Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge which includes a sunset, a bridge and a river or creek
Clifton Suspension Bridge which includes a bridge, a sunset and night scenes
Clifton Suspension Bridge featuring a sunset, night scenes and a bridge
Clifton Suspension Bridge which includes a sunset, landscape views and a bridge
Clifton Suspension Bridge which includes a sunset, landscape views and a bridge


Both striking and practical, this bridge has long been the symbol of the city of Bristol.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge spans the River Avon and links Clifton, a shopping district in Bristol, to Leigh Woods in the county of Somerset. Opened in 1864, the bridge is the brainchild of renowned mechanical and civil engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It has become a major landmark of the area, and is worth visiting even if you don’t need to cross it.

Brunel was just 24 when he won the commission to build the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Although construction began on the bridge in 1831, the project was abandoned 12 years later, due to poor funding and political issues. Only following Brunel’s death in 1859 was it decided the bridge would be completed as a memorial to him.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is held up by 81 wrought-iron rods. The towers at either end are made from local pennant sandstone. The bridge is 1,352 feet (412 metres) long, and hovers 245 feet (75 metres) above the Avon. The bridge can only carry a limited weight at any one time, and is closed for major annual events. Still, more than 8,000 vehicles cross it every day.

The bridge has its own visitor centre, on the Leigh Woods side. Here you can see exhibits and a film about the bridge’s construction. There’s also a gift shop. Free guided tours of the bridge are given weekend afternoons and bank holidays. There’s no need to book. The visitor centre is open daily, except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

It’s fairly easy to get to the bridge by public transport. Buses run regularly from the main station, Bristol Temple Meads. Cycle lanes are on the approach to both sides of the bridge. By car, the bridge is a 15-minute drive from the centre of Bristol. It’s free to walk or cycle across the bridge, but there is a toll for cars. Parking is much easier on the Leigh Woods side.

Reviews of Clifton Suspension Bridge

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
231
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
121
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
14
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Drive over it and get a completely different perspective.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Don't go in the rain haha

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

take the bus from city centre, lovely journey and very inexpensive.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Used the red open topped bus which was very good

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

See it both in the day and at night from neighbouring hotel terrace. Fabulous bridge by an engineering giant.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Spectacular engineering

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Bristol Grand Hotel By Sunday

Bristol Grand Hotel By Sunday

4 out of 5
Broad Street, Bristol, England
Bristol Grand Hotel By Sunday
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel

4 out of 5
College Green, Bristol, England
Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel
Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin

4 out of 5
Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol, England
Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre

Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre

4 out of 5
2 Lower Castle Street, Old Market, Bristol, England
Delta Hotels by Marriott Bristol City Centre
The Bristol Hotel

The Bristol Hotel

4 out of 5
Prince Street, Bristol, England
The Bristol Hotel
Clayton Hotel Bristol City

Clayton Hotel Bristol City

4 out of 5
Broad Street, Bristol, England
Clayton Hotel Bristol City
Rodney Hotel

Rodney Hotel

3 out of 5
4 Rodney Place, Clifton, Bristol, England
Rodney Hotel
The Regency, Clifton Bristol

The Regency, Clifton Bristol

3.5 out of 5
40 - 44 St Pauls Road, Clifton, Bristol, England
The Regency, Clifton Bristol
Leonardo Hotel Bristol City

Leonardo Hotel Bristol City

4 out of 5
3 Temple Way, Bristol, England
Leonardo Hotel Bristol City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Clifton Suspension Bridge

Near the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including guided tours of the bridge, informative audio tours, and exhilarating balloon rides offering stunning views. The area is also home to vibrant cultural attractions, theatres, and shopping opportunities, making it a perfect destination for entertainment and exploration in Bristol.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Clifton Suspension Bridge, visit the Clifton Arcade, just 644m away, offering a blend of entertainment and family vibes. St Nicholas Market and Broadmead Shopping Centre, both 3.2km away, provide a vibrant atmosphere perfect for picking up gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

At Ashton Court Country Park, immerse yourself in nature with scenic walks and peaceful picnics, perfect for relaxation. For a lively atmosphere, visit Ashton Gate Stadium to enjoy thrilling sports events or unwind at the O2 Academy with its vibrant live music scene.

Adventure

The Wave, located 9.7km from Clifton Suspension Bridge, offers exhilarating water sports in a vibrant outdoor setting. For a fun-filled family day, West Country Water Park, 11.3km away, provides entertainment and adventure. Explore your sense of direction at Bath Maze, situated 19.3km from the bridge.

Nightlife

In Clifton, the Bristol Hippodrome Theatre offers a romantic atmosphere with captivating performances just 1.6km away. For a unique experience, head to Clifton Downs and Observatory, a delightful planetarium only 483m away. If you're seeking adventure, Skirmish Paintball Bristol, an arcade adventure zone, is also 1.6km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Clifton Suspension Bridge

Within and around Clifton Suspension Bridge, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including urban parks, modern universities, and charming churches. These points of interest cater to travellers seeking cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely stroll or diving into the local history, there's something for everyone to appreciate in this picturesque area.

  • University of Bristol: A prestigious institution with a vibrant atmosphere, the University of Bristol offers a blend of modern architecture and historical significance. Stroll through its picturesque campus to soak in the lively city vibes and student energy.
  • SS Great Britain: This iconic maritime museum showcases the remarkable history of the SS Great Britain, the first iron steamship to cross the Atlantic. With its engaging exhibits, you’ll experience the rich maritime culture of Bristol.
  • Bristol Cathedral: A stunning example of Gothic architecture, Bristol Cathedral boasts intricate stained glass and serene cloisters. Its cultural significance and tranquil atmosphere make it a perfect spot for reflection amidst the city bustle.

Best time to go to Clifton Suspension Bridge

The best time to visit Clifton Suspension Bridge can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Clifton Suspension Bridge falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Clifton Suspension Bridge falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March44.1°F (6.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.1°F (11.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Clifton Suspension Bridge

To save money on your visit to Clifton Suspension Bridge, plan your trip between January and March, when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a stay on a Monday rather than a Saturday for the best rates. Use Expedia to filter for budget-friendly options and consider Eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Combine bookings for flights and activities to unlock additional savings. Also, explore free activities in Bristol to enhance your experience without stretching your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Clifton Suspension Bridge are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Clifton Suspension Bridge is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Clifton Suspension Bridge is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you favour. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To uncover the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation for the Clifton Suspension Bridge with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.