Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre

About

Brunel’s world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge is the symbol of Bristol – but how and why was it built? Cross the Avon Gorge 75 metres above the high tide mark and find out why the design of the Bridge changed so many times, how daredevil bridge builders managed to get the suspension chains from one side to the other, the impressive secret discovered 140 years after the bridge first opened - and what the mysterious Latin inscription ‘Suspensa Vix Via Fit’ really means.

The Visitor Information Centre is situated at the Leigh Woods end of the bridge. It contains information about the competition to design the bridge, its construction and completion and how it is maintained today. Watch a DVD about the bridge, see objects from our collection (including stereoscopic images and original souvenirs) and browse the shop, where you'll find books, postcards and souvenirs.

Entrance is free and they are open 10am-5pm daily throughout the year except Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

FREE guided tours run at 3pm every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter to October. You'll find your volunteer guide by the Clifton Toll Booth (Bristol side of the bridge) wearing a high vis jacket. Tours last 45 minutes to 1 hour, finishing at the Visitor Centre on the Leigh Woods (Somerset) side of the bridge. Along the way, you'll find benches to sit on although you will be outside for the duration of the tour, so please dress for the weather! All are welcome, although if you are bringing a large group (e.g.: school, club or society) please book your own private guided tour.

Hard Hat Tours of the Leigh Woods Vaults run on selected dates between Easter and October. The tours take two hours and include a visit to two of the twelve chambers inside the Leigh Woods Abutment, which were designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. For more information and booking, please visit https://www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/visit/events.

If you're planning on bringing a large group to the bridge, you can book a 45 minute - 1 hour guided tour and/or schools workshop – find out more at www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/school-group-bookings. There is no charge for adults accompanying school groups with pupils aged 16 years and under.