Living in Tamworth

Tamworth maintains a strong community spirit, with a blend of longstanding local traditions and progressive initiatives. Regular markets in St Editha’s Square attract residents and visitors alike, selling local produce and crafts. The town also plays host to annual events such as the Tamworth Food Gusto Festival and the Christmas Lights Switch-On, which are well-attended by all age groups.

Green spaces are abundant, with Tamworth Castle Grounds offering a large riverside park for picnics, walks, and sports. The nearby Tame Valley Wetlands are popular for nature walks and birdwatching, while Dosthill Quarry is renowned for outdoor swimming and diving. Community centres, sports clubs, and voluntary groups further contribute to a welcoming social fabric. The town’s multicultural population means that a variety of festivals and community events take place throughout the year, enriching Tamworth’s local life and adding to its sense of inclusivity.

Crime rates in Tamworth are generally considered average for a mid-sized market town in Staffordshire. The central areas can experience busier nightlife at weekends, but overall, Tamworth remains a town with a strong sense of community and active neighbourhood watch schemes. Increased police visibility and engagement initiatives, particularly around the town centre and in residential estates, have contributed to a sense of safety.

Developments around Amington and Wilnecote benefit from local community initiatives aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour and supporting youth engagement. Like many towns, some areas experience occasional crime incidents, but ongoing investment in regeneration and new housing has been linked to improvements in overall safety. Staffordshire Police have a dedicated presence in Tamworth, and feedback from residents often points to the town feeling safe, especially in family-orientated suburban neighbourhoods.

Parking in Tamworth is facilitated through a combination of public car parks, on-street parking zones, and residential permit schemes in areas close to the town centre. There are several council-operated and private multi-storey and surface car parks, particularly around major shopping areas and the historic heart of Tamworth. Many residential neighbourhoods benefit from driveways or unallocated communal parking.

Traffic congestion is generally moderate, with peak times coinciding with school runs and commuter hours. The town’s location adjacent to the A5, M42, and A38 allows straightforward access for those travelling to nearby cities by car.

Road access connections:

• Birmingham — approx. 30 minutes via M42 (15 miles)
• Lichfield — approx. 20 minutes via A51 (9 miles)
• Leicester — approx. 50 minutes via M42/A42 (38 miles)
• Nottingham — approx. 1 hour via A38/A52 (56 miles)

Tamworth offers a varied food scene, centred around its bustling town centre. The town is home to a mix of national chains, cosy independent cafés, and traditional local pubs. The historic Peel Hotel, Three Tuns, and The Penny Black are popular choices, providing classic pub fares and a welcoming atmosphere. For those seeking a more international flavour, there are several Indian, Italian, and Chinese restaurants threading the main high street and outlying retail parks.

Nightlife in Tamworth tends to be more relaxed than that found in large cities, with a focus on quality rather than quantity. Several bars and late-night venues, such as The Silk Kite and The Phoenix, provide entertainment and live music. The Assembly Rooms is Tamworth’s main arts venue, hosting live performances, shows, and community events. Takeaways and street food options ensure that there is choice for every palate, with the Ventura Retail Park offering various casual eateries.

School quality: Tamworth’s schools, featuring several Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ primaries and secondaries, support families seeking reliable education within the community. The presence of a strong college network allows for continued learning as children progress.

Parks and green space: Large open green spaces such as Tamworth Castle Grounds, Wigginton Park, and Tame Valley Wetlands provide excellent settings for family activities, sports, and weekend outings.

Childcare: Numerous nurseries, preschools, and after-school clubs operate throughout Tamworth, making access to childcare services straightforward for families.

Safety: Tamworth is generally perceived as a safe place to raise children, thanks in part to community initiatives and regular police presence in residential areas.

Family activities: The town is home to family-friendly attractions such as Tamworth Snowdome, Ventura Retail Park, and Tamworth Castle, as well as soft play centres and swimming pools. These make Tamworth a practical and engaging place for young families.

Tamworth is known for being pet-friendly, offering a range of outdoor spaces ideal for dog walking and pet exercise. The vast Tamworth Castle Grounds, Wigginton Park, and Tame Valley Wetlands provide scenic settings for residents with dogs or other pets to enjoy the outdoors. The area benefits from several reputable veterinary clinics and pet care centres, as well as pet shops dotted across the town.

Many local pubs and cafés adopt a dog-friendly policy, especially those with outdoor seating. Residential areas are generally accommodating towards pets, and numerous green spaces are easily accessible even from the more urban parts of the town. The local attitude toward responsible pet ownership is positive, as reflected in community groups and regular dog-walking meetups.

Tamworth is strategically located with excellent transport and accessibility, making it convenient for commuters and those exploring broader Staffordshire or the West Midlands. Tamworth railway station sits on the West Coast Main Line and Cross Country routes, offering direct links to major cities including London, Birmingham, and Crewe. Services to Birmingham New Street are frequent and typically take under 20 minutes, while London Euston can be reached in around 1 hour 10 minutes by fast service.

The Arriva Midlands bus network and other local providers ensure regular services throughout the town and to neighbouring communities. For drivers, the A5 runs to the south of the town, connecting to the M42, A38 and M6 Toll.

Key commute times and links:

• Birmingham – 20 minutes by train / 30 minutes via M42 (15 miles)
• Coventry – 35 minutes by train / 40 minutes via A444 (28 miles)
• Lichfield – 8 minutes by train / 20 minutes via A51 (9 miles)
• London – 1 hour 10 minutes by direct train

Birmingham Airport is easily accessible, approximately 25 minutes by car or 50 minutes via train (change at Birmingham New Street), providing connections to both domestic and international destinations.

Primary Schools:

Tamworth is home to a wide selection of primary schools. The Howard Primary School, situated near the town centre, is regarded for its welcoming ethos and community engagement (Ofsted: Good, 2022). Hanbury's Farm Community Primary School provides supportive learning in Amington, whilst St Gabriel’s Catholic Primary School in Belgrave stands out for its academic standards and inclusive environment (Ofsted: Good, 2019).

Oakhill Primary School, on the northern edge, is also well-regarded and serves a wide catchment area (Ofsted: Good, 2018).

Secondary Schools:

Landau Forte Academy QEMS is one of Tamworth’s most recognised secondary institutions, offering a broad curriculum and a focus on personal development (Ofsted: Good, 2018). The Rawlett School – An Aet Academy – is another major secondary provider to the north, consistently praised for its extracurricular opportunities and academic progress (Ofsted: Good, 2022).

Wilnecote School, in the south, draws students from across town and is recognised for improvement and student support (Ofsted: Good, 2022). The Polesworth School, just outside Tamworth in Warwickshire, is also popular with local families due to its academic strengths.

Independent and Special Schools:

Lark Hall Infant & Nursery Academy offers specialist early years education, while Two Rivers High School provides facilities for students with additional needs.

Colleges and Further Education:

The town is served by South Staffordshire College (Tamworth Campus), offering a comprehensive range of vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and adult learning opportunities. A number of sixth form colleges are available in and around Tamworth, including those linked to Landau Forte Academy and The Rawlett School.

Universities:

There are no universities directly in Tamworth, but residents benefit from excellent access to higher education institutions nearby, with Birmingham City University, Aston University, and the University of Birmingham all within commuting distance. Coventry University is also easily accessible by public transport or car.