BRISTOL GUIDE Independent ideas for your day out

Outdoors / BRISTOL

Clifton Suspension Bridge

See the Avon Gorge framed by Brunel’s suspension bridge, then cross on foot if conditions suit. The experience is the structure and its setting, with a free bridge museum on the Leigh Woods side when open. Treat Clifton as its own hilltop outing rather than a quick extension of the harbour.

Stone tower and suspension chains of Clifton Suspension Bridge
Photo: mattbuck
Before you go

Maintenance closes the bridge to vehicles and cycling from 9:30am to 3:30pm on 14–17 September 2026; one narrow pedestrian footway remains open. The bridge museum is closed on 14 September. Check the operator’s notice before travelling.

The practical details

Where to find it
Clifton, Bristol, crossing the Avon Gorge to Leigh Woods in North Somerset; the bridge museum is on the Leigh Woods side.
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking
Walking across and general museum admission are free. Book any specialist tour separately and check its restrictions; vehicle crossing charges are a different matter.
Access and getting around
The crossing is exposed and current works narrow the pedestrian route. Check the bridge’s accessibility information and ask the operator whether the temporary arrangement meets your needs.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children
Keep children close on the footway beside traffic and consider whether heights will be enjoyable. Museum activities can add context when the museum is open.

Practical information checked 14 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 1–1½ hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

Explore more ideas for your day →

HELP IMPROVE THIS GUIDE

Was this useful?

Tell us what helped, what is missing or what needs correcting. Your feedback goes to the editor.

Please include details when reporting a correction or suggesting an addition.Please leave out personal or sensitive information. How we use feedback