One Hour Hard Hat Tour

Fully guided tour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge’s Underground Vaults. Minimum age 7+; recommended for adults. Private group tours are available by arrangement.

When construction of the Clifton Suspension Bridge began in 1831, the eyes of the world were on 23-year-old Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his bold plan to build the highest and longest bridge in the world. Many of the bridge’s secrets, like the vaulted chambers sealed inside the abutment, were lost when Brunel died.

Join our knowledgeable volunteer guides on a one-hour historical tour through two of Brunel’s twelve vaulted chambers. The tour will begin on the abutment above, then once you’ve descended the ladder 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.

• “Really interesting and informative tour, the guides were passionate about the subject and happy also to answer questions. Would recommend.”
• “Loved the passion of our guide. Clearly knowledgeable and had a few quirky anecdotes to boot.”
• “I totally loved it. Fascinating knowing how it was built and what was below. Very impressive.”

Hard Hat Tour Restrictions:

Please ensure that all members of your group are aware of the following restrictions. For safety reasons, we may not be able to allow members of your party to access the vaults if they have not complied with the following:

• Tours are suitable for age 7+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
• There is a minimum height limit of 1.2m.
• Please wear sturdy shoes with good grip such as hiking boots or trainers. You will not be allowed to join the tour in heels, flip-flops or open-toed shoes.
• This tour includes climbing a vertical ladder and passing through a low corridor. Please ensure that you are physically capable of doing so.
• Please ensure that any camera, phone, or device you bring will fit in your pocket or bag so that you have two hands free to climb the ladder.
• Only small rucksack type bags worn over both shoulders or bags with cross-body straps will be permitted inside the vaults. Large bags, handbags, umbrellas and so on can be stored securely at the Museum during your tour.
• Be aware that the vaults can be wet and/or muddy inside, particularly after heavy rain. Please wear suitable clothing and ensure that cameras or mobile phones are protected from the calcite saturated water which may fall from the ceiling.
• Although we will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, this may not always be possible due to the nature of the tour.

Our volunteer Hard Hat Tour Guides are winners of the 2023  Heritage Collaboration Award, a national celebration of the UK’s best heritage volunteers.