Description
Clifton Suspension Bridge is a world-famous landmark spanning the Avon Gorge in Bristol, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It is a symbol of the city’s engineering heritage and is open to visitors 24 hours a day, all year round. Pedestrians and cyclists can cross for free, making it an accessible and iconic attraction for everyone.
Visitors can walk across the bridge, enjoy views of the Avon Gorge, and visit the free museum on the Leigh Woods side. The museum includes films, historical artefacts, personal stories, and a hands-on education workshop for bridge-building activities. Guided experiences include the Vaults Visit, 1 Hour Hard Hat Tour, Underground Lantern Tour, and Weekend Bridge Tour, each offering different levels of access and storytelling.
Crossing the bridge is free for pedestrians and cyclists, while motorists pay a £1 contactless toll. Guided tour prices include £12 for adults and £10 for children (7+) for the Vaults Visit, £16 for the 1 Hour Hard Hat Tour (7+), and £18 for the Underground Lantern Tour (18+). The museum entry is free of charge.
Overall, Clifton Suspension Bridge offers a mix of sightseeing, history, and immersive guided experiences. It allows visitors to appreciate one of Britain’s greatest engineering achievements up close. This attraction is a must-visit for anyone exploring Bristol, whether for a short walk, learning experience, or guided tour.
Tour at the Bridge
Underground Vaults Visit – Relaxed, Interactive, Educational:
- Guided tour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge’s Underground Vaults. You can explore the chambers at your own pace. Minimum age 7+. Did you know the Leigh Woods tower is built on top of 12 massive vaults? Put on a hard hat, climb down the ladder and explore two of these unique chambers for yourself.
- You will be accompanied by a White-Badge Certified Learning Facilitator. There will be plenty of time to take photographs and ask any questions you might have to our friendly and knowledgeable guides.
One Hour Hard Hat Tour – Fully Guided, Historical In-Depth:
- A fully guided tour of Clifton Suspension Bridge’s Vaults. Participants must be a minimum age of 7+, but this tour is recommended for adults. Private group tours are available by arrangement. Many of the bridge’s secrets, like the vaulted chambers sealed inside the abutment, were lost when Brunel died.
- Join our knowledgeable volunteer guides, as they lead you through the uncovered history of the bridge on this 1-hour historical tour. The tour begins on the abutment at street level. Find out some of the most interesting facts about Clifton Suspension Bridge, whilst seeing it like never before!
Underground Lantern Tour – Fully Guided, Atmospheric, Immersive:
- This is a fully guided tour of Clifton Suspension Bridge’s Vaults. Experience it the same way as the engineers who built the bridge by using our Victorian-style lanterns to explore the space. In our immersive Lantern Tour, you can reveal the secrets of Clifton Suspension Bridge by the flickering light of your lantern.
- Our knowledgeable guides will transport you to the era of the bridge’s construction. Once inside, imagine yourself in the boots of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and the labourers who made this engineering marvel a reality.
- Our Lantern Tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Clifton Suspension Bridge for all visitors alike. Don a hard hat and descend the ladder to reveal the stories hidden within these historic vaults.
Weekend Bridge Tour: Guided tour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge
- This is a guided tour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. There are no age restrictions on this tour. All content is family friendly. This does not include the Vault Tour. Join our knowledgeable volunteer guides as they share their facts about the history and maintenance of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge!
- Tours begin at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Toll House on the Bristol side of the bridge. You will then cross the bridge before finishing at the museum. Join us to learn about all things Bristol, Clifton Suspension Bridge and Brunel!
0.52 miles
