I work for a Bristol based company and come to the city on a bi-monthly basis but never seen everything the city has to offer so in the Easter holidays I took my two children for the day to explore. We started off walking round the city and then headed up to the observatory in the mid-late afternoon. The walk up was not as bad as I had thought if you go up from Clifton heights rather than constitution hill. the view of the suspension bridge and across the city were amazing. We paid the couple of pound to go to the top of the observatory where my "science mad" son loved the camera obscura which is best described as a periscope style device and projects what's happening outside into a concave bowl. Again the views were fantastic. I wanted to explore the cave below too but the children were too scared so missed out on this occasion. After we had taken in the views we headed back down in the direction of Clifton village, I had heard of the rock slide but not 100% sure where it was and it wasn't sign posted anywhere but we came across it. I am not sure the council/ owners want people to go down as there is a fence there but the children (and adults if you like) can easily get through. To watch you can walk round the path which leads to the foot of the slope. The kids had great fun sliding down and wanted to stay there all day but we had to continue our journey. BEWARE through the rock is incredibly slippy and so if you are coming up from the bottom make sure you choose your footing carefully. I would defiantly recommend visiting this place on anyones trip to the city, even if you live there and have never been. It's a peaceful place to sit and have a picnic as well as just sight seeing.

A stunning place (especially on a sunny day). A monument that is % worth a visit. We walked the city streets and inclined to the top. A 38min walk from the city centre, great for anyone who wants a ‘leg day’. The Clifton Bridge structure is a Beautiful piece of engineering and the surrounding areas compliment it very well. The Clifton observatory is a nice little addition with a cave to climb down the 130 steps for a view from the cliff side. Well worth it. Very narrow and very steep but definitely worth it. Alongside this there’s also an option of going to the top of the tower where’s there’s a huge 200 year old periscope which reflects onto a circular piece of concrete giving you a live view of the bridge, an amazing bit of science still going today. Designed by the Chinese. A dark room which enables you to get a great view. Both options, the cave and the periscope experience are £10 together. Definitely worth it and highly recommended. One of the many things to put on your list if you visit Bristol. The tower can also often be used for weddings. We had the privilege of experiencing a wedding whilst at the top. How beautiful! ‍♀️‍♂️ A ‘must see’ site.

Not really sure what I was expecting when I went in here. It costs a fiver for admission and with that you can access the Camera Obscura and you also get the Giant's Cave which is 130 steps and gives you an alternative view of the suspension bridge. I wasn't particularly impressed with the views from inside the observatory nor did I find the history of it that interesting. Learning about it being a strategic stronghold against invaders was the most interesting fact. There's a coffee shop next door which mainly sells sweet buns and such and it has a bar area that wasn't open when I was there. If you need the toilets they are much further down the hill near the refreshments.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Well worth a visit. I had to kill a couple of hours whilst in Bristol, so I took my daughter here as it was nearby and looked interesting. It cost less than £10 for full access for both of us. The museum was interesting, plenty of historical facts, images, models and things to read. It took a few moments to adjust to the dark to see the Camera Obscura. We then did the Giants Cave. Not sure how Giants lived in there lol. 129 steps down but you've got to come back up. Gets a bit cramped halfway down, but then I'm not a small unit. I didn't have the courage to go out onto the viewing platform as I'm no good with heights, but the view was stunning. The cafe was warm and welcoming, free WiFi too.

It is so worth the visit. The ground surrounding the Clifton Observatory is extremely pretty with some stunning views. I would highly recommend visiting the observatory itself. It is a small price to pay for what you get to see. The panoramic real time camera is a work of science and is an amazing experience. The views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and River Avon from the top of the observatory are stunning as well. Make sure you walk through the Giants cave if you are able. The cave is a little narrow again amazing views when you reach the other end of it. Luckily we visited on a sunny day.

This place is SO GREAT. It has one of only 3 camera obscuras in the country and it's so worth the visit. It's a private room that can fit up to 10 people but frequently you can go in as a private group and have it to yourselves. The views are amazing. The climb down to the view point is small and step and not for the faint of heart but the view when you arrive is absolutely worth it. It's also only £4 per activity for an adult. We had a really lovely hour here and theres loads of history of the city and its connection to the development of the camera. Such a nice little adventure.

Visited the Camera Obscura, and even on a cloudy day it was a clear image and it took a while for your eyes to adjust, £2.50 seems a reasonable price if this is to be kept open to the public. Lots of stairs to climb. Shame there isn't an observatory still here, but with all the light pollution it's not surprising it went some time ago. Didn't visit the caves that's an extra £2.50. If you go up to see the image produced, do make sure you pack the room, it's easier to pass the handle around and you're less like to have the doors flung open by someone wanting to get in.

