Clifton Suspension Bridge

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Clifton Suspension Bridge The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge, is the iconic symbol of Bristol.
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Find out about the competition to design the bridge, learn about the project which established Brunel as one of the greatest British engineers, and find out how we maintain the working historic structure today.

The Colonnade at Hotwells, c. 1950 The colonnade, erected in 1786 by Samuel Powell, provided shops and a circulating lib...
13/10/2026

The Colonnade at Hotwells, c. 1950

The colonnade, erected in 1786 by Samuel Powell, provided shops and a circulating library for spa visitors, and is one of the only visible surviving parts of the once popular spa.

One of our team's favourite types of reviews for the are less than glowing impressions of our wonderful bridge due to ...
08/10/2026

One of our team's favourite types of reviews for the are less than glowing impressions of our wonderful bridge due to weather 🌧️

If you're been in the museum lately you might have seen our bestselling 'Just a Bridge' two star review magnet. Should we get this one turned into a souvenir as well?

that by shopping at your local gallery or museum, like the Museum, you are actively contributing to their mission an...
07/10/2026

that by shopping at your local gallery or museum, like the Museum, you are actively contributing to their mission and continued success? Every purchase, whether online or in person helps keep the story of the bridge free for all.

We're thrilled to now stock Studio Lowen earrings, as they're beautiful and lightweight while also championing sustainable making. Each pair is handcrafted using leather and suede offcuts, making something lovely out of materials that would otherwise be disposed of.

🛍 shop.cliftonbridge.org.uk/collections/studio-lowen

that in order to get into the tops of the towers people have to be winched up in a small basket from the top arch, and...
05/10/2026

that in order to get into the tops of the towers people have to be winched up in a small basket from the top arch, and they can only go up two at a time? There is a small ladder to get to the upper arch, but no direct access to the top.

This is why no one, but those required by maintenance can access the space.

Only a few more weeks to go on a Vaults Tour before we close them for the year! We have lot's of weekend availability ...
02/10/2026

Only a few more weeks to go on a Vaults Tour before we close them for the year! We have lot's of weekend availability (including this Sunday), and even more tours during the October half term.

Adults £16.00
Children (7-17) £10.00

🎩 https://cliftonbridge.org.uk/underground-vaults-visit/

in 1829 the first competition to design a bridge across the River Avon at Clifton was announced. Thomas Telford judged...
01/10/2026

in 1829 the first competition to design a bridge across the River Avon at Clifton was announced. Thomas Telford judged the competition, but deemed that not of the submitted designs were good enough to implement. Instead, he put forward is own neo-gothic design, which was also rejected.

The second competition is what saw Isambard Kingdom Brunel appointed to his first solo project, at just 24-years old. He submitted several designs, including one in an Egyptian style, which was chosen.

📷 Mullholland Media for Taziker

from the River Avon in 1998 🌊
29/09/2026

from the River Avon in 1998 🌊

28/09/2026

***The bridge is now open to traffic. Thank you for your understanding.***

The Clifton Suspension bridge is currently closed to all pedestrians and traffic due to an ongoing incident.

We will update you when the bridge has reopened.

in 1836 30-year-old Isambard Kingdom Brunel made the first successful crossing on his suspended traveller across the A...
27/09/2026

in 1836 30-year-old Isambard Kingdom Brunel made the first successful crossing on his suspended traveller across the Avon Gorge. For good measure, he took the Harbour Master, Christopher Claxton's, son

The suspended traveller was a basket car which hung from an iron bar 305 metres (1,000 feet) long and 3.8 centimetres (1½ inches) thick which stretched from one side of the gorge to the other and was welded in place.

Origianlly used to transport workers, trips were sold to the public when the project ran into financial problems for 5 shillings (£37.00 today) initially, which was later "reduced to half a crown, and finally one shilling or one and six 'to and fro'" The attraction raised £164.00 for the Company by the time it closed down in 1843 (approximately £18,700 in today's money).

Address

Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum, Bridge Road, Leigh Woods
Bristol
BS83PA

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+441179744664

Website

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