For the perfect afternoon stroll, I would recommend you explore Clifton Village in Bristol. Known for the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge and the magnificent Georgian terraced houses, Clifton Village is a charming neighbourhood. Located at the top of one of Bristol’s steep hills, just 20 minutes walk away from the city centre, Clifton was and still is one of the most affluent areas in the city.
To explore Clifton Village to the fullest, visit the following 5 sights.
Contents:
1. The Clifton Suspension Bridge
2. Observatory Hill
3. The Georgian architecture
4. Princess Victoria Street & The Mall
5. Clifton Arcade
1. Walk across the spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge
The main sight to explore in Clifton Village is the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Towering over the Avon Gorge and linking Clifton Village to Leigh Woods, the world-famous bridge was built in the 19th century by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Designed at the time for horse traffic, the bridge still meets the travelling needs of the 21st century.
Clifton Suspension Bridge from Spike IslandThe Clifton Suspension Bridge is a key symbol of the city of Bristol. You can walk across the bridge for free and enjoy the superb views over the city, the Avon Gorge and the surrounding countryside. To drive across the bridge, there is £1 toll fee.
Top tip:
For the best views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, I would recommend visiting the harbour of Hotwells and Spike Island or the park at Observatory Hill.
2. Enjoy splendid views from Observatory Hill
Observatory Hill is a small park located on the cliff side of the Avon Gorge overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The park offers splendid views of the gorge and the city of Bristol, as well as the finest views of the bridge, enabling you to fully appreciate the discerning lines of this famous landmark. You can also escape to the park for a peaceful stroll across lush lawns and green woods.
Clifton Suspension Bridge from Observatory HillTop tip:
For the most breathtaking views, visit Observatory Hill at sundown on a clear evening and enjoy the colourful painting across the Avon Gorge as the sun sets.
3. Discover the magnificent Georgian architecture
Clifton Village is packed full of superb Georgian terraced houses. On every street you walk, you will discover the crème de la crème of 18th century architecture. You will find the most remarkable examples of splendour along Caledonia Place and West Mall streets, Royal York Crescent, Victoria Square and Vyvyan Terrace, to name but a few.
Royal York CrescentTop tip:
To travel back to Georgian times, I would urge you to simply get lost in the countless magnificent streets of Clifton Village.
4. Stroll along the charming Princess Victoria Street & The Mall
Clifton Village also boasts a number of delightful shops, cafés and pubs along Princess Victoria Street & The Mall. You can spend hours browsing the jewellery, art, clothes and accessories in the lovely shops and boutiques. For refreshments, you can take your pick among the multitude of charming cafés, bakeries, restaurants, bars and pubs.
Shops along Princess Victoria Street5. Shop at the delightful Clifton Arcade
Another key place to visit in Clifton Village is the delightful Clifton Arcade. A shopping and leisure spot located on the enchanting Boyce’s Avenue, the arcade is full of quaint boutiques, art galleries and coffee shops. On a sunny day you can even enjoy the patios of many of the cafés along Boyce’s Avenue.
Clifton Arcade (Bristol Post)Explore Bristol further
From the colourful houses of Hotwells to the charming Harbourside and the splendid Old City, discover the various neighbourhoods that make Bristol into a vibrant and eclectic hub. Explore the city to the fullest with the Bristol city guides.
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Loving the ‘top tip’ segment, a real insider outlook on these landmarks. Cannot wait to visit.
Thank you Anne! I’ll add more top tips to my next articles 🙂