On this put up, I’ll take you thru an inventory of the 10 finest historic websites and castles in Bath and its surrounding space. There’s quite a lot of historical past in the area, which makes Bath the proper location to base your self for a cultural journey to study extra about a few of Britain’s biggest historic treasures.
The town of Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage Website and dates again to Roman occasions. There’s lovely structure to admire at nearly each flip in Bath in addition to some nice historic sights to expertise, each in town and a bit additional afield.
10 Best Castles in Bath
If like me, you’re a little bit of a historical past buff and love taking in some tradition throughout your touring adventures, Bath is the appropriate place for you. England has a wealthy historical past relationship again 1000’s of years. Its castles are excellent for as we speak’s eager explorers as they’re surprisingly nicely preserved – regardless of the monarchy, faith, and politics altering rather a lot over the centuries!
This listing of 10 of the most effective historic websites and castles in Bath explores the majesty of centuries-old castles and church buildings, temples that helped kind cities, and historical monuments which might be nonetheless not fairly totally understood, even to at the present time.
1. Farleigh Hungerford Fortress
(Most Well-known Fortress in Bath Total)
Top-of-the-line castles in Bath, simply accessible from town itself, is Farleigh Hungerford Fortress. Relationship again to 1377, the location options the 2 authentic fort towers, a chapel, and a crypt full with 6 lead coffins. Giant components of the outer stone partitions nonetheless stay to at the present time so it’s like glimpsing right into a bygone period!
Guests can get pleasure from in depth entry to this, the oldest fort in Bath, 7 days per week. I opted for the audio information and it was a good way to study in regards to the historical past of the location and to listen to tales of the distinguished households which have lived there. The Hungerfords referred to as the fort house for 300 years however went by a number of disasters and scandals. Listening to these tales actually introduced the go to to life.
You’ll additionally discover a store promoting a variety of English Heritage items together with wines, jams, toys, souvenirs, items, and books. The picnic space inside the walled backyard is a superb spot to have lunch too. My husband and I did simply this after we had completed exploring the grounds.
Farleigh Hungerford Fortress Particulars and Info
Handle: A366, Farleigh Hungerford, Bath BA2 7RS, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441225754026
Working Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: $Eight for adults, $5 for kids (5 – 17 years)
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk/go to/locations/farleigh-hungerford-castle
2. Sham Fortress
Essentially the most lovely fort in Bath isn’t really a fort in any respect. Sham Fortress was constructed in 1762, solely to present the folks dwelling in the townhouses beneath a greater view!
Sitting proudly up on the hill and simply accessible while climbing the Bath Skyline Stroll, Sham Fortress options two conventional round turrets and two sq. towers. Spectacular lights at night time illuminate the entrance of Sham Fortress, which actually offers it the looks of a very historical constructing.
I stumbled throughout Sham Fortress while climbing and felt as if I’d found some historical misplaced damage. It’s a terrific sight to behold and an exquisite spot to look down on town of Bath from. I extremely advocate a brief hike to test it out, because it’s one of many solely centrally situated Bath castles.
Sham Fortress Particulars and Info
Handle: Golf Course Rd, Claverton Down, Bath BA2 6JG, United Kingdom
Working Hours: Accessible 24/7
Entrance Payment: Free to stroll round
3. Berkeley Fortress
One of many many nice castles near Bath, and one I actually loved due to its critical historic provenance, is Berkeley Fortress. The virtually 1000-year-old construction is in immaculate situation and only a 50-minute drive from Bath. The Berkeley household has maintained it since they took it over in the 12th century.
Historic sources declare Berkeley Fortress to be the location of the homicide of King Edward II because the fort supplied the monarch safety after he abdicated his throne following immense political strain. It’s stated that he was killed right here on 21st September 1327, however rumors on the contrary proceed to at the present time!
That includes big historic significance and entry to a number of the nice rooms, galleries, retains, and gardens, Berkeley Fortress stands as a terrific monument to England’s previous. It was completely definitely worth the quick journey from Bath to go to such a powerful website.
