Clifton Observatory
Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
About Clifton Observatory
Clifton Observatory has a Camera Obscura, Giant's Cave, and Viewing Platform, along with lovely views over Bristol and the Suspension Bridge
Clifton Observatory Description
The Observatory (grid reference ST564733) is a former mill, now used as an observatory, located on Clifton Down, close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, England. At 337 feet (92 metres) above the gorge, the cliff top is likely to have been used as a lookout post since at least the Iron Age.
The building was erected with the permission of the Society of Merchant Venturers, as a windmill for corn in 1766 and later converted to the grinding of snuff, when it became known as 'The Snuff Mill'. This was damaged by a fire on October 30, 1777, when the sails were left turning during a gale and caused the equipment to catch light. It was then derelict for 52 years until in 1828 William West, an artist, rented the old mill, for 5 shillings (25p) a year, as a studio.
Reviews
Roll on the Summer!
Beautiful morning for the launch of the first 5 Gromit Unleashed sculptures at the Observatory this morning. Cant wait for the full trail this July!
Some amazing pics courtesy of Gareth Aldridge, capturing last weeks atmospheric Ardbeg whisky tasting event @this_sw33t_life/
In 1829 William West, a Bristol-based artist, installed a convex lens and sloping mirror into the building’s tower to project panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Join us for the last weekend of the summer holidays & plenty of sunshine!
The observatory has added several new museum illustrations, outlining the true history of this 250 year old building, its links to early photography and the suspension bridge
Snapshots from the balloon fiesta weekend..enjoying the sunset
A fab couple of photo's capturing the balloon rise on Sunday from our 360 Cafe guest @flissradomska
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/…/new-caf- absolute-best-view-3…
Join us for a coffee with a view at 360 at the Observatory newly launched roof terrace cafe
Join us for great views of the Balloon Fiesta. Our newly launched 360 Cafe will be open for the duration of the fiesta including the 6am & 6pm mass balloon lifts!
Back in August 2016 Escape To The Country filmed at Clifton Observatory and you can catch our episode on BBC One and BBC iPlayer tomorrow!
You can always catch us next to Clifton Suspension Bridge!
O is for Observatory 🔭
everyone should try "the cave"... great experience.
We really appreciated your new roof bar on Saturday bight, great idea and thanks for the warm welcome and perfect music.
Stunning view and great area to hang around for an evening.
Spectacular view,looking up the gorge or down,
Never tire of the trip to the bridge,Brunel knew how to
Build,
Lovely place to gaze at the stars as our own little worlds spin around.
Great view point over looking the bridge and city. Nice coffe and music on the roof terrace.
Gorgeous little rooftop cafe with amazing views, can't wait til rest is open too. Thanks for a top experience well be back. �
Camera obscure experience fabulous. Giant cave experience epic.....and leg aching! The bridge is a joy to behold and the visitor centre was so interesting, cleverly laid out, reasonably priced souvenirs and lovely hands on bridge building section upstairs. Would absolutely recommend on a beautiful sunny day.
Briliant. Interesting, informative, and worth the walk.
Breathtaking views. Awesome Camera Obscura. Exciting climb down to the Guant’s Cave. One of the highlights of our trip
Absolutely stunning views. Lovely little cafe, and a very nice latte on the roof top. Lots to do the kids loved it and us adults. Definitely going back again soon. Highly recommend 👌
A bit of history with fantastic views of the valley. Lovely stop on our walk around Bristol.
On the top of the hill surrounding with nature view and The suspention bridge
Lovely view, great cave walk - good excercise! Great family day.
Had a good little adventure with my 4 year old son. You need to be very careful as in places in the giant cave it's very steep and headroom is limited. Overall the views are amazing especially on a sunny day. �
Great views of city and river.
Service was friendly and coffee decent.
Tower was disappointing. £2.50 just to go up a few more steps and look through a 'periscope'. No outside views.
Great view friendly if slow service need a better ice cream freezer
Great place to visit, only downside was the weather!!! Will defiantly visit again on a clearer day.
Fabulous!!!! Been going there since I was a kid then took my own children now take my grandchildren. The new rooftop cafe is excellent!
More about Clifton Observatory
Tuesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday: 10:00 - 17:00
Thursday: 10:00 - 17:00
Friday: 10:00 - 17:00
Saturday: 10:00 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00