Clifton Suspension Bridge - Brunel's Avon Gorge span
Clifton Suspension Bridge: Brunel's 1864 span across the Avon Gorge. Free to cross on foot, open 24 hours, small visitor centre on the Leigh Woods side too.
The Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1830, paused for lack of funds after his death, and finally completed as his memorial in 1864. It spans the Avon Gorge 75 metres above the river at high tide, connects Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in Somerset, and is one of the defining sights of the city.
Cost
Free to pedestrians and cyclists at all times. Cars pay a small toll (currently £1.00 each way).
What to see
Walk across. That is the attraction. The views east towards the city are different from the views west towards the Avon estuary. The bridge is open 24 hours a day, though it closes in high winds - check the bridge master’s website on a stormy day before walking out.
Visitor centre
On the Leigh Woods side there is a small free visitor centre (open most days) with an exhibition on the bridge’s construction, and a slightly longer walking route down into the Gorge itself for those wanting to see the bridge from below.
Access
The bridge itself has broad walkways on both sides, fully step-free from the Bristol (Clifton) side. The Leigh Woods side has a short set of steps at the visitor centre.
The nearest stop on the Bristol Insight circuit is Stop 07 - Clifton Village, a ten-minute walk to the Bristol end of the bridge.