SEE ALSO: 10 Best Seashores Close to Bath, England (by Prepare and Automotive)
Berkeley Fortress Particulars and Info
Handle: Berkeley GL13 9PJ, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441453810303
Working Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Solar-Weds
Entrance Payment: $17.50 for adults, $9 for kids (3-16 years)
Web site: berkeley-castle.com
4. Stonehenge
Let’s transfer away from the castles of Bath to one of the well-known monuments in the world – Stonehenge. This prehistoric stone construction is below an hour away and really simply accessible from Bath, making it a great vacation spot for a day journey. I’d by no means been earlier than, regardless of my sister dwelling minutes away from the location!
Stonehenge is round 5,000 years and there’s nonetheless quite a lot of debate about the way it was constructed, and for what goal. One of many nice mysteries of Stonehenge ties in with a selected significance to the summer time solstice. Stonehenge is taken into account certainly one of Britain’s most necessary historic websites. It’s an unbelievable place to tick off your listing.
Many, many individuals from world wide go to Stonehenge on daily basis. However this summer time was my very first go to. I used to be actually glad to have booked my admission forward of time although, it was very busy. I strongly advise you to do the identical. Click on right here to search out out extra data.
Stonehenge Particulars and Info
Handle: Salisbury SP4 7DE, United Kingdom
Telephone: +443703331181
Working Hours: 9.30 am – 5 pm Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: $25
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk/go to/locations/stonehenge
5. Nunney Fortress
One other of the well-preserved castles close to Bath is Nunney Fortress, simply 16 miles away on the outskirts of Frome, Somerset. This moated fort dates again to the 1370s and was constructed by an area knight, Sir John de la Mare.
Within the 16th century, the fort was besieged in the course of the English Civil Conflict, however Nunney’s elegant tower, nonetheless, continues to be very nicely maintained. 4 spherical nook turrets and the connecting partitions are all encased by the fort moat. Its remnants spotlight the energy of the fort as a fortress for a lot of centuries earlier than its eventual demise.
Nunney Fortress is free to go to and as imprecise because it sounds, the official opening occasions are merely throughout any affordable daylight. I took an informal drive to Nunney one afternoon and had no issues freely exploring the grounds. It was actually quiet and I liked simply imagining the historical past that has performed out beneath my ft.
Nunney Fortress Particulars and Info
Handle: Nunney Fortress, Fortress St, Nunney, Frome BA11 4LW, United Kingdom
Telephone: +447733227689
Working Hours: Open throughout any affordable daylight
Entrance Payment: Free
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk/go to/locations/nunney-castle
6. Bath Abbey
Bath Abbey is an architectural masterpiece that stands as a outstanding image of town. I like how the wonderful Gothic construction dominates town’s skyline and it’s situated proper in the center of town heart. Initially based in the seventh century, it now welcomes guests from world wide.
The inside of Bath Abbey options intricately carved stone vaults, stained glass home windows, and a fairly spectacular nave. The fan-vaulted ceiling is outstanding and creates a surprising cover over the central aisle.
Bath Abbey continues to play a task as a spot of worship and neighborhood in Bath, internet hosting common providers, live shows, and occasions that welcome each vacationers and locals alike. The structure and the sense of historical past at Bath Abbey, make it a must-visit for historical past buffs. Make sure to add this one to your Bath itinerary!
Bath Abbey Particulars and Info
Handle: Bath BA1 1LT, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441225422462
Working Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri; 10 am – 6 pm Sat; 1.15 pm – 2.15 pm & 4.30 pm – 6.15 pm Solar
Entrance Payment: $7 for adults, $5 for kids (5-15 years)
Web site: bathabbey.org
7. Thornbury Fortress
Should you’re searching for a resort fort keep in Bath, you’ll want to move a bit out of city to one of many castles shut by. Thornbury Fortress is simply 23 miles away and presents some beautiful luxurious lodging that mixes 16th-century grandeur with fashionable splendor.
