Venue Description

The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1829 and completed after his death in 1864. At the time of its design, it was the highest and longest modern suspension bridge ever conceived. The bridge has a free entry Visitor Centre, open 10am to 5pm throughout the year and leads free guided tours every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday. Group guided tours are available by arrangement.

Accessibility

The bridge is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is on the level with footways on either side. There is no accessible handrail. Benches are available at each end of the bridge but the span is 214m in length. The footways are separated from the roadway by a barrier, used by vehicles up to 4 tons.

Accessibility Guide

Accessibility Guide Link: https://cliftonbridge.org.uk/visit-explore/visitor-centre/accessibility/

Access Statement

Access Statement Link: https://cliftonbridge.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Accessibility-Statement-2019.pdf

Awards List

Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards 2023/4 – Finalist: Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Bristol Life Awards 2023 – Finalist: Leisure & Tourism Bristol Life Awards 2021 – Finalist: Cafe (Chapter & Holmes) and Finalist: Retailer (Chapter & Holmes) Cultural Enterprises Awards 2020 – Finalist: Creative Commerce Award (Clifton Volunteers for Museum Learning Awards 2019 – Winner: South West (Hard Hat Tour Guide Team) Bristol Life Awards 2019 – Winner: Leisure and Tourism Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards 2017/8 – Bronze Award Winner: Guided Tour of the Year Bristol and Bath Women of the Year Awards 2017 – Winner: Customer Service (Laura Hilton) Volunteers for Museum Learning Awards 2016 – Winner: South West (Rachel Gollin) Bristol, Bath and Somerset Tourism Awards 2016/17 – Silver Award Winner: Best Small Attraction LABC Building Excellence Awards 2015 – Winner: Best Small Commercial Building Bristol Civic Society – Winner: Best Small Commercial Building Shoutout Listener’s Awards – Best Tourist Attraction 2015 Othmar H. Ammann Awards – Bridge of the Year 2014

Toilets

The Visitor Centre at BS8 3PA includes an accessible toilet and family toilet with baby change facilities. There are public toilets at the Clifton Hub at BS8 4DU which include an accessible toilet and toilets with baby change facilities.

Staff

The Visitor Experience Manager has undertaken DDA awareness training. The Centre is staffed by volunteers, a number of whom have completed visual awareness training. Volunteers will do their best to help. Please do ask if there is anything specific you require.

Assistance dog facilities

Assistance dog exercise facilities

The bridge is adjacent to Leigh Woods (National Trust), Ashton Court (Bristol Council) and Clifton Downs (common land). These green spaces are popular with dog walkers.

Other assistance dog facilities

Water and dog biscuits are frequently available from the Leigh Woods Toll House, or Chapter & Holmes Coffee Kiosk.