Situated in the more affluent area of Bristol was designed and largely constructed by world famous engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel.

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Construction of the Clifton Suspension Bridge first commenced in 1829.

 

The bridge spans the picturesque Avon Gorge and the river Avon as it flows from the City of Bristol into the Bristol Channel at Avonmouth.

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The Clifton Suspension Bridge, has come to symbolize the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world.

 

Its story began in 1754 with the dream of a Bristol wine merchant who left a legacy to build a bridge over the Gorge.

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A competition was held for designs to be submitted and 24 year old Isambard Kingdom Brunel was eventually declared the winner. In what was his first major commission he was appointed project engineer.

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Construction was under way from 1831 until 1843, however as a result of financial and political problems the project was abandoned with only the towers actually completed.

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The bridge was eventually completed and opened in 1864. Sadly Brunel never saw the finished bridge, he died in 1859 aged 53. It was completed as a memorial to his achievements.

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To this day it is still in use by up to 12,000 motor vehicles daily. Which is quite some achievement as it was designed originally for use by light horse drawn traffic.

 

The Clifton suspension bridge is 412 Metres in length, connecting Clifton in Bristol to Leigh Woods in North Somerset.

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Airport Transfer Service to Clifton