Constructed in 1511, Thornbury Fortress isn’t a real army fortress, however quite an instance of an early Tudor nation home. Henry VIII seized the fort in 1521 after he beheaded the unique proprietor for treason and went on to remain on the website with Anne Boleyn for 10 days in August 1535.
Thornbury Fortress is just lovely and can tick all of the bins for those who’re craving a slice of English historical past. The 26 rooms are extravagantly completed. The fort grounds are actually beautiful too. Click on right here to e-book your keep and trip like a royal.
Thornbury Fortress Particulars and Info
Handle: Fortress St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441454281182
Working Hours: N/A for the resort. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days per week.
Web site: thornburycastle.co.uk
8. Roman Baths
A go to to the Roman Baths is an absolute should throughout a historic go to to Bath and someplace I head to each time I’m in the world. Relationship again to round 70 AD and created by the Romans, it includes well-preserved baths, a temple, and quite a lot of historic artifacts.
The new spring water, thought to have therapeutic properties, nonetheless flows right into a pool inside the website. Though you’re not allowed to entry the thermal waters themselves, guests have the chance to discover the historic chambers and see what life would have been like for the traditional Romans.
This standard attraction is a spotlight of the bathtub tourism scene and receives over 1.Three million guests yearly. I’d advise reserving forward and securing your tickets in advance to avoid wasting time and keep away from being disillusioned.
Some mates who visited us in Bath loved trying out the numerous historical treasures on show and additional insights in the adjoining museum. They booked a 1.5-hour Blue Badge historic tour of Bath that features entry to the Baths. Click on right here to search out out extra data.
Roman Baths Particulars and Info
Handle: Abbey Churchyard, Bath BA1 1LZ, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441225477785
Working Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Mon-Solar (final entry 5 pm)
Entrance Payment: $25 – $29 for adults, $15 – $18 for kids(6-18 years)
Web site: romanbaths.co.uk
9. Sherborne Fortress
One of the crucial standard castles round Bath that’s completely value visiting is Sherborne Fortress. This Tudor mansion constructed in the 16th century, is round an hour south of Bath. It’s a pleasant instance of English, historic building full with beautiful landscaped gardens.
Near this website are the ruins of Outdated Sherborne Fortress, leased from Queen Elizabeth I to Sir Walter Raleigh in the late 16th century who apparently fell in love with the unique 12th-century construction after a brief go to to the world. Nonetheless, quite than renovating the outdated construction, he constructed a brand new lodging which later grew to become Sherborne Fortress, as we all know it as we speak.
My favourite half was exploring the magnificent gardens, however sections of the fort are open to guests most days all year long too. I like to recommend reserving on-line and checking the supply and opening occasions as completely different occasions can have an effect on the fort and gardens’ accessibility for friends.
Sherborne Fortress Particulars and Info
Handle: New Rd, Sherborne DT9 5NR, UK
Telephone: +441935813182
Working Hours: Various – all the time examine the web site forward of your go to
Entrance Payment: Timed fort tour and backyard tickets from $20+pp, garden-only tickets from $15
Web site: SherborneCastle.com
10. Sudeley Fortress
One other of the nice castles near Bath is Sudeley Fortress, situated round 60 miles to the north. I liked this website as a result of it has some critical in depth royal historical past. It was beforehand owned by Kings Edward IV and Richard III. Henry VIII additionally visited the fort in 1535 and Charles I even used it as a army base in the course of the first English Civil Conflict.
Queen Elizabeth I held a 3-day celebration at Sudeley to have fun the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. That’s not all! Buried in the fort’s church grounds, is Catherine Parr, the surviving spouse of Henry VIII, making it the one privately owned fort in the world to have a queen buried inside its grounds.
To get the total expertise I like to recommend taking a guided tour. It presents glimpses into true royal historical past, while everlasting displays, the fort rooms, St Mary’s church, and 10 magnificent gardens make the journey from Bath value each second. There’s even an journey playground for youths and a pleasant cafe/restaurant that serves every part from espresso to dinner and desserts.
