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Clifton Suspension Bridge

  • Bristol, United Kingdom (UK)

Last updated: 14 November, 2024

Architect and engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s beautiful masterpiece has become a true symbol of Bristol, and the view of its cables stretched tight between two brick towers over the gaping Avon Gorge is a breathtaking one.

Begun in 1831 and finished in 1864, the bridge was originally designed for horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians, but a whopping 12,000 cars now cross it daily on the journey from Clifton Village to Leigh Woods. A separate pavement allows pedestrians to safety stand tall and take in panoramic views, 75 metres above the River Avon.

Free guided tours and an interpretation centre unravel the history of this Grade I listed glory.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: 0
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

It’s free to walk or cycle across the Suspension Bridge. Cars and motorbikes pay a £1 toll each way, which goes towards the maintenance of the bridge. The visitor centre is located on the western side of the Suspension Bridge, with free guided tours on offer daily.

Several companies offer guided tours of Bristol that include the Suspension Bridge, and will explain the background as to why and when it was built.

When to do it

The bridge is open all year round – get there for sunset on a clear day for spectacular views across Avon Gorge, or time your visit to coincide with Bristol’s Balloon Fiesta in August, when the skies above the bridge are filled with colourful hot air balloons.

Who to go with: organised tours

1

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

  • Bristol

A guided walk, for a maximum of six people, between 2.5 - 3 Hrs long, 12-15,000 steps circa 4-5 miles long, listening to the guide on Audio devices to interesting facts, colourful characters, history and anecdotes on the way. Clifton, a sleepy village in 1700, developed into the ‘Mayfair’ of Bristol. Walk the suspension bridge, view the dramatic ‘Avon Gorge’, Historic Buildings, Grand Terraces, Crescents & Squares, see the Harbour, Banksy’s, University, Museum, that statue, ending at the Cathedral and Centre. Join your guide, who having moved to Bristol in 1980, attended Bristol Poly (UWE), I have lived, played rugby, worked off and on in the City for 40 years. I am now semi retired, continually research the city as a Hobby and want to give something back to a place I adore. The style is interactive, flexible, light-hearted and personal.

Price £25

Min age 10

Rating 4.98 / 5 [99 ratings]

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