Sham Castle
A picturesque 18th-century folly resembling a medieval castle, offering stunning panoramic views of Bath, especially when illuminated at night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for city views
Sham Castle
Best Time
Best for city views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque 18th-century folly resembling a medieval castle, offering stunning panoramic views of Bath, especially when illuminated at night.
"Stunning view of Bath, a lovely hike up. It's a gorgeous looking castle wall on the top of the hill overlooking the city."
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk up is steep and can be muddy. Comfortable, grippy shoes are a must!
🚗 Parking Pointers
Avoid Golf Club parking; look for street parking a short walk away.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Top of the hill
Enjoy breathtaking, sweeping views of Bath from this elevated vantage point. Perfect for photos!
The Castle Folly
Hilltop facade
Admire the impressive 18th-century castle facade, a decorative 'folly' offering a picturesque sight.
Illuminated Evening Spectacle
Hilltop facade
Witness Sham Castle beautifully lit up at night, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Sham Castle
Getting to Sham Castle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk up is steep and can be muddy. Comfortable, grippy shoes are a must!
🚗 Parking Pointers
Avoid Golf Club parking; look for street parking a short walk away.
📸 Capture the View
The panoramic views of Bath are stunning, especially from the top.
💡 Evening Illumination
Sham Castle is beautifully lit at night, offering a different, enchanting perspective.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The walk up is steep and can be muddy. Comfortable, grippy shoes are a must!
🚗 Parking Pointers
Avoid Golf Club parking; look for street parking a short walk away.
📸 Capture the View
The panoramic views of Bath are stunning, especially from the top.
💡 Evening Illumination
Sham Castle is beautifully lit at night, offering a different, enchanting perspective.
🚶♀️ A Rewarding Hike
The uphill trek from Bath is challenging but offers a great sense of accomplishment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Sham Castle for its stunning panoramic views of Bath and its picturesque folly facade, especially when illuminated at night. The uphill walk is considered challenging but rewarding, offering a great experience for hikers and photographers. However, parking can be difficult, and there are no nearby amenities, so visitors should come prepared.
"Great little landmark. Lovely view of the skyline."
Patrick Anthony
"This is a great viewing point uptop the hill. It offers panoramic views of the Bath city and is situated at the end of the trail. The Bath Golf Club is right next to.
Parking is on a street a few meters down and before you reach the spot. Google maps took us to Golf Club parking which is reserved only for members.
This is a free to visit place, and there are no food options nearby. The Golf Club has a restaurant on site that may cater to you on week days when the place is not busy - phone in advance to check."
Yogesh Gandhi
"Great view of Bath and lovey walk. The walk up from Bath could be challenging and is mostly uphill."
Martin Wetterauer IV
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is to walk, which involves a significant uphill hike. It's a rewarding trek, but be prepared for a workout! Alternatively, you can drive, but parking can be challenging.
Direct parking at the castle is limited and can be confusing. Google Maps might direct you to the Bath Golf Club, which has member-only parking. Look for street parking a few meters down the road before reaching the main spot.
While there isn't direct public transport to the castle itself, you can take a bus to Bath and then embark on the uphill walk. The Bath Skyline Walk is a popular route that passes by the castle.
The Bath Skyline Walk is a scenic 6-mile circular route that offers stunning views of the city and surrounding countryside. Sham Castle is a notable point along this trail.
The walk is primarily uphill and can be uneven and muddy, especially after rain. It may be challenging for those with mobility issues or very young children.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sham Castle is a free landmark to visit. You can explore the exterior and enjoy the views without any admission fee.
As an exterior landmark and folly, Sham Castle doesn't have set opening hours. It's accessible at any time, though visiting during daylight is best for views and evenings for illumination.
Yes, Sham Castle is an outdoor structure and is accessible year-round. Weather conditions might affect the walk to get there.
Sham Castle is a folly, meaning it's primarily a facade. You cannot go inside the structure itself, but you can walk around its exterior.
There are no official guided tours specifically for Sham Castle. However, it is often included as part of guided walks of the Bath Skyline.
📸 📸 Photography
Daytime offers clear views of the city, while evenings provide a magical glow when the castle is illuminated. Golden hour can also be spectacular.
You can capture panoramic shots of Bath, detailed photos of the castle facade, and scenic shots incorporating the surrounding landscape.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
The most iconic view is from the front, showcasing the castle facade with the city of Bath in the background. Experiment with different vantage points along the trail.
Absolutely! The castle sits on a hill offering excellent vantage points for photographing the entire Bath skyline.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food options directly at Sham Castle. The Bath Golf Club nearby has a restaurant, but it's best to call ahead to check availability, especially on weekdays.
Yes, Sham Castle is a great spot for a picnic with a view. Bring your own food and enjoy the scenery.
No, there is no cafe or food service directly at Sham Castle. It's a purely scenic landmark.
The Golf Club restaurant typically offers standard pub fare and meals suitable for golfers and visitors. It's advisable to check their menu and opening times directly.
It's highly recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you plan to spend time enjoying the views or having a picnic, as amenities are scarce.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are no facilities on-site. The panoramic views offer a great educational opportunity to talk about geography and city planning. It's also a fantastic spot for a family picnic with a view. Just be mindful of the muddy paths after rain.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Walkers
The walk provides a great way to experience the natural beauty surrounding Bath. The castle itself serves as a picturesque landmark and a perfect spot to rest and enjoy the expansive views before continuing your journey or heading back down.
📸 Photographers
The castle's facade provides a unique architectural subject, and the surrounding landscape offers plenty of scenic shots. Experiment with different angles and times of day to get the most out of this visually rich location.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story Behind Sham Castle: A Folly's Charm
This architectural whim was designed to add a touch of romanticism and grandeur to the surrounding countryside. It's a testament to the Georgian era's fascination with picturesque ruins and classical aesthetics. While it may not have battlements or a keep, its imposing presence and strategic hilltop location make it a captivating sight. The fact that it's illuminated at night further enhances its magical, almost theatrical, quality, making it a popular spot for evening strolls and photography.
Many visitors are surprised to learn it's not a genuine historical castle. This element of surprise adds to its charm, prompting discussions about architectural history and the evolution of landscape design. It’s a reminder that beauty and intrigue can come in many forms, even in structures built solely for show.
Navigating the Terrain: The Uphill Trek
Many visitors opt to incorporate the visit into the Bath Skyline Walk, a popular circular route that winds through picturesque landscapes. This trail provides a more immersive experience of the area's natural beauty. While challenging, the ascent is rewarded with increasingly impressive vistas of Bath and the surrounding Somerset countryside.
Be prepared for a workout, and consider bringing water and snacks, as amenities are scarce once you're on the trail. The juxtaposition of the challenging hike with the serene beauty of the castle and its views is a common theme in visitor feedback, highlighting the rewarding nature of the journey.
Photography at Sham Castle: Capturing the Views
The castle facade itself is also a compelling subject. Its picturesque, albeit artificial, medieval appearance makes for striking architectural shots. Photographers often capture the castle against the backdrop of the sky or the rolling hills. The evening illumination transforms the castle into a different kind of photographic subject, offering a more dramatic and romantic aesthetic.
When planning your shots, consider the time of day for optimal lighting. Golden hour can cast a warm glow on both the castle and the city. Remember to also capture the surrounding landscape, as the entire setting contributes to the charm of Sham Castle.
Social
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