Visitor Centre
The Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre is located on the Leigh Woods (North Somerset) side of the bridge. We are open from 10am - 5pm daily and entry is always free.
This year the Visitor Centre’s opening hours will be as follows:
- Saturday 23rd December: 10am – 5pm
- Christmas Eve: CLOSED
- Christmas Day: CLOSED
- Boxing Day: 11am – 4pm
- Wednesday 27th December: 10am – 5pm
- Thursday 28th December: 10am – 5pm
- Friday 29th December: 10am – 5pm
- Saturday 30th December: 10am – 5pm
- New Year’s Eve: 10am – 5pm
- New Year’s Day: CLOSED
- Tuesday 2nd January: 10am – 5pm
- Wednesday 3rd January: CLOSED for Stocktake
The bridge will remain open 24/7/365 throughout the festive period, with no closures scheduled.
What can we see?
In the Visitor Centre you will learn about Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s design for the bridge, the bridge’s construction, completion and how it is maintained today. You can also watch a video about our history, see archival objects from our collection, and browse our shop.
Large groups (15 people+) should book a time slot in advance to ensure entry. Please note, there is a charge of £1 per person for a self-guided group visit.
The Visitor Centre is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. We also have reduced opening hours, 11am-4pm, on Boxing Day.
Tours
Did you know the Leigh Woods tower is built on top of 12 massive vaults? Put on your hard hat climb down the ladder, and explore two of these unique, cavernous chambers. Underground Vaults Tours run between April 1 and Halloween every year.
Free Bridge Tours run every Saturday, Sunday and bank holiday. Our knowledgeable volunteer Tour Guides will share all about the history, construction and maintenance of the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge! Our weekend tours last between 45 minutes and one hour and finish at the Visitor Centre.
If you would like to book a tour for a group please visit our group or school pages.
Bringing children?
Have a go at building your own bridge, try our Children’s Trail, or enjoy our interactive exhibits.
If you’re researching for a school project, you will learn about all the bridge in our exhibition – you are also welcome to quiz our knowledgeable volunteers. You can also purchase historic postcards, or the bridge Guidebook to take home with you.
We are members of the Children’s University, so if you’re planning a visit don’t forget to bring your passport and get it stamped. We also support Max Card, which makes great attractions across the UK more accessible to children and their families.
Next Steps
For more information or to arrange a visit, please contact:
Emily Larsen, Front of House and Marketing Manager
Accessibility
Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre opened in December 2014. We are a member of the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme and are working to provide a comfortable and accessible attraction that can be enjoyed by all.
Clifton Bridge Shop
The Visitor Centre shop stocks a range of gifts inspired by the unique Bristolian landscape. We offer a selection of prints, bridge-inspired souvenirs, greeting cards, and home wares.
Underground Vault and Bridge Tours
Delve under Bristol's most iconic landmark or join a free weekend tour: there's lots of ways to experience the Clifton Suspension Bridge! Public tour tickets are released throughout the year.
Weekend Bridge Tours
Our volunteer guides just love talking about the bridge, Brunel and Bristol!
Clifton Hub
The newly refurbished Clifton Hub is now open! Find out more about what's inside.
Our Awards
We're very proud of our Visitor Centre - and the staff and volunteers that keep it running! On this page, you can find out more about the awards we've received for our work.