Walk in Bristol
with Richie
The Clifton Arcade
5 Nearest Attraction
(0,2 mile - 4 min walking)
(0,2 mile - 5 min walking)
(0,2 mile - 5 min walking)
(0,3 mile - 6 min walking)
5. Goldney Hall
(0,3 mile - 6 min walking)
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Click to the postcode to check the map .
Official website:
Situated in the heart of Clifton Village, this unique and beautiful Victorian shopping arcade houses some of the most unusual shopping in Bristol.
Originally opened in 1878, it later fell into disuse but has recently been restored and now houses a community of small shops.
There really is something for everyone in the Clifton Arcade. And to round it off the popular Primrose Café offers a relaxed atmosphere with freshly prepared food available all day.
Richie's opinion :
"Shopping Quarter - with Independent shops in a classic Victorian style building.
Lovely and beautiful, eclectic shops selling antiques, art works and gifts, I advise to visit it to all antique and art shop lovers, the shops have so great collection.
If you're in Clifton, you can't miss it. "
History
Built between 1876 and 1878 by Joseph King, a self-taught architect, entrepreneur and builder, The Clifton Arcade was a Victorian version of the shopping mall.
The Clifton Arcade was originally known as King's Arcade, or the Clifton Bazaar.
In 1873 he had built a row of Italianate shops in Whiteladies Road.
His grand scheme for Boyce's Avenue was two separate buildings, the shopping arcade itself, in King's Road and in Boyce's Avenue, a reception and entrance way to the arcade, with a space in the middle for carriages to drive inside the complex.
In front of his arcade was a pleasure ground matching the one already laid out in the front of Boyce's Buildings.
According to a contemporary plan, the lawn had an entrance opposite Rodney Place, another in King's Road.
There were seven large trees standing where W.H. Smiths and the row of shops were recently situated.
King's Clifton Bazaar and Winter Garden opened on April 7th, 1879.
It was an instant flop - it became known as King's Folly.
There were no takers and he went bankrupt. It was already for sale by July 1879.
The present owners Moorpoint Ltd acquired the arcade and undertook the restoration of those parts of the building that could be saved.
By 1998 the terrace on Kings Road had been rebuilt in the similar Bristol Venetian style as the original, where you will find the eclectic mix of shops along with Primrose Café today.
The arcade was used in a promotional pop video for 1980's band Del Amitri - the song was "Nothing Ever Happens" and the year was 1989.
The Arcade featuring in the opening sequence of the 2015-2016 BBC documentary from Dr Lucy Worsley - A Very British Romance.
About the Clifton Arcade
Independent shopping in the heart of Clifton Village
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17 unique shops set in Victorian splendour
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Quality gifts, antiques and jewellery...
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Photography and Modern Art Galleries...
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Fabrics and Interior Gardens...
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Stylish Hairdressing and Speciality Teas...
Opening Times
Monday: 10am–5:30pm
Tuesday: 10am–5:30pm
Wednesday: 10am–5:30pm
Thursday: 10am–5:30pm
Friday: 10am–5:30pm
Saturday: 10am–6pm
Sunday: 11am–4pm
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Car Parking
There is no dedicated car park.
Find out where to park in Bristol.
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SHOPS
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Primrose Café
Cosmopolitan café culture on your doorstep
From humble beginnings in 1993, the Primrose Café
Village
Independent gift shop
Established in 2001, full of quirky, fun gifts and cards:
bee inspired
Bees & Graves Jewellery
Caution: We don't do boring...
Jo's Tea
A Fresh Bubble Tea & Fruit Tea Shop
Amethyst Antiques
Quality diamond gem set jewellery at very competitive prices.
Clare Hooper
Paintings and giclee prints .
f4 Photography Gallery
Browse and be transported into other worlds
Dedicated to photography, f4 exhibits
The Fabric House
Curtains, blinds and fabrics
The Fabric House has been a well-established small business
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Hidden
Extraordinary art for the modern collector.
Hidden proudly hold an impressive collection
Nook Deco
Antique Chinese Furniture from the Provinces
Individually hand picked one of a kind, unique
Interior Oasis
Interior garden designs, for elegant modern homes
Interior Oasis is a culmination of founder,
Hermione Harbutt
Couture Accessories
Hermione Harbutt is a master artisan, creating contemporary and covetable accessories
Yours Truly
A Davines Salon
Ralph's Barbershop
Barbering with style
Moorpoint Limited
Management of the Arcade
The current owners, Moorpoint Limited, should be contacted if you have any enquiries about taking retail space at the Arcade.
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