Name: Clifton Observatory
Rating: 5.0

Clifton Observatory

Clifton Observatory, Observatory Road, Clifton, Bristol, UK

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Clifton Observatory is a historic attraction established in 1766, offering stunning panoramic views over the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the City of Bristol. It is an important local landmark that blends history, scenery, and unique experiences in one location. The observatory is also a popular spot for visitors looking to enjoy Bristol’s heritage and dramatic landscape.

The attraction includes a tower museum spread across three floors, a working Camera Obscura, and access to the famous Giant’s Cave. Visitors can explore the cave through the limestone cliffs of the Avon Gorge and enjoy the Giants AR Experience at the cave’s exit. On-site facilities also include the 360 Glass Café, rooftop terrace, and museum displays showcasing Bristol’s history and views.

Entry to the Giant’s Cave costs £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children (4–14). Full Access tickets are priced at £5.00 for adults and £2.50 for children (4–14), while Camera Obscura entry costs £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children under 14. Clifton Observatory is also available for private events and parties, with venue hire options listed on the website.

Overall, Clifton Observatory offers a memorable mix of history, adventure, and breathtaking views. It provides visitors with rare attractions such as the Camera Obscura and Giant’s Cave in one compact site. This is an ideal place to visit for sightseeing, learning about Bristol’s past, or enjoying a unique day out above the Avon Gorge.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

The Museum: Dating back to 1766, explore the history of Clifton Observatory in our tower museum. From the Iron Age, when a Celtic fort that sat atop the hill, to the early 19th Century when the Bristol School of artists used the site to observe and depict the landscape, the museum explores the rich history of the Clifton Observatory. There are three floors to the museum. The first details a timeline of the observatory’s history; the second floor holds information and early photography of Bristol; and on the top floor, along with Victorian art of the view from the observatory, lives our famous Camera Obscura.
Camera Obscura: William West’s Camera Obscura is one of just three working Camera Obscuras in the UK. This marvellous feat of engineering has sat atop Clifton Tower since 1828. The Camera Obscura could be described as Victorian CCTV and it’s truly impressive to know that it still provides crystal clear real-time images of Bristol, almost 200 years after it was first installed at the observatory. Use the handle to rotate the Camera Obscura for your own 360 degree view of Bristol.
Giant's Cave: Adventure down into the depths of the Avon Gorge and unravel the legend of the giants, Ghyston, Goram, and Avona. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled… you never know who might see! The Giant’s Cave, is a natural cave in the limestone face of St Vincent’s Rocks in the Avon Gorge. For centuries it was accessible only from the top of the steep sided Gorge, or by a stiff climb up from the base of the cliff. It can now be accessed from inside Clifton Observatory.
Giants AR Experience: As you complete your journey down the cave, you’ll discover an exciting AR experience at the bottom. Created by Zubr’s inventive binoculars and funded by Innovate UK, this immersive technology gives visitors another way to explore the legendary tale of the Brisrtol giants as they roam the Avon Gorge. The historic folklore of the giants, Avona, Goram and Ghyston, has been long woven into Clifton Observatory’s history. Now, you can experience Bristol’s rich heritage come to life like never before!

Facilities

Parking: There is meter parking on the streets nearby, notably Clifton Down Road and Observatory Road.
Food & Drinks: Nestled within Clifton Observatory, the 360 Glass Café and conjoined rooftop terrace, offer a variety of food and drink options surrounded by spectacular views across the Downs, the City of Bristol, and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Giant’s Cave

Adult: £3.00
Child (4–14): £1.50

Full Access

Adult: £5.00
Child (4–14): £2.50

Camera Obscura

Adult: £3.00
Child (Under 14): £1.50

Pricing URL: https://cliftonobservatory.com/tickets/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Private Event Hire Bristol: Clifton Observatory is a fully functioning unique and spectacular event venue, that’s ideal for creating special moments and memorable occasions. With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces available to hire, entertain guests with exquisite views of Bristol, a distinctive atmosphere, and excellent food and drink. From lively parties and special occasions to corporate events, our venue is versatile and can be adapted for any event, ensuring you an unforgettable experience.
William West Room: William West Room is our largest venue space, blending its historic features with modern décor, it is a perfect indoor spot for any occasion. This space is fully customisable and can cater to a range of events, making it the ideal setting for your celebration size and style. Guests are surrounded by striking décor and stunning fittings including a chandelier, and a bar area. Other features include a welcome reception area, Wi-Fi, and fully installed AV including a projector, PA system, microphones, and Sonos sound system.
360 Rooftop Terrace: Amaze your guests with Clifton Observatory’s Rooftop Terrace, offering magnificent views of Bristol. Overlooking Clifton Suspension Bridge, the rooftop terrace is a breathtaking Bristol outdoor event space that is available for hire in the summer months. Perfect for any occasion, this spot is one of the most unique party settings across Bristol, with an atmosphere unlike no other. With its scenic outdoor space, it’s the ultimate summer venue.
Clifton Observatory Tower: If you are looking for an intimate setting for your gathering, the Clifton Observatory Tower offers the perfect setting. Take in 360 views across the Bristol skyline whilst enjoying your special occasion with your guests. Our tower has three levels, each with museum displays detailing the history of the Observatory. Level three boasts our Camera Obscura, one of just a few of its kind in the country. Explore the history of the Observatory whilst celebrating in a unique and historic setting.

Attraction Opening Hours

April-Oct: 10AM-5PM
Nov-March: 10AM-4PM

Café Opening Hours

April-Oct (Mon-Fri): 10AM-5PM
Nov-March (Mon-Fri): 10AM-4PM
April-Oct (Sat-Sun): 10AM-6PM
Nov-March (Sat-Sun): 10AM-5PM

Address: Clifton Observatory, Observatory Road, Clifton, Bristol, UK

Post Code: BS8 3LT

Council: Bristol

County: Bristol

By Car: Clifton Observatory doesn’t have designated parking, however there is meter parking on the streets nearby, notably Clifton Down Road and Observatory Road.
By Bus: We are approximately a 5-minute walk from the bus stop on Observatory Road where the number 8 bus to Temple Meads rail station stops,
By Train: 20-minute walk from Clifton Down rail station.