History and Heritage

Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre tells the story of the 'ornament of Bristol' and the people who built, maintain and treasure it. Explore the turbulent history of the ‘first love’ of famous British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel through an award winning exhibition packed with family activities and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.

Visitor Centre
Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre tells the story of the 'ornament of Bristol' and the people who built, maintain and treasure it. Explore the turbulent history of the ‘first love’ of famous British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel through an award winning exhibition packed with family activities and staffed by knowledgeable volunteers.

The Visitor Centre is open between Friday and Monday throughout the winter and may be found in Leigh Woods on the North Somerset side of the bridge, a short walk from Clifton Village where you’ll find bus stops, pay and display parking, boutique shopping, cafes and coffee shops. Under the current Covid-19 guidance, pre-booking of tickets is strongly recommended. (www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/visitor-centre)

Bridge
Once the far-fetched dream of local wine merchant William Vick, the bridge was the first solo project of the famous British engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel who came up with ambitious plans to build the highest and longest bridge in the world. Sadly, Brunel did not live to see his ‘first love’ completed. The bridge took 33 years to build and opened as a monument to his achievements after his death.

The Bridge is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year and can be crossed on foot or by bicycle free of charge, although vehicles must pay a £1 toll towards the maintenance and upkeep of this Grade I listed structure. Groups may book private tours at any time, with a coach drop-off point available on Observatory Road, BS8 4AW (there is a weight limit of 4 tons so coaches may not cross the bridge). A programme of events runs throughout the year for families and adult learners.

The bridge spans the spectacular Avon Gorge and is illuminated each evening, lighting up half an hour before sunset. Photographers may like to visit the viewpoints on Sion Hill or at the Cumberland Basin.