About

Beckford's Tower and Museum is now closed until further notice as capital works are undertaken to transform the museum, restore the Tower and reconnect the landscape.

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.

This 120-foot neo-classical tower was built for wealthy eccentric William Beckford in 1827, and is the only surviving example of his great 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, displaying items of furniture originally crafted for the residence, alongside paintings and objects illustrating Beckford’s life as a writer and collector.

Visitors can follow in Beckford’s footsteps and climb up the restored tower into the belvedere, for panoramic views over the Victorian Lansdown Cemetery and the rolling hills beyond.

Please contact the museum to find out more about exclusive tours.

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.

A panoramic tour of the Tower and Museum on CD is available on request. Please contact the museum for further information.