Sham Castle as seen from the expected side
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Sham Castle

4.2
·484 reviews·, United Kingdom

A picturesque 18th-century folly resembling a medieval castle, offering stunning panoramic views of Bath, especially when illuminated at night.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for city views

CrowdLow
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Sham Castle as seen from the expected side

Sham Castle

Best Time

Daytime

Best for city views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A picturesque 18th-century folly resembling a medieval castle, offering stunning panoramic views of Bath, especially when illuminated at night.

4.2
(484 reviews)

"Stunning view of Bath, a lovely hike up. It's a gorgeous looking castle wall on the top of the hill overlooking the city."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 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.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 484 reviews

Type

Historical Landmark

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Top of the hill

Enjoy breathtaking, sweeping views of Bath from this elevated vantage point. Perfect for photos!

The Castle Folly

The Castle Folly

Hilltop facade

Admire the impressive 18th-century castle facade, a decorative 'folly' offering a picturesque sight.

Illuminated Evening Spectacle

Illuminated Evening Spectacle

Hilltop facade

Witness Sham Castle beautifully lit up at night, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Sham Castle

Sham Castle is a folly, meaning it's decorative, not a full castle. Visit during daylight for panoramic views of Bath, but consider evenings for its illuminated charm. Be prepared for an uphill walk, especially if coming from the city center.

Getting to Sham Castle

Parking near Sham Castle can be tricky; Google Maps might direct you to the Golf Club, which has member-only parking. Street parking is available a short walk away. The trek from Bath is uphill and can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for city views
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Magical illumination
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I capture the castle 🏰 Have you heard the term “folly” before? A folly is a decorative building or structure built entirely for the purpose of adding aesthetic beauty to an area. They were popular in the 1800s as a way to add charm and whimsy to gardens and the grounds of grand estates. Everyone wanted their land to look rustic and false ruins and old-looking castles added mystery and glamour. The...
@aclotheshorse
634.8K likes • 4.3M views

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The walk up is steep and can be muddy. Comfortable, grippy shoes are a must! Reddit

🚗 Parking Pointers

Avoid Golf Club parking; look for street parking a short walk away. Reddit

Hermitage Castle is roughly 785 years old, with its origins dating back to the 1240s. The original structure was a wooden castle, but the stone castle visible today was built starting in the mid-14th century.  #Scotland #castle #castlesofscotland #history #discoverscotland
@northernomad_unofficial
315.9K likes • 1.5M views
I'm the Queen of this (Sham) Castle 🏰👑 Our Spaniel walk on Saturday took us past this landmark! It has great views of Bath and it's beautiful! 🐾 We had 7 crazy spaniels running amok! 🐶 Happy Monday frens 🐕
journey.of.juno
152 likes • 0 views

📸 Capture the View

The panoramic views of Bath are stunning, especially from the top. Instagram

💡 Evening Illumination

Sham Castle is beautifully lit at night, offering a different, enchanting perspective. Instagram

You all know I love a castle, but this is technically a folly! Took a big hike up to Sham Castle in Bathampton to admire this 18th century monument as part of the Bath Skyline Walk 🏰 #monkey #monkeygoesglobal #monkeygram #somerset #bathampton #bathskylinewalk #shamcastle #folly #nationaltrust #travel #traveltoy #plushiesofinstagram #plushiecommunity #plushietraveldiary #theinstaplushies #plushi...
monkeygoesglobal
102 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes

The walk up is steep and can be muddy. Comfortable, grippy shoes are a must! Reddit

🚗 Parking Pointers

Avoid Golf Club parking; look for street parking a short walk away. Reddit

📸 Capture the View

The panoramic views of Bath are stunning, especially from the top. Instagram

💡 Evening Illumination

Sham Castle is beautifully lit at night, offering a different, enchanting perspective. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ A Rewarding Hike

The uphill trek from Bath is challenging but offers a great sense of accomplishment. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(484 reviews)

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

Stunning city views
Picturesque castle facade
Magical evening illumination

What People Dislike

Challenging uphill walk
Difficult parking
Lack of amenities

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Sham Castle is a free landmark to visit. You can explore the exterior and enjoy the views without any admission fee. Reddit

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. Instagram

Yes, Sham Castle is an outdoor structure and is accessible year-round. Weather conditions might affect the walk to get there. Instagram

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. TikTok

There are no official guided tours specifically for Sham Castle. However, it is often included as part of guided walks of the Bath Skyline. Instagram

📸 📸 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. Instagram

You can capture panoramic shots of Bath, detailed photos of the castle facade, and scenic shots incorporating the surrounding landscape. Instagram

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Absolutely! The castle sits on a hill offering excellent vantage points for photographing the entire Bath skyline. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

Yes, Sham Castle is a great spot for a picnic with a view. Bring your own food and enjoy the scenery. Reddit

No, there is no cafe or food service directly at Sham Castle. It's a purely scenic landmark. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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