On this submit, I’ll take you thru an inventory of the ten greatest historic websites and castles in Bathtub and its surrounding space. There’s a whole lot of historical past within the area, which makes Bathtub the proper location to base your self for a cultural journey to be taught extra about a few of Britain’s biggest historic treasures.
The town of Bathtub is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and dates again to Roman occasions. There’s lovely structure to admire at nearly each flip in Bathtub in addition to some nice historic sights to expertise, each within the metropolis and a bit of additional afield.
10 Greatest Castles in Bathtub
If like me, you’re a little bit of a historical past buff and love taking in some tradition throughout your touring adventures, Bathtub is the fitting place for you. England has a wealthy historical past relationship again 1000’s of years. Its castles are good for right now’s eager explorers as they’re surprisingly properly preserved – regardless of the monarchy, faith, and politics altering so much over the centuries!
This checklist of 10 of one of the best historic websites and castles in Bathtub explores the majesty of centuries-old castles and church buildings, temples that helped type cities, and historical monuments which might be nonetheless not fairly absolutely understood, even to at the present time.
1. Farleigh Hungerford Fortress
(Most Well-known Fortress in Bathtub General)
Top-of-the-line castles in Bathtub, simply accessible from the town itself, is Farleigh Hungerford Fortress. Courting again to 1377, the positioning options the 2 authentic citadel towers, a chapel, and a crypt full with 6 lead coffins. Giant elements 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 intensive entry to this, the oldest citadel in Bathtub, 7 days per week. I opted for the audio information and it was a good way to be taught concerning the historical past of the positioning and to listen to tales of the distinguished households which have lived there. The Hungerfords known as the citadel house for 300 years however went by means of 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 presents together with wines, jams, toys, souvenirs, presents, and books. The picnic space throughout 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 Data
Deal with: A366, Farleigh Hungerford, Bathtub BA2 7RS, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441225754026
Working Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: $8 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 citadel in Bathtub isn’t really a citadel in any respect. Sham Fortress was in-built 1762, solely to provide the individuals residing within the townhouses beneath a greater view!
Sitting proudly up on the hill and simply accessible while mountain climbing the Bathtub 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 really historical constructing.
I stumbled throughout Sham Fortress while mountain climbing and felt as if I’d found some historical misplaced spoil. It’s a terrific sight to behold and an exquisite spot to look down on the town of Bathtub from. I extremely suggest a brief hike to test it out, because it’s one of many solely centrally situated Bathtub castles.
Sham Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Golf Course Rd, Claverton Down, Bathtub 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 Bathtub, and one I actually loved due to its critical historic provenance, is Berkeley Fortress. The just about 1000-year-old construction is in immaculate situation and only a 50-minute drive from Bathtub. The Berkeley household has maintained it since they took it over within the Twelfth century.
Historic sources declare Berkeley Fortress to be the positioning of the homicide of King Edward II because the citadel provided the monarch safety after he abdicated his throne following immense political stress. It’s stated that he was killed right here on twenty first 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 Bathtub to go to such an impressive website.
SEE ALSO: 10 Greatest Seashores Close to Bathtub, England (by Prepare and Automobile)
Berkeley Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: 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 Bathtub to one of the well-known monuments on this planet – Stonehenge. This prehistoric stone construction is below an hour away and really simply accessible from Bathtub, making it a perfect vacation spot for a day journey. I’d by no means been earlier than, regardless of my sister residing minutes away from the positioning!
Stonehenge is round 5,000 years and there may be nonetheless a whole 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 season solstice. Stonehenge is taken into account one in all Britain’s most vital historic websites. It’s an unbelievable place to tick off your checklist.
Many, many individuals from all over the world go to Stonehenge each day. However this summer season was my very first go to. I used to be definitely 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 Data
Deal with: 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 Bathtub is Nunney Fortress, simply 16 miles away on the outskirts of Frome, Somerset. This moated citadel dates again to the 1370s and was constructed by an area knight, Sir John de la Mare.
Within the Sixteenth century, the citadel was besieged in the course of the English Civil Warfare, however Nunney’s elegant tower, nevertheless, remains to be very properly maintained. 4 spherical nook turrets and the connecting partitions are all encased by the citadel moat. Its remnants spotlight the power of the citadel as a fortress for a lot of centuries earlier than its eventual demise.
