Tower set to reopen after two years
After two long years Beckford Tower and museum will once again be opening to the public.
The site, on Lansdown Hill, will be opening at weekends from March 5 before it closes again later in the year for the installation of a new museum and further repairs.
Bath Preservation Trust has announced the historic site’s opening as well as confirming when its other museums will be opening for the year.
Beckford’s Tower will welcome visitors at weekends from March until October.
During this time, an exhibition will showcase potential new stories that may form part of a new museum at the tower, due to open in 2024 subject to successful fundraising.
Bath Preservation Trust has already bought the paddocks and grotto of the tower and it plans to restore them too.
Beckford Tower, originally known as Lansdown Tower, was built by William Thomas Beckford, who inherited several sugar plantations in Jamaica worked by slaves from his father Thomas Beckford.
The 1.4-acre site forms a significant part of what was known as “Beckford’s Ride” and features a grotto tunnel and avenue of lime trees, planted by Beckford.
Also reopening for the first time this year is the famous No.1 Royal Crescent and The Herschel Museum of Astronomy from February 1.
At the Herschel Museum of Astronomy there will be a commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the death of William Herschel. Working with many partners across the UK, there will be exhibitions, activities, trails, workshops and events.
New for 2022 at No.1, a museum guide is available on a new app for smart phones, with devices also available to borrow. This will help visitors to find out more about the house, dressed rooms and collections while still enjoying the immersive story.