Bridge · England · Still standing

Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is a wrought-iron suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge and River Avon, carrying a roadway between Clifton (Bristol) and Leigh Woods (North Somerset). Its pair of stone towers support triple wrought-iron eyebar chains from which the deck is hung; the crossing opened in 1864 and remains in use.

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Photograph via Wikimedia Commons

First raised

1864

Its prime

1864

Today

Still standing

As it stood in 1864

What Clifton Suspension Bridge looked like in its prime.

A long single-span suspension bridge strung across a deep, wooded limestone gorge; two rough-dressed stone towers (not identical) rise above the cliff edges, the Leigh side set on a red sandstone-clad abutment. Three parallel wrought-iron eyebar chains run between tower saddles, with many vertical iron suspension rods holding a narrow wooden-plank carriageway edged by low railings. The setting is steep rock faces and tree cover, the structure complete and in regular use.

Step inside

7 places to explore in 1864.

The record describes 7 distinct spots at Clifton Suspension Bridge, including 1 interior: inside leigh woods tower vaulted chamber. Create your own photoreal reconstruction and explore every one, more scenes means more photos, more angles and more of the immersive experience.

Clifton Downs approach viewRiverbank beneath the bridgeOn-deck at Clifton towerMidspan of the deckOn-deck at Leigh Woods towerInside Leigh Woods tower vaulted chamberPath on Leigh Woods abutment beside tower

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