The £3.9 million refurbishment project at Beckford’s Tower and Museum has now seen the site become as accessible as the Grade I listed infrastructure will allow.
The newly restored tower | Photo © Casper Farrell
Work to improve accessibility was a key factor in the “Our Tower” project, which was completed in 2024 with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other public and private funders.
Improvements include re-planning pathways, installing an accessible toilet, adding a new app and digital binoculars, created by Zubr Curio, to provide visual access to all areas.
The previously inaccessible Tower Vault has been opened up with a step-free entryway and various visual aids, created by the Centre for Print Research at the University of West of England, have been introduced, along with sensory backpacks for neuro-diverse visitors.
There is also an opportunity to borrow a Go-Pro camera and iPad to experience the views from the top of the Tower virtually.
Patrizia Ribul, Director of Museums at Bath Preservation Trust and the lead for the “Our Tower” project said: “One of the core aims of the “Our Tower” project was to make the space more welcoming and more accessible to as many people as possible.
“Thanks to the changes we have made with the support of our partners and suppliers, Beckford’s Tower is more accessible than ever before.
“While the project team were limited by protections on the listed building, they worked hard to open up access to as much of the Tower as possible, by physical and digital means.
“For example, it wasn’t possible to install a lift to the top of the Tower, so the team worked around the problem by opening up other physical spaces such as the landscape and the Tower Vault, and by introducing digital experiences.
“Visitors with visual and/or mobility problems can now experience the museum to the fullest possible, so we hope that they will feel encouraged to visit.
“We would like to thank The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, Historic England and all the other generous individuals and group funders who have helped us in supporting this momentous project.
“We would also like to thank our wonderful members for their constant and vital support of the Bath Preservation Trust.”