Wow we've had trips to Bristol many times but found the Clifton Observatory on this visit. Easy parking on a public road with a short walk to the top. Stunning views of the suspension bridge and the surrounding area. We were a little disappointed by the cafe /bar in the observatory as hot drinks were served in disposable cups and cold drinks from cans or bottles. Would have been nice to grab a beer on tap or a coke with ice and in a proper glass. But that's just my personal gripe because the position and surroundings were so perfect .

A nice place to spend 30 minutes around the Bristol Suspension bridge, with the familly. You can find beverages and snacks at the main desk. The observatory has actually two activities to offer: the tower and the tunnels. The tower is filled with explanation on the site itself and the history of the Bristol paper. At the top of the tower you can enjoy a black room with a periscope. The tunnel will bring you to the side of the cliff where you can embrace the full view of the suspended bridge built by Mr Brunel.

Great views over the estuary and Clifton Suspension bridge. The cafe is a great place to sit and watch the dog walkers and from the seats at the top of the tower you look down the valley and over the suspension bridge below. The camera is a really interesting thing to see and works well. You need to shut the doors and let your eyes acclimatise to the dark to get the best pictures, see below. The cave not so interesting really
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

When I’m Bristol on a lovely day, we’ll worth a visit. The space outside the observatory is free, the cave comes at a cost. Outside: Nice place to picnic. If driving, you need the RingGo parking app on your phone to pay for street parking. Access is up a hill, paved walkway. No WC’s around. Time: Budget a minimum of 30 minutes up there. If you’re scared of heights, I’d recommend hanging back from the fence line.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

An interesting building with great views from the roof and a small, well stocked cafe. Various rooms and spaces can be hired for private functions and corporate events. It has an unusual camera obscurer at the top of the tower which gives an unusual perspective on the landscape around. Downstairs you can descend through a narrow walkway to a lookout spot in the side of the Avon Gorge cliff face. The whole place is a unique spot, full of charm and interest and well worth a visit.

The essential Bristol tourist spot and photo location. Take in stunning view after view of the majestic Clifton suspension bridge at various spots around the observatory. If you want you are feeling adventurous and are looking for a quick adrenaline rush there is a rock slide as well that is fun. Just make sure you have a strategy to brake before embarking on this heart stopper. I would avoid anything that you would need to pay for as everything that is beautiful was free.

Popped in for the first time today. Great location, lovely setting and stunning views. Very quiet when we went in about 11.30am. Fantastic day. I went for Raspberry Hot chocolate, which was stunning, my wife had an Americano and we both tucked into a dark chocolate and coconut flapjack, which was delicious. Female member of staff behind the counter was extremely polite and friendly. We sat on the rooftop area, which gave stunning views of Bristol and the suspension bridge.

We had our wedding at the Clifton Observatory and had the best day. All of the staff were fantastic but a special mention to Jade who helped us plan the day and set everything up for us. Nothing was too much trouble and we can't thank her enough. The venue is stunning and our guests all commented how special it was. Our wedding surpassed our expectations and we are so happy with how it went and that we chose this venue. Thank you to all involved!! Tom and Laura x

Definitely worth it for the beautiful view but beware if you are tall or have mobility issues - the ceiling in the cave to the viewing platform is quite low and jagged and the steps are very steep. Take your time! The upstairs is a museum and there is a camera projection of the surroundings at the top that is projected onto an indented table. Best viewed in absolute darkness! Around the observatory is a nice park and it’s close to some good pubs and shops.

Excellent place to view the suspension bridge and River Avon. You can enter the observatory £2.50 and go down through the caves - 130 steps and come out at the side of the cliff onto a balcony. The outer bit is open grid so you can see right down. Slightly nerving but it's strong and steady. Pay £2.50 and climb to the top of the observatory for a obscura camera, but this was out of order today due to it being wet and overcast.

Really interesting and such a impressive place to visit the camera obscura is amazing how clear the image is as and being able to turn the camera difrent directions and get to look across the bridge with it and seeing people drive and walk across really clear. For the best image it's better to visit on a sunny day. There is lots of steps wich some may fined difficult so bare that in mind when planning your visit.

I would give 5 stars for my long walk in Clifton village so many things to see around. For the Clifton observation and Clifton suspension bridge itself, I would give 4 stars. It’s nice to drop by. The fact that the day I visited it was unusually very hot, the cave was closed and I had limited time did not help probably.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice place for visiting and sightseeing. Have a bird eyeview from a 200 year old camera, the first one in the UK at the top of the observatory. Also the giant's cave with a wonderful passage and the mesmerizing view of Clifton bridge from the end of the cave. Really a wonderful experience. Recommended place to visit.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

The Observatory is really interesting. I thought it would be a viewing platform but it's not that at all. At the top of the building is a Camera Obscura which is a projected image of the outside (of the bridge) that you can manouver. Fascinating. And you can also go down through the caves to get to a viewing platform that gives a great view of the bridge. Not for the claustrophobic but worth it.

