Clifton Travel Guide

Bristol

Clifton which includes street scenes as well as a couple
Clifton
Clifton which includes signage
Clifton
Clifton which includes a house and a park

This picturesque suburb of Bristol is home to iconic city landmarks, an excellent zoo and boutiques set inside Georgian- and Victoria-era buildings. 

Commanding an idyllic setting on a hill above the bustle of central Bristol is the affluent neighborhood of Clifton. Clifton moves at its own nonchalant pace and is loved for its boutique shopping, elegant houses and village-like atmosphere. Evidence of settlements dating back to 350 B.C. have been found here, making it older than Bristol itself. Merchants moved in during the 1700s and 1800s and contributed to the splendid architectural landscape.

Start your visit with a walk across Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and opened in 1864. It affords magnificent views of the Avon Gorge, Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve and south toward the Mendip Hills. Walk from here to the nearby Clifton Observatory, an 18th-century windmill that later became an artist’s studio and is now an observation tower. The grounds of the observatory are popular among picnickers, photographers and walkers.

Experience the infectious charm of the suburb at Clifton Village shopping district. Here artists, independent fashion designers, jewelers and quaint cafés occupy Georgian mansions. Poke around antiques and handicraft stalls in the Victorian Clifton Arcade. Royal York Crescent is one of Europe’s longest terraces and one of the city’s finest ensembles of Georgian and Regency architecture.

There’s fun for all ages at Bristol Zoo Gardens, a 12-acre (5-hectare) wildlife park with over 450 animal species. Close by is Clifton Down, an area of lush green parkland ideal for escaping the crowds and playing sports. Another interesting attraction is Birdcage Walk, an arched walkway that cuts through graveyard of the ruins of a 12th-century church. Catch performances by Bristol’s university music students at the Victoria Rooms and amateur theater productions at Redgrave Theatre.

Public buses travel regularly to Clifton from Bristol City Centre. Alternatively, take a train to Clifton Down station. From Bristol Harbourside it’s just a 35-minute walk to the heart of the neighborhood. There’s also access to the estate of Ashton Court Mansion from the west side of Clifton Suspension Bridge.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Clifton

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
4 out of 5
Sion Hill, Clifton, Bristol, England
The price is Rp1.787.168 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
Rp1.787.168
Rp2.144.602 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
Enjoyed our stay.
"Great AC and the weather was hot."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
The Washington
The Washington
3 out of 5
St Pauls Road, Clifton, Bristol, England
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly guesthouse in Bristol. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (999 reviews)
Great value
"Really good value for money, great staff and good cleanliness standards. Breakfast is included in the price but the compromise is that the sausage and bacon is poor quality. Please replace the toasting machine! I will come back though x"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

The Washington
Clifton Hotel
Clifton Hotel
3 out of 5
St Pauls Road, Clifton, Bristol, England
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
Nice friendly staff
"Everyone at reception was helpful and friendly. Great central location. There was a heatwave and despite being provided a fan the room was extremely hot. Not much the hotel can do about it but might be worth considering a newer hotel with air con instead if travelling during heat waves."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Clifton Hotel
OYO the Regency, Clifton Bristol
OYO the Regency, Clifton Bristol
3.5 out of 5
40 - 44 St Pauls Road, Clifton, Bristol, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp1.139.265 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
Rp1.139.265
Rp1.432.725 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7/10 Good! (810 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

OYO the Regency, Clifton Bristol
Apex City of Bath Hotel
Apex City of Bath Hotel
4 out of 5
1 James Street West, Bath, England
The price is Rp2.170.132 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
Rp2.170.132
Rp2.604.158 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bath. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,371 reviews)
"Awesome property. Staff are wonderful and very accommodating!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Apex City of Bath Hotel
Macdonald Bath Spa
Macdonald Bath Spa
5 out of 5
Sydney Road, Bath, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is Rp2.990.770 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
Rp2.990.770
Rp3.588.924 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bath. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,007 reviews)
"Book here a lot fabulous hotel and great service"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Macdonald Bath Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Clifton

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Harbourside

Harbourside is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Wills Memorial Building and We The Curious while you're in town.

Harbourside
Wills Memorial Building showing night scenes and a city

Canon's Marsh

While visiting Canon's Marsh, you might make a stop by sights like Wills Memorial Building and We The Curious.

Canon's Marsh
Castle Park featuring a park, wild flowers and heritage architecture

Bristol Old City

Bristol Old City is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to St Nicholas Market and Baldwin Street while you're in town.

Bristol Old City
St. Mary Redcliffe Church showing a bay or harbour

Bristol Floating Harbour

4/5(657 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol Floating Harbour. Make a stop by We The Curious or Millennium Square while you're exploring the area.

Bristol Floating Harbour
Cabot Circus Shopping Centre featuring shopping and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Bristol City Centre

4/5(90 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Bristol City Centre. Make a stop by St Nicholas Market or Old Vic Theatre while you're exploring the area.

Bristol City Centre
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Southville

Historical sites and theatres are just a few things travellers like about Southville. A stop by Tobacco Factory Theatre is also recommended if you've got time to explore the area.

Southville

Clifton Travel Guide