Plan your visit to Clifton, Bristol
This picturesque suburb of Bristol is home to iconic city landmarks, an excellent zoo and boutiques set inside Georgian- and Victoria-era buildings.
Commanding an idyllic setting on a hill above the bustle of central Bristol is the affluent neighborhood of Clifton. Clifton moves at its own nonchalant pace and is loved for its boutique shopping, elegant houses and village-like atmosphere. Evidence of settlements dating back to 350 B.C. have been found here, making it older than Bristol itself. Merchants moved in during the 1700s and 1800s and contributed to the splendid architectural landscape.
Start your visit with a walk across Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864. It affords magnificent views of the Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve and south toward the Mendip Hills. Walk from here to the nearby Clifton Observatory, an 18th-century windmill that later became an artist’s studio and is now an observation tower. The grounds of the observatory are popular among picnickers, photographers and walkers.
Experience the infectious charm of the suburb at Clifton Village shopping district. Here artists, independent fashion designers, jewelers and quaint cafés occupy Georgian mansions. Poke around antiques and handicraft stalls in the Victorian Clifton Arcade. Royal York Crescent is one of Europe’s longest terraces and one of the city’s finest ensembles of Georgian and Regency architecture.
There’s fun for all ages at Bristol Zoo Gardens, a 12-acre (5-hectare) wildlife park with over 450 animal species. Close by is Clifton Down, an area of lush green parkland ideal for escaping the crowds and playing sports. Another interesting attraction is Birdcage Walk, an arched walkway that cuts through graveyard of the ruins of a 12th-century church. Catch performances by Bristol’s university music students at the Victoria Rooms and amateur theater productions at Redgrave Theatre.
Public buses travel regularly to Clifton from Bristol City Centre. Alternatively, take a train to Clifton Down station. From Bristol Harbourside it’s just a 35-minute walk to the heart of the neighborhood. There’s also access to the estate of Ashton Court Mansion from the west side of Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Brandon Hill - Lush hilly lawns, a children’s playground, sweeping views and a Neo-Gothic tower make Bristol’s oldest park a popular retreat from the city center.
The Clifton Arcade - Find out about the history of Bristol when you take a trip to The Clifton Arcade. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
Clifton Cathedral - You can learn about the history of Bristol with a visit to Clifton Cathedral. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
Clifton Downs and Observatory - You can learn about the history of Bristol when you stop by Clifton Downs and Observatory. Check out the shops and lively bars in this walkable area.
The Downs - Learn about the local history of Bristol with a stop at The Downs. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theater scene in this walkable area.
Christ Church Clifton - Find out about the history of Bristol when you take a trip to Christ Church Clifton. Discover the great live music and shops in this walkable area.
Giant's Cave - Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Giant's Cave during your travels in Bristol. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this walkable area.
Emmaus House - Find out about the history of Bristol when you take a trip to Emmaus House. Check out the shops and top-notch restaurants in this walkable area.
Trail Run from the City - Run from Bristol city into the countryside under your own steam, in a small and social running group. See a selection of local sights including parks, fields and woodland.
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Stonehenge & Cotswold Villages from Bristol - Today is a day full of wonder. Departing Bristol, your first stop for the day is the prehistoric monument Stonehenge. This site has lured people year after year; these incredible standing stones weigh about 25 tons each and have many legends attached to them.
Bristol: Brunel's SS Great Britain Experience Entry Ticket - Begin your journey by stepping onto Brunel's SS Great Britain, a marvel of maritime history that revolutionized travel, nestled in the very dry dock where it was constructed. This experience offers a unique glimpse into the past across two dedicated museums and the ship itself.
Bristol: Blackbeard to Banksy Guided Walking Tour - Uncover Bristol's historic downtown area on a two-hour tour with an expert guide. Begin your tour outside Bristol Cathedral on College Green, an imposing medieval church built in the 12th century.
Bristol: St. Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Tour - Your local guide will take you on a magical tour from Bristol's ancient origins to the city's vibrant present! Enjoy exclusive access to the nation’s No.1 covered Market and our subterranean WW11 air raid shelter.
Banksy Street Art Graffiti Self-Guided Tour in Bristol - Play a city exploration game where you search your surroundings for ways to solve fun challenges and puzzles that reveal amazing places and stories in the city center of Bristol. There is no guide involved, you just follow an app and play at your own pace.
Oxford & the Cotswolds from Bristol - Your journey begins as you head out of Bristol and enter a dream. North Wessex Downs is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a treasure to its country. As you drive through a landscape of grasslands and valleys, all you need to do is enjoy and take it all in.