The Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol

The Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol (must see)

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic landmark in Bristol spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge and the River Avon. It serves as a vital link between Clifton in Bristol and Leigh Woods in North Somerset. Designed by William Henry Barlow and John Hawkshaw, with inspiration from an earlier design by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the bridge has stood as a testament to engineering brilliance since its opening in 1864. The bridge's importance and historical significance are recognized by its Grade I listed building status.

The idea of constructing a bridge across the Avon Gorge was first conceived in 1753. Initial plans called for a stone bridge, but subsequent iterations envisioned a wrought iron structure. However, construction attempts based on Brunel's design were met with setbacks, including the Bristol riots of 1831. The revised version of Brunel's plans was ultimately completed after his death.

The Clifton and Leigh towers of the bridge are similar in size but have distinct designs. Clifton Tower has side cut-outs, while Leigh Tower has pointed arches on a red sandstone abutment. The bridge's functionality depends on roller-mounted "saddles" on each tower, allowing movement of the wrought iron chains when loads pass. The bridge deck is suspended by 162 vertical wrought-iron rods arranged in matching pairs.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol is not just a bridge, but also a symbol of the city. It appears on postcards, promotional materials, and websites. It is often featured in films, ads, and TV shows due to its impressive architecture. The bridge has witnessed significant cultural events, including the first modern bungee jump in 1979, the farewell flight of the Concorde in 2003, and the handover of the Olympic Torch Relay in 2012, highlighting its role in the city's heritage.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bristol. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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The Clifton Suspension Bridge on Map

Sight Name: The Clifton Suspension Bridge
Sight Location: Bristol, England (See walking tours in Bristol)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Bristol, England

Create Your Own Walk in Bristol

Create Your Own Walk in Bristol

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bristol is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bristol Introduction Walking Tour

Bristol Introduction Walking Tour

A historical city in the southwest of England, Bristol was founded around the year 1000 AD. Predating the settlement at the confluence of the Frome and Avon rivers were the Iron Age hillforts and Roman villas.

The name "Bristol" evolved from the Old English "Brycgstow", which means “the place at the bridge”. Its current form emerged through the tendency of the local...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Banksy Tour in Bristol

Banksy Tour in Bristol

Visiting Bristol is like browsing an outdoor urban gallery. Roaming the streets here you will find it difficult not to come across state-of-the-art graffiti adorning the city walls – boldly displayed in narrow passageways, backstreets or on buildings – depicting wry humor and subversive images of pop-culture.

Bristol is also where one of the greatest enigmas of recent times – Banksy –...  view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 7.0 Km or 4.3 Miles
Famous Bristol Statues Walking Tour

Famous Bristol Statues Walking Tour

Throughout its more than 1,000-year-long history, Bristol, England, has generated a wealth of cultural and historical heritage. Reflecting it now, and in some way matching it too, are a number of statues that celebrate personalities who made their mark and once graced the city with their association. These statues are scattered throughout the city, each with its unique story and importance.

The...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles