connection Staffy' sculpture by Wilnecote High School and artist Carla Dee.
Trail Stop 13 - Watchman and The Staffordshire 3 Memorial
Turn around and take the pathway running alongside the entrance to Castle Car Park until you reach the black railings, walk through the gates and in front of you on the lawn area you will find Watchman and The Staffordshire 3.
Trail Stop 14 - Castle Grounds & Planet Walk
If you turn around and continue onward and take the bridge over the river, immediately on your right is the public toilets, on the side wall is a large image of ‘Watchman’. If you turn back out through the black gates and turn left, continue onwards you will discover the large outdoor play area, skate park, and the Planet Walk.
If that’s not for you, follow the pathway along the edge of the lawn with the River Anker on your right, when at the end of the lawn turn left and you will see on your right the Sensory Garden.
