Clifton Suspension Bridge 1-Hour Hard Hat Tour
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EmailReady to get up close and personal with one of Bristol's most iconic landmarks and uncover its fascinating history? This one-hour historical hard hat tour will introduce you to the design, construction and rediscovery of Brunel's Leigh Woods abutment and the secrets of its vaulted chambers.
When construction of the Clifton Suspension Bridge began in 1831, the eyes of the world were on Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his bold plan to build the highest and longest bridge in the world.
The ambitious young engineer encountered many difficulties with the project and many of the bridge’s secrets were lost when he died before the project was complete. In 2002 an intrepid team of engineers and construction workers rediscovered Brunel’s hidden vaults. This is your chance to take a look inside!
Join one of the bridge's Volunteer Guides on a one-hour historical tour through two of the 12 vaulted chambers. The tour will begin on the abutment above, but once you’ve climbed inside, your guide will share some of the most interesting features and explain why it took until 2002 for the Clifton Suspension Bridge vaults to be rediscovered.
Don a hard hat, descend into the vaults and take a look for yourself.
Important information:
- Tours are suitable for age 7+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- There is a minimum height limit of 1.2m
- All members of the group must be physically capable of climbing a vertical ladder and passing through a low corridor
- You will not be allowed to join the tour in heels or open-toed shoes. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip such as hiking boots or trainers and ensure you have two hands free to climb the ladder.
Age restrictions: 7+
| Adult (General Admission) | £15 |
| Child (General Admission) | £15 |
Available dates
What people are saying
May 2023
Gordon and Diane were a great pair of hosts, who are clearly both very passionate and knowledgeab...
May 2023
Unique experience and very informative
May 2023
Guides were knowledgeable and answered all questions asked.
May 2023
Fascinating. Our guide Gordon was enthusiastic knowledgeable and fun.
28 Reviews
May 2023
Gordon and Diane were a great pair of hosts, who are clearly both very passionate and knowledgeable about the history of the bridge. They kept the tour engaging, light and interesting throughout.
May 2023
It was a great visit to the vaults hosted by 2 wonderful volunteers. The guide, Gordon, made the visit interesting, informative and fun.
May 2023
Unique experience and very informative
May 2023
Fascinating. Our guide Gordon was enthusiastic knowledgeable and fun.
May 2023
Guides were knowledgeable and answered all questions asked.
May 2023
Really enjoyable experience
May 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed our tour. I had no idea how this was discovered so recently . The engineering of the bridge is fascinating and brilliant.
May 2023
An excellent tour with two very knowledgeable guides.
May 2023
Thank you to the leaders, very informative and enjoyable experience.
May 2023
As a Bristolian fascinated by history, I found this tour to be informative and impressive. Gordon, our tour guide, was not only extremely knowledgeable but also very very humorous. Fantastic!
May 2023
Great experience and opportunity. The guides were brilliant :)
May 2023
Really great and Laura a good and informative host
May 2023
Tour guide Gordon was brilliant. He made the tour. Great you actually get to go inside the vaults. Highly recommend
Apr 2023
A very enjoyable experience with knowledgeable and friendly guides
Apr 2023
Gordon was a great host and the experience was really interesting and different
Apr 2023
Very good and enjoyed very much. Excellent host and would recommend taking any opportunity to visit the Bristol Suspension Bridge and any tour available.
Apr 2023
I enjoyed looking round the visitor centre before the tour began. The guides were very friendly and informative, certainly knew the history and some interesting fact of the bridge. The experience of visiting the vaults was inspiring. Really enjoy the whole experience.
Apr 2023
I’d do it again at the drop of the hat!
Apr 2023
Tour was interesting, guide was knowledgeable and entertaining.
Apr 2023
Excellent
Apr 2023
Very enjoyable, all the volunteers fantastic.
Apr 2023
Great experience. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide.
Apr 2023
Excellent and informative. Was brilliant. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Apr 2023
Really enjoyable unique visit
Apr 2023
Fascinating! Recommended, especially for locals.
Apr 2023
The suspension bridge vaults are incredible. Really recommend booking a tour.
Apr 2023
Very interesting and unusual experience - who knew the vaults were there!
Apr 2023
We loved this, we've lived in Bristol for years and this was such an insight. Loved the guide and his stories. He takes a mean photo too. We would highly recommend for locals and visitors.
How to get there
Facilities
- Experience takes place outdoors
- Toilets
COVID-19 guidelines
- Hand sanitiser is available for all participants
- Face coverings are strongly encouraged inside the Visitor Centre
On the day
- All members of the group must be physically capable of climbing a vertical ladder and passing through a low corridor
- There is a minimum height limit of 1.2m
- Tours are suitable for age 7+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult
- You will not be allowed to join the tour in heels or open-toed shoes. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip such as hiking boots or trainers and ensure you have two hands free to climb the ladder.
Changes happen, don't worry
You'll be hosted by
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to Clifton Suspension Bridge.