About

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

Most 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 and walk 10 minutes to the attraction. Note that parking charges apply for those not using the bus. 

Accessibility

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. The attraction also features a new disabled toilet. 

Beckford's Tower offers an all-terrain wheelchair for those with additional mobility requirements to explore the attraction, as well as digital interpretation of inaccessible areas, including a new interactive app and VR binoculars allowing visitors to see inside the tower without climbing the steps. The attraction also offers tactile models and Braille guides about the museum and its surrounding landscape. 

Sensory backpacks are also available for neurodiverse visitors.