
Brown's Folly Nature Reserve
Discover stunning views from a historic tower, encounter friendly wild goats, and explore intriguing mine entrances at this beautiful nature reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful walks, great views

Brown's Folly Nature Reserve
Best Time
Peaceful walks, great views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover stunning views from a historic tower, encounter friendly wild goats, and explore intriguing mine entrances at this beautiful nature reserve.
"The Folly tower offers breathtaking views, but the climb is steep and rail-less – a thrilling adventure!"

Wear sturdy shoes! 👟
Paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.
Check the weather ☀️
Clear days offer the best views. Windy conditions can make the tower climb more challenging.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Folly Tower
Summit of the hill
Iconic tower with breathtaking, panoramic views across Bath. A thrilling, albeit steep, climb.

Wild Goats
Base of the mines
Friendly wild goats often roam the rugged terrain, adding a unique charm to your visit.

Mine Entrances & Bat Roosts
Base of the mines
Explore the historical mine entrances, now home to bat roosts, adding an intriguing natural element.

Scenic Walking Trails
Throughout the reserve
Well-marked paths offer beautiful walks with stunning views, though some can be tricky when wet.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Views & Fewer Crowds
Tower Climb Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Recommendations in Bath / surrounding area for circular walk and pub roast?
Wear sturdy shoes! 👟
Paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.
Check the weather ☀️
Clear days offer the best views. Windy conditions can make the tower climb more challenging.
Dog-friendly walks 🐕
A fantastic spot for dog walking, but keep them on a lead near the goats and mine entrances.
Combine with a pub lunch 🍻
The Kings Arms in Monkton is a recommended spot for a roast after your walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear sturdy shoes! 👟
Paths can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. Good grip is essential for a safe and enjoyable walk.
Check the weather ☀️
Clear days offer the best views. Windy conditions can make the tower climb more challenging.
Dog-friendly walks 🐕
A fantastic spot for dog walking, but keep them on a lead near the goats and mine entrances.
Combine with a pub lunch 🍻
The Kings Arms in Monkton is a recommended spot for a roast after your walk.
Be mindful of the tower climb ⚠️
The Folly tower stairs are narrow and lack railings; assess your comfort level before ascending.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Brown's Folly Nature Reserve is praised for its stunning panoramic views from the Folly tower and the unique charm of its wild goats. Visitors enjoy the well-marked walking trails and the historical intrigue of the mine entrances. However, the tower climb is noted as potentially dangerous due to steep, rail-less stairs, and the paths can be challenging when wet, making it less accessible for some.
"This area is beautiful all year around. Not always easy when wet. Well marked out paths. Many interesting hollows and rock faces to discover. Stunning views across Bath. Great for Dog walking, family picnics. The Tower is open and sits historically on the hillside above the mines, It is a perilous journey to top. I would not recommend this for safety. The entrance to the Folly has no door. You can still see entry points to the mines. They are now bat roosts. Goats now roam at the base of the mines on the rugged grass/scrub between the boulders. Not suitable to people with disability as paths are tricky and uneven. Go have a look, it is accessible by different routes. A small carpark is available also half part way down the hill."
Robert Bull
"I love walking here with my dog - amazing views across Bath - beautiful. Unfortunately the Avon Wildlife Trust has had to fell a large number of mature trees (ash die back) on the lower path, denuding the forested area by Sally in the Woods of its former glory. Very sad.
Some days there are (wild?) goats roaming on the hillside, which is rather delightful. A great place for a stroll but smallish carpark gets crowded at weekends."
Viv Morris
"Lightly terrifying to climb to the top as it’s a fairly narrow staircase with no rails. I’m glad I made the climb, but i’m also very glad I didn’t die! It’s interesting to visit and is surrounded by a lovely nature reserve with some good (if not slightly worn) paths!"
Eloise Stanley
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brown's Folly is accessible by car, with a small car park available part-way down the hill. It's also a popular circular walk destination from nearby villages like Monkton, often combined with a pub visit.
Yes, there is a small car park available, but it can get crowded on weekends. Arriving early is recommended.
While not a direct walk from the city center, it's a popular route for circular walks from surrounding areas. You can find various walking routes online that incorporate Brown's Folly.
Public transport options are limited directly to the reserve. It's best reached by car or as part of a longer walking route from nearby towns or villages.
Many visitors enjoy circular walks that include Brown's Folly and a stop at The Kings Arms pub in Monkton for a meal. Look for routes starting from Monkton or nearby villages.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Brown's Folly Nature Reserve is free to enter and explore. There are no admission fees.
The nature reserve is open year-round during daylight hours. The Folly tower itself has no door and is accessible when the reserve is open.
There is no separate fee to enter the Folly tower. Access is included with your visit to the nature reserve.
Yes, the reserve is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to visit during clear weather for the best experience and safety.
While generally open, be aware that paths can be tricky and uneven, especially when wet. The tower climb requires caution due to steep, rail-less stairs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can see the historic Folly tower with stunning views, discover mine entrances (now bat roosts), and often spot friendly wild goats roaming the hillsides. The nature reserve itself offers beautiful walking trails.
The climb is steep with no railings and can be precarious, especially on windy days. It's not recommended for those with a fear of heights or young children without extreme caution.
There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes within the nature reserve itself. It's a natural landscape best enjoyed with minimal impact.
Due to tricky and uneven paths, the reserve is not suitable for people with disabilities or those requiring easy access. Sturdy footwear is essential.
Visitors often report seeing wild goats roaming the hills. The old mine entrances are known bat roosts, and the area supports various flora and fauna.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Kings Arms in Monkton is a popular recommendation for a pub roast and meal after visiting Brown's Folly.
Absolutely! It's a great spot for family picnics, especially on the grassy areas. Remember to take all your litter with you.
No, there are no food or drink facilities directly within Brown's Folly Nature Reserve. You'll need to bring your own or visit nearby establishments.
The Kings Arms in Monkton is frequently mentioned as a good option for a meal, particularly a Sunday roast, after a walk in the area.
The nearest amenities for food and drink would be in nearby villages like Monkton or the city of Bath itself.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the Folly tower are spectacular. The wild goats and the historic mine entrances also make for unique photographic subjects.
Yes, especially from the top of the Folly tower, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside and Bath. The rugged terrain also provides interesting foregrounds.
Late afternoons during the 'golden hour' can provide beautiful lighting for landscape shots. Clear mornings also offer excellent visibility.
Yes, if you're lucky enough to spot the goats, they can be great subjects. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid disturbing them.
There are no specific restrictions on photography within the nature reserve, but always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Folly Tower
While the climb is a significant draw, visitors are advised to assess their own comfort and safety before attempting it. The entrance to the tower itself is open, with no door, adding to its rustic charm. The surrounding area of the tower is part of the wider nature reserve, offering a beautiful landscape to explore even if you choose not to climb.
Nature and Wildlife Encounters
Adding to the charm are the wild goats that often roam freely at the base of the mines and on the rugged grassy slopes. These friendly creatures are a delight to observe and photograph, often seeming unfazed by visitors. The reserve also features a variety of trees and plant life, though some mature trees have sadly been felled due to ash dieback, impacting the forested areas. The well-marked paths wind through this diverse landscape, offering a pleasant walking experience.
Walking and Accessibility
Visitors often recommend wearing sturdy footwear with good grip to manage the varied surfaces. The reserve is a popular spot for dog walking, providing ample space for canine companions to explore. For those looking to extend their visit, combining a walk at Brown's Folly with a meal at a nearby pub, such as The Kings Arms in Monkton, is a highly recommended activity.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit