STAFFORD CASTLE – official video review

What would it be like to bring a ruin to life? And by “ruin” I mean a stone structure without a roof or the upper floors, following a history of multiple misadventures, and once an urgent demolition.

And now let’s remember the formula used by Stafford Castle: a bus route from city centre, a car park, a visitor centre with real exhibitions (and not just a money-sucking café disguised in name), and a trail with display boards all along the way showing you its history bit by bit.


HERITAGE. The site started off as a timber motte and bailey castle in c. 1090. In 1348 it was mordernized into a keep, which was then largely destroyed by the parliamentarians in 1643.

The current stone castle was built in the 1810s in Gothic revival style.

STAFFORD CASTLE

VIEWING ORDER. Before going straight up to the castle, remember to pay a visit to the visitor centre beside the car park.

It has all the background info you’ll need before you’re to see the real thing.

You can then follow the spiral trail. Let the numbered display boards be your guide. If you follow them closely, you would have gone through the history of the castle’s use and building methods throughout time.

Do not wear shorts for this part of the experience – or at least get a jacket to cover your legs from the thorns, shrubs, bees and other unpleasant natural surprises (for your reference: I’ve been stung by thorns twice). And wear shoes suitable for muddy paths.

Clip: STAFFORD CASTLE

LOCATION. Personally I’d rather walk half an hour from Stafford city centre. If you’re coming from Victoria Park or the train station, just following Newport Road and go westward. The castle will be to your right after Castle Church.

Or if you’re really not in the mood of moving those lazy calves, take bus number 5 and get off at Thorneyfields Lane.



FB chat for free advice on traveling plans.

Time is asset: save it for better with 25-min museum tours. Or find yourself in my novel, check out the photo of the day and finish it off with a secret prize.

Date of visit: 2019.10

Tags - in_depth_tourism; museum; London_writer; London_travel; indie_writer; independent_blogger