Beckford's Tower & Museum overlooking the city of Bath

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About

Beckford's Tower has now reopened to the public following a £3.9 billion refurbishment. 

The 120-foot neoclassical tower was built for wealthy eccentric novelist William Beckford in 1827, and is the only surviving example of his architectural achievements. Built as a study retreat, the tower housed part of Beckford’s art collection and library, one of the greatest collections of books, furniture and art in Georgian England.

Today, Beckford’s Tower contains a museum collection on the first floor, which showcases pieces from Beckford’s varied collections, including furniture such as an oak coffer cabinet and stand commissioned by Beckford for the tower; design objects, including over 30 silver teaspoons bearing the Beckford family crest; and fine art, such as a Willes Maddox painting commissioned by Beckford's daughter after his death, depicting a combination of his rare historic pieces and new designs made by skilled craftspeople.

Visitors can follow in Beckford’s footsteps and climb up the restored tower onto a roof terrace, or higher up into the Belvedere, for panoramic views over the Victorian Lansdown Cemetery and the rolling hills beyond. Afterwards, take a wander through the grounds to Beckford's hidden underground grotto. 

A family trail around the museum and its grounds is available to pick up on site. 

Please contact the museum to find out more about group visits, which can include a guided tour from the curator, a talk tailored to your group’s specific interests, and activities for schools.

Explore new displays showcase pieces from Beckford’s varied collections, including: furniture, such as an oak coffer cabinet and stand commissioned by Beckford for the tower; design objects, including over 30 silver teaspoons bearing the Beckford family crest and making a material link between the source of Beckford's wealth - sugar plantations - and his prolific collecting habits; and fine art, such as a Willes Maddox painting commissioned by Beckford's daughter after his death, depicting a combination of his rare historic pieces and new designs made by skilled craftspeople.

Book a guided tour or self-led visit and follow in William’s footsteps, following Beckford’s Ride up to the Tower, which is now home to a museum displaying original furniture that has been found and brought back to the Tower, alongside paintings, prints and objects, illustrating his controversial life. You can also climb the spiral staircase to the beautiful Belvedere and experience the spectacular, panoramic views.

Access Information

The museum is located on the first floor of the tower building and access is up a flight of stairs. The Tower itself has 154 steps to the Belvedere at the top and one flight of stairs between the first floor and the roof terrace. An all-weather gravel path suitable for wheelchairs connects the tower to the grotto. The grotto itself is down a flight of stairs and inaccessible to wheelchairs. 

A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available in a small car park outside the tower building.

All other visitors are advised to travel using the Lansdown Park & Ride bus service (route number 31) from the city centre, or park in the nearby Lansdown Park & Ride site. Note that parking charges apply for those not using the bus. 

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Visitors
  • Steps to main entrance

Establishment Features

  • Event Venue

Key Features

  • Of historic, literary or architectural interest
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times

Parking & Transport

  • On Bus Route
  • Parking On Site

Map & Directions

Road Directions

Find out about the latest on the roads and get travel directions from TravelWest.info
  Bath is operating a charging Clean Air Zone. Owners of all higher emission vehicles – except private cars and motorbikes – will need to pay to drive in the city centre. To check if you need to pay or to apply for an exemption or discount, go to bathnes.gov.uk/BathCAZ
 

Public Transport Directions

For comprehensive information about getting here by public transport, please visit TravelWest.info
  Bath is operating a charging Clean Air Zone. Owners of all higher emission vehicles – except private cars and motorbikes – will need to pay to drive in the city centre. To check if you need to pay or to apply for an exemption or discount, go to bathnes.gov.uk/BathCAZ 

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£7.00 per ticket
Concession£6.00 per ticket

Under 18s, carers, Bath Preservation Trust and Beckford Society members go free. All paid tickets act as annual passes, with an unlimited number of return visits within one year.

Beckford's Tower & Museum

Type:Museum

Lansdown Road, Bath, BA1 9BH
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Call direct on:

Tel+44 01225 460705

Opening Times

Winter Opening (1 Nov 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - FridayClosed
Saturday - Sunday10:30 - 15:30
Bank Holiday10:30 - 15:30

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