Great experience. You get to see the camera obscura (a lens which projects the scenery from outside onto a flat surface). Then you have the cave that takes you down where you can see the breath taking sight of the clifton suspension bridge. The cave is quite steep at times. Hence would give you a bit of an adrenalin rush. The way back can be a bit taxing, given the number of steps.

Lovely little spot to chill out in the sun, Café open serving through a hatch and also seating available. Also something for the kids (in no way is this linked with the Observatory) but there is a natural slide near by which has been created by many bums sliding down the rocks and polishing them to a high extent! Ride at own risk but many people were and were absolutely fine.

I managed to find road side parking at a small charge close to the Observatory. The views were amazing especially at the bottom of the cave (please be aware alot of steps to get to the bottom of the cave also very narrow). There is also a cafe so you can sit and enjoy the surronding views
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Was worth the climb up the hill to catch a gorgeous view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge from here. It was so peaceful and calming. Was slightly alarmed people sliding down the rocks on the hill though, I think they should put something up to stop people doing that before someone gets hurt. Nice little café here to stop and refuel oneself too; reasonable prices. Loved it.

Worth a visit, at £5 (including the cave) its not a bad visit. Several flights of narrow stairs take you past a few floors with information boards and so forth. At the top are windows allowing fairly good views out (fairly, its all indoors). The camera room itself is...interesting I guess? Nice place to go when its quiet, less so when its not. Lovely staff.

Cracking place spend an hour. Steep stair descent to the giants cave rewards you with a fabulous view out over the gorge, if you are brave enough to step out onto the ledge. Keep your head down on the stairs as it's not built for 6 footers! The camera obscura gives a somewhat hazy view but the displays give a fascinating insight into early photography.

Visited today for the first time for my daughters birthday. Unfortunately today is the only day of the week with bad weather but was the only day we could come. However, the weather did lend itself perfectly to 1 of the best hot chocolates I’ve had in ages, if not ever!! Wife had some carrot cake and said that was amazing too! …

Unparalleled views over the Clifton suspension bridge, Ashton Court estate and the city. The tower itself has interesting heritage, and unique access to a cave that overlooks the gorge. There can't surely be a better place to view the very best of Bristol?
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Great view from the observatory. Perfect place to see the suspension bridge. Relaxing place after a walk in the park. I didn't visit the cave nor the camera obscura so I cannot judge. At the bar unfortunately there is no restroom. From Bristol you can get to the observatory with bus 8 which takes around 40 min and costs 2£ single ticket.

Beautiful views from the observatory overlooking Clifton suspension bridge. I’d say the windows could do with a jolly good clean. Amazing to operate the Camera Obscura, close the door behind you for better picture in the darkness (don’t think a lot of visitors understood this concept) those Victorians really were quite amazing!

Luckily nobody there when we bought tickets but very quickly filled up and people were waiting for 15 minutes+ to go individually. Food and drinks very nice at the cafe outside. Avaliable seating upstairs (Open) and venue space.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Was here for a private party. Lovely location for an event, views are amazing. Very helpful staff. A little bit short on indoor seating but the outdoor seating on the roof is amazing (just not very tempting when it's cold and windy!).
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Interesting building with an equally interesting history. Built originally as a windmill. Offers great views of Clifton suspension bridge. Under the building is a cave which runs down to the edge of the Avon gorge.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's so beautiful to see whole Bristol from there and a very nice view of the bridge as well. The air feels so fresh at such height and people just like to have a walk or jog at there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

One of the best spots for observing the bridge. You can make amazing photos from here, and it is for free. There's some secret spots in there, such as the lockers from the lovers in the wall, and a slippery stone, on which you can take a shortcut descending the hill.

This is most definitely worth the small hike up the hill as the view is absolutely stunning! We had a beautiful day which made for amazing photos. The observatory was closed when we arrived but we still had a lovely time walking around and enjoying the views.

Amazing experience just on the door step, never thought that would be so nice. The cave is a bit tight in places but is worth it , the view at the end balcony is fantastic
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's a wonderful viewpoint constructed at an elevated place to give an amazing view of Clifton bridge and Avon Gorge. It also houses one of oldest camera obscura and opening to cave to give visitors magnificent views of Avon river, gorge, bridge and city.

Fascinating history lesson combined with great views, lovely food and drinks and an underground adventure with a treat at the end. Enjoy we did. #ernieescapades
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

It is so worth the visit. The area around the Clifton Observatory is soo amazing I would highly recommend visiting the observatory itself. You go downstairs inside the cave and then you would have the most beautiful view !! So amazing experience

A fantastic park with an observatory. We went to the zoo and took a ten minute walk here as we'd already paid for parking in the zoo. The walk isn't bad at all and not too steep. Fantastic views of the Clifton Bridge and surrounding areas.