Nunney Fortress is free to go to and as obscure because it sounds, the official opening occasions are merely throughout any cheap sunlight hours. I took an off-the-cuff drive to Nunney one afternoon and had no issues freely exploring the grounds. It was actually quiet and I cherished simply imagining the historical past that has performed out beneath my toes.
Nunney Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Nunney Fortress, Fortress St, Nunney, Frome BA11 4LW, United Kingdom
Telephone: +447733227689
Working Hours: Open throughout any cheap sunlight hours
Entrance Payment: Free
Web site: english-heritage.org.uk/go to/locations/nunney-castle
6. Bathtub Abbey
Bathtub Abbey is an architectural masterpiece that stands as a distinguished image of the town. I like how the fantastic Gothic construction dominates the town’s skyline and it’s situated proper within the coronary heart of the town heart. Initially based within the seventh century, it now welcomes guests from all over the world.
The inside of Bathtub 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.
Bathtub Abbey continues to play a job as a spot of worship and group in Bathtub, internet hosting common providers, concert events, and occasions that welcome each vacationers and locals alike. The structure and the sense of historical past at Bathtub Abbey, make it a must-visit for historical past buffs. You should definitely add this one to your Bathtub itinerary!
Bathtub Abbey Particulars and Data
Deal with: Bathtub 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
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a lodge citadel keep in Bathtub, you’ll want to go a bit of out of city to one of many castles shut by. Thornbury Fortress is simply 23 miles away and provides some gorgeous luxurious lodging that mixes Sixteenth-century grandeur with trendy splendor.
Constructed in 1511, Thornbury Fortress isn’t a real navy fortress, however fairly an instance of an early Tudor nation home. Henry VIII seized the citadel 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 solely 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 citadel grounds are actually gorgeous too. Click on right here to ebook your keep and trip like a royal.
Thornbury Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: Fortress St, Thornbury, Bristol BS35 1HH, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441454281182
Working Hours: N/A for the lodge. 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 Bathtub and someplace I head to every time I’m within the space. Courting again to round 70 AD and created by the Romans, it contains well-preserved baths, a temple, and a wide range of historic artifacts.
The new spring water, thought to have therapeutic properties, nonetheless flows right into a pool throughout 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 fashionable attraction is a spotlight of the tub tourism scene and receives over 1.3 million guests yearly. I’d advise reserving forward and securing your tickets upfront to save lots of time and keep away from being dissatisfied.
Some mates who visited us in Bathtub loved trying out the various historical treasures on show and additional insights within the adjoining museum. They booked a 1.5-hour Blue Badge historic tour of Bathtub that features entry to the Baths. Click on right here to search out out extra data.
Roman Baths Particulars and Data
Deal with: Abbey Churchyard, Bathtub 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
Some of the fashionable castles round Bathtub that’s completely value visiting is Sherborne Fortress. This Tudor mansion constructed within the Sixteenth century, is round an hour south of Bathtub. It’s a pleasant instance of English, historic development full with gorgeous landscaped gardens.
Near this website are the ruins of Previous Sherborne Fortress, leased from Queen Elizabeth I to Sir Walter Raleigh within the late Sixteenth century who apparently fell in love with the unique Twelfth-century construction after a brief go to to the realm. Nevertheless, fairly than renovating the outdated construction, he constructed a brand new lodging which later turned Sherborne Fortress, as we all know it right now.
My favourite half was exploring the magnificent gardens, however sections of the citadel are open to guests most days all year long too. I like to recommend reserving on-line and checking the provision and opening occasions as completely different occasions can have an effect on the citadel and gardens’ accessibility for visitors.
Sherborne Fortress Particulars and Data
Deal with: New Rd, Sherborne DT9 5NR, UK
Telephone: +441935813182
Working Hours: Various – at all times verify the web site forward of your go to
Entrance Payment: Timed citadel tour and backyard tickets from $20+pp, garden-only tickets from $15
Web site: SherborneCastle.com
10. Sudeley Fortress
One other of the good castles near Bathtub is Sudeley Fortress, situated round 60 miles to the north. I cherished this website as a result of it has some critical intensive royal historical past. It was beforehand owned by Kings Edward IV and Richard III. Henry VIII additionally visited the citadel in 1535 and Charles I even used it as a navy base in the course of the first English Civil Warfare.
