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 |
What people are saying
Oct 2023
Great tour guides nice pace and very clear instructions to keep yourself safe.
Jul 2023
We spent a most enjoyable informative hour with our hard hats provide (definitely required!) , at...
Jul 2023
Really interesting and enjoyable experience. Gordon was very knowledgeable and would I recommend ...
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
Clifton Supension Bridge
Clifton Suspension Bridge is an icon of human ingenuity, British engineering and Bristolian identity. The Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is a not-for-profit charity that acts as a custodian for this iconic landmark. Their mission is to converse and maintain the bridge to the highest possible standards. Join them in celebrating this unique cultural site and source of inspiration.
With the help of dedicated volunteers, uncover the history behind this unique iron chain suspension bridge - now one of Europe's few remaining - in one of the Trust's historical tours. Enrich your understanding and appreciation for this site.
Clifton Suspension Bridge's multi award-winning free-entry Visitor Centre attracts 80,000 visitors each year. Sharing the story of the ‘ornament of Bristol’, unravelling the lost techniques and engineering secrets used to construct this bridge in an engaging way.
Any questions?
Ask your question directly to Clifton Suspension Bridge.