This place is great to view the Clifton Suspension Bridge. There is a bike rack there if you are a cyclist buy only few slots. There is also bike rack at the entrance to the suspension bridge which is about 2-3 minute walk down the trail

Even on a day like today (day after storm Eunice so wet and windy) it was lovely. Very interesting museum and the giants cave was great fun but at 5.5 even I need to crouch down whilst going down the steps! Stunning views so worth it!!

Lovely view from around the observatory grounds, awesome view of the bridge. I'll recommend a visit, possibly delay going down the cave.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The Clifton Observatory is one of the best attractions in Bristol. It is a must-do if you are in Bristol. It has mainly two attractions with excellent views of the suspension bridge (one is a cave and the other is observatory).

Visited the Clifton Observatory on our first proper weekend excursion following the lockdown easing in May. Really enjoyed the spectacular views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Definitely a place to visit when in Bristol.

Called here at 4: 45pm and it was to close at 5 but the lady on the till said she was in no rush if we wanted to go down the cave so we did and it was another great view of the bridge. Has lot's of steps down but worth it.

For £5 you can go up and view the camera obscure which is fascinating. Then go down 130 steps through a cave out onto a viewing platform above the river Avon and view the Clifton suspension bridge. Excellent …

Great value and well worth the effort, visit the observatory and camera obscura and cave. Great view above and below the cliff edge.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Very disappointing! You could easily avoid it. 1) the view from the giant's cavern is disappointing: you can see only one of the two towers of the Clifton Bridge and there is a protective net that makes it

Does not really worth getting inside. Tiny cave and the view it nothing spectacular, you can see almost the same from the top view. Quite tricky to get through the cave , especially if you are tall.

We visited the Observatory but didn't go in as it was such a wonderful day!. There were some construction works being carried out when we were there. Great position to view the Clifton bridge.

very nice view from the top; u can sit have a cup of tea, and look at the Clifton Suspension bridge & around; it's a nice green area to walk around & make a few lovely pics …

Breathtaking view..you must visit if you are coming to this city...you can see the bridge and the whole city. Free entrance Parking avaliable around the park ( paid unless weekend)

Absolutely amazing! We really enjoyed ourselves staff was amazing and so was the food! Definitely going again next year!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+

Had some time on my hands today and was in Bristol close to the bridge, took walk up to the observatory. £4 entry fee to go up tower and down the cave. Well worth it.

Nice venue. Cave tour was fun and great value. Coffee is nice in the cafe too.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great location just up from the Suspension Bridge. Has a cafe, roof terrace, Giant's Cave and more! Staff in the Observatory were really friendly and helpful.

Love the observatory and giants cave, great for children and adults alike, a lot of steps to the cave but well worth it for the views of the suspension bridge

Lovely view of the hot balloons taking off. I go every year for the event. Coffee was a bit too hot this time, but other than that, everything was good :).

A lovely little cafe with wonderful views of the suspension bridge and the gorge - surely one of the best spots for a coffee and cake in Bristol!

I visited both the cave and the observatory and definitely recommend checking the place out if you drop by in Bristol. The view is breathtaking.

View of the Clifton Suspension Bridge from here is the best place. I came I. The morning, but I think it is also good if someone come at dusk

We came for Xmas brunch with Santa. Lovely brunch, food was tasty. Amy and Ruby were very friendly and welcoming. Would definitely recommend

We went there just for taking good pictures of the bridge, which is a great location for it. Otherwise there isn’t any other thing to do.

When in Bristol A beautiful place to visit and explore. Fantastic views of Brunel's suspension bridge and everyone can take a ride down

An interesting building and a perfect view.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

Stunning view Over 130 years old suspension bridge view. Parking is a problem here, need to find on nearby streets. …

A great spot to view the suspension bridge! Outside area is equally beautiful for an afternoon.
Visited on
Weekday

Historic Site. Small with great views over the gorge and to the suspension bridge. Nice little camera obscura up top More

A great place for a walk, brunch cafe and socializing. An amazing view and a unique angle of the bridge. Magical place

Great views from the bridge, you can easily spend an hour walking on the bridge and taking photos.

As a Wedding photographer i can definitely recommended this Beautiful wedding venue …

You may have the amazing view of the suspension bridge.
Visited on
Weeke…
More

Stunning view! Been there so many times and still find it breathtaking every time.

Great views of the little bridge from the ridge next to the observatory!

Great views and a cute place for a wedding. The bar wasn't great though

Amazing place to visit. Underground cave was a great experience.

so.amazing place to stay to drink coffe etc relax