Bristol is blessed with some amazing vistas and vantage points, here are a few of our favourites...

Clifton Suspension Bridge

The world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was built in 1864 and offers dramatic views down the Avon Gorge into the city and beyond.

This iconic attraction is open to walk across daily to admire Bristol and the surrounding countryside. Guided tours also run regularly from the Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre if you’d like to learn more about the bridge’s history whilst taking in the view.

Image - Clifton Suspension Bridge

Leigh Woods

Walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge and you’ll find National Park site Leigh Woods.

Perched atop the Avon Gorge, there are impressive views down the river. A great place for a family day out or a spot of dog walking, Leigh Woods hosts regular events among the trees.

>>> See more of Bristol’s best dog walking spots

Image - Avon Gorge & Clifton Suspension Bridge

The White Lion

If you don’t make it across the gorge, take in the panoramic views with a drink at The White Lion’s heated terrace.

From the huge outdoor platform, you can admire the Clifton Suspension Bridge and look across the rolling Somerset hills.

Image - The terrace at The White Lion

Narroways Hill

More candidly known as ‘the mound’, Narroways Hill in St Werburghs is an area steeped in history and fondly looked after by locals.

The mound, infringed by the city and allotments, looks over St Werburghs or out across railway tracks to the east of the city.

>>> Bristol’s best autumn walks

Brandon Hill and Cabot Tower

Located just off Park Street, Brandon Hill offers spectacular views over the city and Harbourside, and if you climb Cabot Tower at the top of the hill these views are even better.

Entrance to the 32 metre (105ft) tower is free and it is open daily, allowing you a 360 degree view of Bristol and beyond from the oldest park in the city.

Image - Cabot Tower

Victoria Park

Head south of the river to this large park and enjoy views of the city skyline and landmarks.

If you want to get into the warm, pop along to the nearby Victoria Park pub for views of Dundry Hill and the surrounding countryside from their large garden and heated terrace.

M Shed

Go along to Bristol’s free history museum, M Shed, to learn about the story of the city, then visit the roof terrace balcony to behold stunning views of the Habourside.

See the cranes on the quayside, the ferries zipping around the harbour, and neighbouring replica of John Cabot’s famous ship, The Matthew.

Image - The terrace at M Shed

We The Curious

The exclusive rooftop balcony above Bristol’s science centre, We The Curious, offers unique views over Millennium Square.

The terrace was open over summer as part of the ‘What If’ Festival and is also open to private parties. Don’t pass up on an opportunity to visit!

Bristol Cathedral

The beautiful and historic Bristol Cathedral on College Green offers tours all year round, and there are regular opportunities to climb the tower and view Bristol from its rooftop.

This ancient structure offers great views up Park Street and down the river to South Bristol.

Image - The view from the roof of Bristol Cathedral

Dundry Hill

South of Bristol, Dundry Hill enjoys breathtaking views of the city. Sit next to the church at the summit to enjoy views over Bristol to the Severn Bridges and beyond.

>>> Have a room with a view at Bristol View Glamping

Bristol View Glamping

Image - Bristol View Glamping

Wills Memorial Building

Inside Bristol University’s Wills Memorial Building you can visit the 7th largest bell in the UK as part of their regular tours.

Whilst on the tour, climb to the top of the 66 metre (215ft) tower and enjoy 360 degree views of Bristol. Tickets are £5 and all profits raised are donated to Wallace & Gromit’s Grand Appeal.

Image - Wills Memorial Building

The basket of a hot air balloon

Potentially the most Bristolian way of getting a good look at the city is from the basket of a hot air balloon!

Ascend into the sky for a few hours and peacefully float above the city in any direction the wind blows while you enjoy the view and sip on Champagne - what could be finer?

>>> More about hot air ballooning in Bristol

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The Best Views in Bristol

Related

Clifton Suspension Bridge
Historic Site
Clifton Suspension Bridge credit Chris Hartley

The world famous bridge and the iconic symbol of Bristol, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1831 and completed in 1864 after his death

Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre
Heritage/Visitor Centre
Clifton Suspension Bridge

See displays and artefacts explaining the history, construction and maintenance of the world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge

The White Lion Bar
Restaurant
The White Lion Bar

Restaurant with a private terrace overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge

Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill
Garden
Cabot Tower and Brandon Hill Bristol

Cabot Tower is a century-old 105ft tower, set in the gorgeous parkland of Brandon Hill near Park Street in the West End.

M Shed
Museum
M Shed
The Matthew
Historic Ship
The Matthew Bristol

Based in Bristol’s floating harbour for much of the year, the Matthew is popular for harbour tours as well as longer sailing trips.

We The Curious
Science Centre
We The Curious exhibitions

We The Curious is a state-of-the-art visitor attraction, offering an amazing world of hands-on discovery for you, your friends and family.

Bristol Cathedral
Cathedral/Minster
Bristol Cathedral West End

Much more than a fascinating building, being a fine example of a hall church, it is a centre of Bristol's history, civic life and culture.

Wills Memorial Building Tour
Walking Tour
Wills Memorial

Officially opened in 1925, the Wills Memorial Building houses the University’s School of Law and the School of Earth Sciences, in addition to hosting graduation ceremonies twice a year and a whole host of public events.