Cabot Tower & Brandon Hill
Cabot Tower
A red sandstone tower atop Brandon Hill Park in the city center, where you can climb for free and enjoy 360-degree views of the harbour and city.
Cabot Tower was built in the 1890s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of explorer John Cabot's departure from Bristol in 1497 to reach North America. The tower stands about 32 meters high on the summit of Brandon Hill, the city's oldest park. Climbing the narrow spiral staircase to the top is free, and from the observation deck you can see the harbour, the cathedral, Clifton and the distant suburban hills. The park's slopes include a nature reserve, small waterfalls and benches, and locals come here to picnic and watch the sunset. It's about a 10-minute uphill walk from Park Street or Hotwells. Opening hours vary with the season and weather, and the tower may close in bad conditions.
Opening hours
Park open all day; tower approx. 08:00–17:00 (seasonal adjustments)
Nearby sights
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
- Wills Memorial Building
- Brunel's SS Great Britain
- Banksy's Well Hung Lover
- Bristol Cathedral
- We The Curious
- Bristol Harbourside
- Wapping Wharf & Cargo