Beckford's Tower

Name: Beckford's Tower
Address: Beckford Tower Lansdown Tower Lansdown near the Park and Ride carpark, Bath BA1 9BH England, Bristol, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.3

4.3

(78 reviews)

Beckford Tower Lansdown Tower Lansdown near the Park and Ride carpark, Bath BA1 9BH England

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About

Beckford’s Tower is a nineteenth century neoclassical architectural folly in Bath, UK. It was built in 1827 by William Beckford, using funds gained from his involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. In June 2024 the tower reopened following a major refurbishment. The visitor experience now includes wider access to the landscape around the Tower, including a previously hidden grotto. New interpretation – physical and digital – has been created in consultation with our local communities, telling the story of William Beckford and revealing the truth behind the source of his wealth. The tower offers stunning views of the city of Bath and its surrounding countryside. It is a unique example of an historic building that has been retrofitted to make it sustainable for many years to come. It is also a leading example of museum interpretation exploring and acknowledging Beckford’s and Bath’s extensive involvement in the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved African people.

At a glance

Typical visit: about 30 minutes