Stafford Castle

Stafford Castle is a Norman motte and bailey fortress built by 1100 AD, dominating the local skyline for over 900 years. The stone keep, built in 1347, was extensively rebuilt in the Gothic Revival style in 1813 and is now considered one of the best surviving examples of Norman earthworks in the country. The site extends over 26 acres with woodland, an herb garden planted from a 1537 inventory showing medieval medicinal and aromatic plants, and a visitor centre. The centre features an audio-visual display narrated by Robert Hardy, hands-on items including arms, armour and costumes, a scale model showing the castle as it may have looked in 1100 AD, a shop, and the chance to try coin minting and brass rubbing. The Keep is open to the public during visitor centre hours. Birthday parties can be booked with dressing-up clothes, a walk around the site, a treasure hunt and a Knighting Ceremony. An annual Shakespeare festival takes place each summer.