Tamworth
A UK Canal Boating Article
Category : Places
Tamworth has existed since Saxon times and was once the capital of Mercia, the largest of all English kingdoms of its time. Tamworth was the heartland of the Mercian Kingdom which had a royal church at Repton, a religious centre at Lichfield and the King's main residence at Tamworth.
The town grew rapidly in the 18th and 19th centuries during the Industrial Revolution, due largely to the surrounding coal mines. It also became a hub of the canal network, with the Coventry Canal and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal being built through the town.
Tamworth was once home to the Reliant car company, which produced the famous three wheeled Robin made famous by Del Boy in the TV series Only Fools and Horses.
The bridge, built to a Gothic design, across the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal at Drayton Bassett was built in the 1780s as a folly to amuse people. Nowadays the bridge carries many visitors over the canal to Drayton Manor Theme Park. For fans of white knuckle rides Drayton Manor can offer you the thrill of the Apocalypse or the sheer force of the Maelstrom. Even the younger visitor will be entertained with a visit to Thomas Land to meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Not only does Drayton Manor have all the exciting rides and attractions it also boasts a zoo so there really is something to please everyone.
Tamworth Castle is the number one heritage attraction and is located in the town centre of Tamworth. Take a tour of the castle and journey through time starting at the Medieval Dungeons, not for the feint hearted though as Tamworth Castle is said to be home to many ghosts and spirits. Tamworth Castle promises a brilliant day out for all the family as there is plenty to see and even more to do with hands on displays and costumes.
The Snowdome has real snow every day of the year with a host of winter activities under one roof. The 170 metre main slope and the two Snow Academy areas offer a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding lessons and sessions. The Snowdome boasts the UK's only dedicated children's snowplay area, the ice skating rink and Ice Track. The real snow slopes offer a huge range of fun activities for adults and children of all ages and abilities. During December Santa and his Reindeer are in residence in a magical winter wonderland.
The kids can play and slide around in real snow as they explore Santa's Christmas snow trail. Take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a fun game of snowballs, hitch a ride on a sledge and have fun sliding about in the snow tubes.
Close to the canal at Alrewas The National Memorial Arboretum is a very special place honouring those who have served, and continue to serve, our nation. Covering 150 acres it is not a cemetery but a living tribute where 50,000 trees grow. The Arboretum has something for everyone, for some it's a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the trees and for others it's a peaceful and beautiful place to remember loved ones, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There are many walks and trails to explore you can choose a walk to suit your time and abilities.
The town centre shops in Tamworth are within easy access on foot from the canal. Overlooking the Castle Grounds, Ankerside Shopping centre, with over 60 shops and cafes is a child friendly shopping day out for the whole family. The town centre comes alive with a variety of market stalls along Market Street, George Street and St. Editha's Square.
The traditional market days are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays with occasional farmers markets , French or specialist markets during the year. There are dozens of pubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from whether you fancy Italian, Chinese, French, Thai or traditional English.
The town grew rapidly in the 18th and 19th centuries during the Industrial Revolution, due largely to the surrounding coal mines. It also became a hub of the canal network, with the Coventry Canal and the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal being built through the town.
Tamworth was once home to the Reliant car company, which produced the famous three wheeled Robin made famous by Del Boy in the TV series Only Fools and Horses.
The bridge, built to a Gothic design, across the Birmingham and Fazeley Canal at Drayton Bassett was built in the 1780s as a folly to amuse people. Nowadays the bridge carries many visitors over the canal to Drayton Manor Theme Park. For fans of white knuckle rides Drayton Manor can offer you the thrill of the Apocalypse or the sheer force of the Maelstrom. Even the younger visitor will be entertained with a visit to Thomas Land to meet Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends. Not only does Drayton Manor have all the exciting rides and attractions it also boasts a zoo so there really is something to please everyone.
Tamworth Castle is the number one heritage attraction and is located in the town centre of Tamworth. Take a tour of the castle and journey through time starting at the Medieval Dungeons, not for the feint hearted though as Tamworth Castle is said to be home to many ghosts and spirits. Tamworth Castle promises a brilliant day out for all the family as there is plenty to see and even more to do with hands on displays and costumes.
The Snowdome has real snow every day of the year with a host of winter activities under one roof. The 170 metre main slope and the two Snow Academy areas offer a wide variety of skiing and snowboarding lessons and sessions. The Snowdome boasts the UK's only dedicated children's snowplay area, the ice skating rink and Ice Track. The real snow slopes offer a huge range of fun activities for adults and children of all ages and abilities. During December Santa and his Reindeer are in residence in a magical winter wonderland.
The kids can play and slide around in real snow as they explore Santa's Christmas snow trail. Take a walk through the enchanted forest, enjoy a fun game of snowballs, hitch a ride on a sledge and have fun sliding about in the snow tubes.
Close to the canal at Alrewas The National Memorial Arboretum is a very special place honouring those who have served, and continue to serve, our nation. Covering 150 acres it is not a cemetery but a living tribute where 50,000 trees grow. The Arboretum has something for everyone, for some it's a wonderful place to stroll and enjoy the trees and for others it's a peaceful and beautiful place to remember loved ones, particularly those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. There are many walks and trails to explore you can choose a walk to suit your time and abilities.
The town centre shops in Tamworth are within easy access on foot from the canal. Overlooking the Castle Grounds, Ankerside Shopping centre, with over 60 shops and cafes is a child friendly shopping day out for the whole family. The town centre comes alive with a variety of market stalls along Market Street, George Street and St. Editha's Square.
The traditional market days are held on Tuesdays and Saturdays with occasional farmers markets , French or specialist markets during the year. There are dozens of pubs, cafes and restaurants to choose from whether you fancy Italian, Chinese, French, Thai or traditional English.