Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, Somerset
Clifton Suspension Bridge is Bristol’s most famous landmarks and one of the city’s top tourist attractions, so if you’re heading this way on your large group holiday in Somerset, you should pop this on your ‘to see’ list.
Known the world over and hailed as a remarkable feat of engineering and construction, the bridge spans the Avon Gorge 75m above the tidal river, linking Clifton to Leigh Woods in North Somerset. You might not think there’s much to see, but the views alone are spectacular, stretching over the city and the harbourside to the green hills beyond. There’s a Visitor Centre where you can find out more about the bridge – it’s design and construction, and there are interactive exhibits for children. Follow the Audio Trail (younger people can do the Children’s Trail) or book a place on a guided tour – including 2 of the underground vaults. If it’s not too inconvenient, hang about till sunset to see the bridge illuminated – one of those ‘ooooh’ moments.
You have to stop for a moment and think about this; Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who was just 23 years old when work began in 1831. This was his first project, his baby, and his vision was to create the highest and longest bridge in the world; it’s since been superseded in both respects, but back then, this incredibly ambitious.
There’s plenty to do either side of the bridge; if you want to escape the hubbub of the city, take a wander through Leigh Woods or go down to Ashton Court Estate for an amble through the deer park. Browse the shops the other side, in leafy Clifton Village; visit Clifton Observatory and have tea and cake on the rooftop terrace, go for sushi at Kibou, pick up a sandwich from Gert Lush and find a spot on Clifton Down for an impromptu picnic.
Clifton Suspension Bridge is open 24/7 every day of the year. There’s a £1 toll for vehicles, but it’s free to pedestrians and cyclists.
T: 0117 974 4664
All information correct at the time of writing