Clifton

Bristol

Clifton showing street scenes as well as a couple
Clifton
Clifton showing signage
Clifton
Clifton featuring a house and a garden

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 P6,935 per night from Sep 7 to Sep 8
P6,935
P8,322 total
Sep 7 - Sep 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,006 reviews)
"We chose not to drive which was lucky as parking is very limited. It’s a bit of a trek from Clifton Down station but it is walkable. The view from the terrace was lovely."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 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 WiFi, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"I guess the room is not a soundproof, I hear my nextdoor coughing."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 2025

The Washington
OYO the Regency, Clifton Bristol

OYO the Regency, Clifton Bristol

3.5 out of 5
40 - 44 St Pauls Road, Clifton, Bristol, England
The price is P3,831 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P3,831
P4,829 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and premium bedding. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7/10 Good! (819 reviews)
"Did what it said on the tin. Good value"

Reviewed on Aug 2, 2025

OYO the Regency, Clifton Bristol
Clifton Hotel

Clifton Hotel

3 out of 5
St Pauls Road, Clifton, Bristol, England
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
"The staff were excellent both at reception and for breakfast. Very attentive and nothing was too much trouble. The breakfast was lovely, good choice and quick service. The only downside to the stay was the double bed was very small, the curtains needed some attention as they were hanging off the ..."

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Clifton Hotel
Apex City of Bath Hotel

Apex City of Bath Hotel

4 out of 5
1 James Street West, Bath, England
The price is P7,989 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P7,989
P9,587 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Bath. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (2,428 reviews)
Great stay
"Great stay, our 2nd time visiting. Hotel is in a great area and the pool is really nice. Breakfast great too, although it can take a while to come out! Love Apex hotels"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Apex City of Bath Hotel
Celtic Manor Resort

Celtic Manor Resort

5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is P6,897 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
P6,897
P8,277 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 indoor pools, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,299 reviews)
"What an excellent hotel. Other than the Steam"

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
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 popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to We The Curious or Millennium Square.

Harbourside
Castle Park showing wildflowers, a garden and heritage architecture

Bristol Old City

Bristol Old City is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to St Nicholas Market or St. Peters Church.

Bristol Old City
St. Mary Redcliffe Church featuring a bay or harbor

Bristol Floating Harbour

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 showing street scenes and shopping as well as a small group of people

Bristol City Centre

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

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

Southville
St. Mary Redcliffe Church showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to St. Mary Redcliffe Church and Banksy Graffiti Thekla while you're in town.

Redcliffe

Clifton