Queen Elizabeth I held a 3-day celebration at Sudeley to rejoice the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. That’s not all! Buried within the citadel’s church grounds, is Catherine Parr, the surviving spouse of Henry VIII, making it the one privately owned citadel on this planet to have a queen buried inside its grounds.
To get the total expertise I like to recommend taking a guided tour. It provides glimpses into true royal historical past, while everlasting displays, the citadel rooms, St Mary’s church, and 10 magnificent gardens make the journey from Bathtub 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 Data
Deal with: Winchcombe, Cheltenham GL54 5JD, United Kingdom
Telephone: +441242604244
Working Hours: 10 am – 4 pm Mon-Solar
Entrance Payment: $20 for adults, $10 for kids (3-15 years)
Web site: sudeleycastle.co.uk
Castles in Bathtub: FAQs
Listed below are some solutions to generally requested questions on one of the best castles and historic websites in Bathtub, UK:
Magnificence is subjective, and what one particular person finds lovely, one other could not. Nevertheless, many castles close to Bathtub have their very own distinctive appeal and attraction. Some of the picturesque, and my private favourite, is Nunney Fortress.
The medieval citadel is situated in Nunney, Somerset. This citadel is well-known for its elegant and well-preserved design, and a surprising backdrop of lush greenery. The citadel’s compact measurement, moat, and symmetry give it a very photogenic high quality, making it a preferred vacation spot for guests searching for a picturesque citadel expertise close to Bathtub.
The oldest citadel in Bathtub is Farleigh Hungerford Fortress. This medieval citadel is situated roughly 9 miles from Bathtub and was initially constructed within the 14th century, making it the oldest citadel within the neighborhood of Bathtub.
The citadel has a wealthy historical past and is a captivating website for guests all in favour of exploring medieval structure and heritage within the Bathtub space.
The preferred citadel in Bathtub is Farleigh Hungerford Fortress, located about 9 miles south of Bathtub and initially constructed within the 14th century, making it the oldest citadel within the neighborhood of Bathtub.
It’s well-known for its uncommon and vivid medieval wall work that may be discovered inside its well-preserved vintage chapel. The citadel has a wealthy historical past and is a captivating website for guests all in favour of exploring medieval structure – it’s positively among the finest castles to go to in Bathtub.
No, you’re sadly not capable of sleep in any of the castles within the metropolis of Bathtub itself. The closest citadel that accepts in a single day visitors is Thornbury Fortress, round 23 miles to the north. This 26-room luxurious citadel was beforehand owned by Henry VIII who stayed there throughout his reign as king in 1535.
The biggest citadel in Bathtub is Berkeley Fortress situated in Gloucestershire, not removed from Bathtub. It options intensive gardens, many halls, huge chambers, and grounds to discover. It’s thought-about one of many greatest castles within the space.
A sham is one thing faux, misleading, or not what it seems to be. Sham Fortress isn’t a citadel in any respect however a development constructed purely for adornment generally known as a folly. It was constructed within the mid-18th century and is illuminated superbly at night time.
No, Windsor Fortress is situated within the UK city of Windsor and is round 90 miles (a 2-hour drive) away from Bathtub.
Bathtub is famend for its historic significance and architectural magnificence. It’s most well-known for its Roman Baths, providing a glimpse into the town’s historical previous, and its Georgian structure, that includes iconic landmarks such because the Royal Crescent and the Circus.
Moreover, Bathtub’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 lovers.
Bathtub is a wonderful place for a weekend break. It provides 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 number of pub stops within the afternoon. Bathtub 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 Bathtub.
In Conclusion
Bathtub is a superb spot to find your self for some improbable historic websites. You’ll discover castles, church buildings, cathedrals, monuments, and structure relationship again centuries within the surrounding 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 remains to be obvious to at the present time. Nicely-preserved traditionally important buildings supply guests a glimpse right into a bygone period. The tales which have performed out in a few of these areas boggle the thoughts.
I cherished being in Bathtub for such quick access 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 Bathtub too.
