Two Hour Historical Hard Hat Tour

This fully guided experience includes both the Clifton Suspension Bridge Tour and the Vaults Tour. Participants must be a minimum age of 12+, but this tour is recommended for adults.

This is our most comprehensive experience to discover the history and maintenance of Bristol’s famous Clifton Suspension Bridge! It begins at the toll house on the Bristol side of the bridge. Our friendly guides will then walk you across to our museum on the far side. Don a hard hat at the museum, then descend the ladder into the hidden vaults.

Private group bookings are available by arrangement.

• “If you love history and architecture then this is tailor made for you – the wow factor is way beyond anything else that I’ve ever done before.”
• “Absolutely worth it!”

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 12+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. For school and youth groups we’d recommend a ratio of 1:5, but if you’re planning a friends and family trip parents/guardians should be responsible for the safety of their own children. Ideally a ratio of 1 adult to 2 children is preferred.
• 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 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. Find more information at www.cliftonbridge.org.uk/vaultsbooking
• 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.