Clifton Observatory & Giant's Cave
A former windmill tower on the hill beside the Suspension Bridge, housing a Victorian camera obscura. A tunnel leads down to the Giant's Cave platform on the cliff for views of the bridge.
Clifton Observatory was originally an 18th-century windmill and was converted into an observation tower in 1828. The camera obscura at the top still operates, using mirrors to project a live view of the surrounding gorge and the Suspension Bridge onto a round table. A narrow tunnel leads down from the observatory to the Giant's Cave, a natural cave platform cut into the cliff of the Avon Gorge, about 76 meters above the river and directly facing the bridge, offering a unique vantage point. The admission ticket, which costs about £10, covers the camera obscura, the Giant's Cave and a small exhibition. The grassy slopes of Clifton outside are free and are a popular picnic spot for watching the bridge. The top-floor café offers views over the gorge.
Opening hours
About 10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Clifton Village
- Leigh Woods
- Brunel's SS Great Britain
- Cabot Tower & Brandon Hill
- Ashton Court Estate
- Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
- Wills Memorial Building