Sudeley Fortress Particulars and Info
Handle: Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5JD, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441242604244
Working Hours: 10 am – Four pm Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: $20 for adults, $10 for kids (3-15 years)
Web site: sudeleycastle.co.uk
Castles in Bath: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on the most effective castles and historic websites in Bath, UK:
Magnificence is subjective, and what one particular person finds lovely, one other might not. Nonetheless, many castles close to Bath have their very own distinctive appeal and enchantment. One of the crucial picturesque, and my private favourite, is Nunney Fortress.
The medieval fort is situated in Nunney, Somerset. This fort is well-known for its elegant and well-preserved design, and a surprising backdrop of lush greenery. The fort’s compact measurement, moat, and symmetry give it a very photogenic high quality, making it a preferred vacation spot for guests looking for a picturesque fort expertise close to Bath.
The oldest fort in Bath is Farleigh Hungerford Fortress. This medieval fort is situated roughly 9 miles from Bath and was initially constructed in the 14th century, making it the oldest fort in the neighborhood of Bath.
The fort has a wealthy historical past and is an enchanting website for guests in exploring medieval structure and heritage in the Bath space.
The preferred fort in Bath is Farleigh Hungerford Fortress, located about 9 miles south of Bath and initially constructed in the 14th century, making it the oldest fort in the neighborhood of Bath.
It’s well-known for its uncommon and vivid medieval wall work that may be discovered inside its well-preserved vintage chapel. The fort has a wealthy historical past and is an enchanting website for guests in exploring medieval structure – it’s positively top-of-the-line castles to go to in Bath.
No, you’re sadly not capable of sleep in any of the castles in town of Bath itself. The closest fort that accepts in a single day friends is Thornbury Fortress, round 23 miles to the north. This 26-room luxurious fort was beforehand owned by Henry VIII who stayed there throughout his reign as king in 1535.
The biggest fort in Bath is Berkeley Fortress situated in Gloucestershire, not removed from Bath. It options in depth gardens, many halls, huge chambers, and grounds to discover. It’s thought of one of many largest castles in the world.
A sham is one thing pretend, misleading, or not what it seems to be. Sham Fortress just isn’t a fort in any respect however a building constructed purely for adornment generally known as a folly. It was constructed in the mid-18th century and is illuminated superbly at night time.
No, Windsor Fortress is situated in the UK city of Windsor and is round 90 miles (a 2-hour drive) away from Bath.
Bath is famend for its historic significance and architectural magnificence. It’s most well-known for its Roman Baths, providing a glimpse into town’s historical previous, and its Georgian structure, that includes iconic landmarks such because the Royal Crescent and the Circus.
Moreover, Bath’s pure sizzling springs, literary connections, cultural venues, and UNESCO World Heritage standing make it a well-rounded vacation spot for historical past, tradition, and spa fanatics.
Bath is a superb place for a weekend break. It presents a mixture of tradition and historical past combined in with a terrific bar and restaurant scene. There are many nice sights to fill a weekend itinerary with, it doesn’t matter what it’s you get pleasure from doing.
I like to recommend a morning of sightseeing adopted by a couple of pub stops in the afternoon. Bath has some wonderful outdated pubs just like the Saracens Head and the Coeur De Lion – my go-to. Check out this text for concepts on the proper weekend in Bath.
In Conclusion
Bath is a good spot to find your self for some improbable historic websites. You’ll discover castles, church buildings, cathedrals, monuments, and structure relationship again centuries in the encompassing cities and villages too.
Kings and Queens, emperors, and knights have graced this area for 1000’s of years and a lot of the historical past continues to be obvious to at the present time. Effectively-preserved traditionally vital constructions supply guests a glimpse right into a bygone period. The tales which have performed out in a few of these places boggle the thoughts.
I liked being in Bath for such easy accessibility to an abundance of tradition and historical past. I hope you get pleasure from delving into England’s colourful previous out of your base in Bath too.