Bats & Hard Hats: Hidden Vaults & Night Wildlife

Go underground and after dark on this unique Bristol experience exploring hidden vaults and the secret world of bats. This guided experience brings together two rarely accessible worlds—Bristol’s hidden engineering heritage and its nocturnal wildlife.

Delivered by experts from the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust and Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project, it offers both historical insight and hands-on discovery.

This experience is part of City Uncovered: Bristol, taking place from 18th–31st May – a limited-time series of unique, under-the-radar experiences designed to help you see the city differently.

What to expect:

Your evening begins at the Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum, where you’ll be fitted with a hard hat before descending a ladder into the rarely seen Leigh Woods Vaults. On a guided tour, you’ll explore two of the vast underground chambers built in the 1830s under Isambard Kingdom Brunel—spaces that lay hidden for over a century before being rediscovered in 2002.

As you move through these atmospheric vaults, you’ll uncover the engineering history behind the bridge and gain a rare glimpse into a forgotten part of Bristol’s past.

Back above ground, the experience shifts from history to wildlife. At dusk, you’ll meet bat expert Dr Luke Romaine, who will guide you through the fascinating world of UK bats. As the light fades, you’ll explore the Observatory and Promenade, using bat detectors and thermal imaging to listen for echolocation and even “see” bats in flight.

Expect a truly immersive experience that combines hidden heritage with live nature encounters, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Avon Gorge.

This experience is perfect for:

• Curious explorers wanting a one-of-a-kind experience

• Nature lovers interested in wildlife and conservation

• History enthusiasts fascinated by hidden spaces

• Anyone looking for an unusual and memorable evening

What’s included:

• Guided tour of the Leigh Woods Vaults

• Hard hat and access to restricted underground spaces

• Expert-led bat walk with Dr Luke Romaine

• Use of bat detectors

• Exploration of Observatory Hill and surrounding area at dusk

Good to know:

• Duration: 2 hours 15

• Location: Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum

• Accessibility: Not suitable for those with limited mobility, includes ladder access and uneven terrain

• What to bring: Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing