Walk in Bristol
with Richie
5 Nearest Attraction
(0,2 mile - 4 min walking)
(0,3 mile - 6 min walking)
3. Clifton Bridge Visitor Centre
(0,4 mile - 9 min walking)
(0,5 mile - 9 min walking)
(0,6 mile - 13 min walking)
​
Click to the postcode to check the map .
Nearest Public Toilet
Suspension Bridge
(Community Toilet Scheme)
​Accessible
​
Clifton Observatory & Caves
Official website:
https://cliftonobservatory.com/
Tel: 0117 974 1242
​Established in 1766, this iconic landmark of Bristol offers a unique viewing platform overlooking the Clifton Suspension bridge and the City of Bristol.
Opening Times
Tourist Attractions
Spring/Summer – from March:
Open 7 days a week from 10:00am – 5:00pm (Last entry 4:45pm)
Autumn/Winter From October:
Open 7 days a week from 10:00am – 4:00pm (Last entry 3:45pm)
​
Richie's opinion :
"The Clifton Observatory is in the top of the Clifton Rocks, near to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, so the view is stunning and beautiful.
Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to check it inside , but based on the pictures I saw, it can be an amazing activity .
I plan to visit it, if you're in Bristol, I don't think you should miss it too. :) "
About the Clifton Observatory & Caves
Clifton Observatory is a former mill, now used as an observatory, located on Clifton Down, close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, England.
It has been designated by English Heritage as a grade II* listed building and is on the Buildings at Risk Register.
Opening Hours
360 Café and Rooftop Terrace Seating
Monday to Sunday
10:00am – 5:00pm
Attractions
Monday to Sunday
April – October: 10:00am – 5:00pm
November – March: 10:00am – 4:00pm
Final entry 15 min before close
Attractions
​
The Museum
The observatory tower is home to a museum.
From the Iron Age, when a Celtic fort that sat atop the hill, to the early 19th century when the Bristol School of artists used the site to observe and depict the landscape, the museum details the Clifton Observatory’s rich and unique history.
There are three floors to the museum.
The first details a timeline of the observatory’s history; the second floor holds information and early photography of Bristol; and on the top floor, along with Victorian art of the view from the observatory, lives the famous Camera Obscura.
​
Camera Obscura
William West’s Camera Obscura is one of just three working Camera Obscuras in the UK.
This marvellous feat of engineering has sat atop Clifton Tower since 1828.
The Camera Obscura could be described as Victorian CCTV and it’s truly impressive to know that it still provides crystal clear real-time images of Bristol, almost 200 years after it was first installed at the observatory.
Giant’s Cave
The Giant’s Cave, sometimes known as Ghyston’s Cave or the Foxhole, is a natural cave in the limestone face of St Vincent’s Rocks in the Avon Gorge. For centuries it was accessible only from the top of the steep sided Gorge, or by a stiff climb up from the base of the cliff.
It can now be accessed from inside Clifton Observatory.
The tunnel leading down to the cave is 200 feet (61m) long.
The cave opens out onto the cliff face, 250 feet (76m) above the Avon gorge and 90 feet (27m) below the cliff top.
Facilities
360 Cafe
The 360 Café is open 7 days a week from 10am-5pm .
The Rooftop Terrace is available for private events hire year-round.
Clifton Observatory’s 360 glass café offers takeaway and both covered and uncovered outdoors seating, overlooking Clifton Down and providing impressive views of the City of Bristol and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
​
Venue Hire
Weddings
​
EVENTS
https://cliftonobservatory.com/events/
​
Tickets
All tickets are valid for 1 year from the date of purchase & can be used for entry once any time within that year. Tickets are also available for purchase upon arrival and there are no time-slots. Last entry is 4:45PM.
https://cliftonobservatory.com/tickets/
​
​
History
Clifton Observatory has a unique and varied history. From its construction on the spot of an ancient Celtic settlement and surrounded by the mythos of the Bristol giants, to its popularity among members of the Bristol School of Artists and its links to Brunel and the Clifton Suspension Bridge, there is no denying that the observatory has become an iconic feature of Bristol’s landscape.
​
1766
James Walters is awarded £200 by the Society of Merchant Venturers to build a windmill on Clifton Down.
1768
The windmill is damaged in a fire. The Society of Merchant Venturers funds repairs.
1777
A violent storm causes the windmill to catch fire once more, burning it to the ground.
1828
The Society of Merchant Venturers grant a 7-year lease on the ruined windmill at 5 shillings per annum to William West, who converts the old mill into an observatory.
1829
A competition is announced to select a design for the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Isambard Brunel submits four record-breaking designs, one of which features the Giant’s Cave as the starting point for the bridge.
1835
While excavating the foundations, West discovers natural caves. He proposes a plan of linking the observatory to the Giant’s Cave. The Society of Merchant Venturers approves the plan and excavation begins.
1837
The Giant’s Cave opens to the public with entry costing one shilling.
1860
William West dies at the age of 60. His wife and children continue to live at the observatory. Eventually West’s granddaughter Edith, a noted suffragette and campaigner for women’s rights, becomes the observatory keeper.
1897
To celebrate the 400th anniversary of John Cabot’s exploration of Newfoundland, a committee proposes that the observatory be demolished and a tower built in its place. However, Bristol residents argue to preserve the observatory, and Cabot Tower is built on Brandon Hill instead.
1940
The Home Guard requisition the observatory as a communications and patrol base, and the basement is rented out to Clifton residents as an air raid shelter.
1977
Clifton Observatory, now a Grade II* listed building, is sold by the Society of Merchant Venturers. The Society requires all future owners to maintain public access to the Camera Obscura and Giant’s Cave.
2003
Concord flies over the Observatory in the final minutes of its last flight.
2015
The Clifton Observatory is sold into private ownership to a Bristol-born resident.
2017
The museum is established at the observatory.
​