Clifton Observatory
Litfield Place, Observatory Hill
View on Google MapsPhoto: Clifton Observatory
About Clifton Observatory
Perched atop Observatory Hill, this historic landmark offers stunning views and cave exploration, complete with an onsite restaurant - though steep access means it's not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
What's nearby
- Giant's Cave next door
- Clifton Ancient Stone Slide next door
- Clifton Suspension Bridge Playground next door
- Engineers House Conference Venue: 175 free parking spaces 200m away
- Clifton Suspension Bridge 200m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet
- ✓Accessible seating
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
We had our 25th wedding anniversary party here on a Saturday evening in June. I can't recommend the venue enough, the building is lovely. The venue staff looked after us and our guests so well. Nick on the door welcomed everyone and ensured everyone knew where to go upstairs. We could use both downstairs and the roof area, both have bars. The roof has the most stunning views of the suspension bridge. We had arranged a band and caterers and they were able to arrive early so they were all set up when we arrived. The arrangements were smooth, staff played our Spotify playlist to start and end the evening. Thank you to venue staff.
· via Google
A fantastic, nostalgic return visit! We had a lovely, quiet visit here, having not been back since the kids were young. The Giant's Cave was great fun—offering amazing views out over the gorge and right up at the Clifton Suspension Bridge (though looking down through the floor grid was a little scary!). The camera obscura itself was fascinating; it was really cool seeing the live imagery of the surrounding areas projected inside the dark room while learning about some key Bristol history from the interesting facts on the walls. To round off the afternoon, we had a brilliant cream tea in the well-stocked café and sat outside, enjoying the amazing views looking down on the suspension bridge. A wonderful way to spend the day!
· via Google
Well worth the visit. You get some amazing views for the bridge. The cave at the bottom is incredibly steep going down and the same way back. The helmets provided are essential if you are off average height or taller. It's a great view at the bottom but remember you have to go back up! The obscura is quite impressive too!
· via Google
A family trip out to celebrate our daughters 2nd birthday. Beautiful views and surroundings in the heart of Clifton on a sunny day. Nice cafe with seating available outside. We were completely unaware that there are caves underneath, unfortunately we were unable to see due our daughters age but able to see the camera obscura. An wonder for hundred year old piece of technology. A park is close by for children and a short walk to Clifton village.Look forward to visiting again.
· via Google
Visitors say this observatory offers stunning views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and the surrounding area, along with a fascinating camera obscura and the unique Giant's Cave experience. They also highlight the good value for money, especially for combined tickets, and the friendly, helpful staff. Guests mention the cafe provides a pleasant spot for refreshments with great views.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- Litfield Place, Bristol, BS8 3LT Get directions
- Category
- Landmarks & Monuments
- Guest rating
- 4.6 / 5 (2,017 reviews)
- Suitable for
- Ages 4+
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Toilets on site
- Yes
- Destination
- Bristol