Clifton Suspension Bridge
Clifton
Contents
9 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, an outstanding piece of British engineering and an enduring symbol of the city of Bristol. Standing before you is a structure that is often described as revolutionary, breathtaking, and…
Listen in the app2Engineering the Gorge — Iron over Stone
To understand the achievement of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, we must consider the immense challenges Brunel faced in spanning a gorge 700 feet wide and 250 feet deep. At the time, many thought that a stone bridge was the only…
Listen in the app3The Towers and the Saddle Room
The two massive towers of the bridge are not just structural supports; they are complex pieces of engineering in their own right. If you were to climb to the top of one of these towers, which reach 350 feet above the river, you…
Listen in the app4Crossing the Span — A Walk in the Air
As you walk across the bridge deck, you are literally suspended in the air by a web of 19th-century iron. The experience of crossing is exhilarating, offering a unique perspective of the sheer cliffs of the Avon Gorge and the…
Listen in the app5The Somerset Side and Visitor Centre
Upon reaching the Somerset side of the bridge, you'll find a dedicated visitor center that provides a deeper dive into the history and maintenance of the structure. Here, you can learn about the lives of the workers who built the…
Listen in the app6The Leigh Woods Tower — A Mirror of Clifton
The Leigh Woods tower, situated on the Somerset side, is the structural twin of the Clifton tower, yet it has its own unique history. While the two towers appear identical from a distance, the Leigh Woods tower was constructed…
Listen in the app7A Legacy of Innovation — Brunel's Gift
Isambard Kingdom Brunel's impact on the world of travel cannot be overstated, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge is perhaps his most personal legacy. He famously referred to it as 'my first child, my darling,' and it represents…
Listen in the app8Clifton Suspension Bridge
As our walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge comes to an end, we hope you have enjoyed this journey through one of the world's most iconic engineering feats. This structure is a testament to the vision of Isambard Kingdom…
Listen in the app9Closing
As our walk across the Clifton Suspension Bridge comes to an end, we hope you have enjoyed this journey through one of the world's most iconic engineering feats. This structure is a testament to the vision of Isambard Kingdom…
Listen in the app
What is Clifton Suspension Bridge?
Clifton Suspension Bridge is a place in Clifton with 9 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Clifton |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 9 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 51.4550, -2.6278 |
| Last updated |
