Clifton

Elegant, leafy and filled with chic boutiques, cosy cafes, beautiful buildings and iconic attractions, such as Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Zoo Gardens, Clifton is one of Bristol's most exclusive suburbs and picturesque quarters. Beginning with the Clifton Triangle and reaching into the area affectionately known as Clifton Village, this stunning Georgian area is always hugely popular with visitors.

The thriving hub of Clifton Village features pretty streets lined with boutiques and fine places to eat. For an unusual shopping experience, the Victorian Clifton Arcade houses some of the most unique shops in the city, selling everything from vintage jewellery to home interiors. Watch the Discover Clifton Village film here. There's also a great map to help you navigate, which you can download here, or pick up a copy from the Tourist Information Centre.

Linking Bristol City Centre with The Downs is the lively Whiteladies Road, home to excellent nightlife with many bars and restaurants lining the mile-long road. BBC Bristol is loacted here, offering behind-the-scenes tours.

At the end of Whiteladies Road is Queen's Road and the Triangle, home to Bristol Museum and Art Gallery and the Royal West of England Academy, both of which welcome visiting exhibitions alongside their excellent permanent collections.

Iconic Attractions

The area is best known for the Clifton Suspension Bridge, a stunning structure designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel which was completed over 150 years ago. The bridge is free to walk and cycle across (cars charge at £1) and offers magnificent views of the Avon Gorge and surrounding countryside. On the Leigh Woods side is a visitor centre which is open daily and displays the history of the bridge.

The Lido, on Oakfield Place, has been fully restored and offers year-round outdoor swimming, spa treatments and award-winning dining. 

Clifton is also home to Bristol Zoo Gardens, one of the world's longest established and well-respected zoos. Explore 12 acres of landscaped gardens and find over 400 species of exotic animals from around the globe including a family of gorillas, Asiatic lions, tropical butterflies, reptiles and penguins.

A relaxing environment

One of the most popular green spaces in Bristol is The Downs, made up of Clifton Down and Durdham Down. This huge area of protected parkland borders the northern fringes of Clifton and is home to the wonderful University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, which is located on the northern edge. A number of major events take place throughout the year and the area is a relaxing environment for walkers, joggers, cyclists and kite-flyers! It also boats fantastic views of the Avon Gorge from the sea walls.

Just across the Clifton Suspension Bridge is Ashton Court, a beautiful location for walking, jogging, golf, cycling and annual events, including the famous Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Hot-air balloon companies, such as Bristol Balloons and Bailey Balloons, offer flights from Ashton Court. You can also see the native deer in their large enclosed areas. Nearby Leigh Woods has a range of designated pathways leading you through oak, small leaf lime and ash trees. You can also try some adventuring and abseil or climb the Avon Gorge with Adventurous Activity Company.

Where to eat and drink in Clifton

Brilliant breakfasts, award-winning dinners and a proper taste of the West Country keep Clifton's diners happy from sunup to sundown.

Modern British favourites are the order of the day at The Clifton Sausage and fine dining can be savoured at the AA rosette-awarded No.4 Clifton Village. Goram and Vincent and White Lion Bar in the Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin both feature a huge all-weather terrace boasting the best views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and a real favorite among the locals for a sunny afternoon.

For a taste of the West Country head to the Coronation Tap for a range of ciders including its exclusive press, Exhibition. The Lido restaurant features daily-changing menus that takes inspiration from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine while the River Cottage Kitchen, first started by chef Hugh-Fearnley Whittingstall, is housed in a beautiful 19th-century church on Whiteladies Road. It serves fresh, seasonal and wild food.

End the night at Hyde and Co, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar famed for the quality of its drinks or at Be At One where you can dance the night away with a great range of cocktails.

Clifton is a 15-20 minute stroll up Park Street from the centre, or you can also take the bus to the shops and bars of Clifton Village with a regualr service running every day (except public holidays). Find out more travel options at www.travelwest.info.