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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P5,841 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,841
P7,009 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (1,000 reviews)
"A great night’s stay"

Reviewed on Jul 23, 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! (996 reviews)
nice to stay
"All good ,lovely staff and ideal location"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.2/10 Good! (999 reviews)
All round excellent
"From the moment you arrive you are made to feel welcome. Reception staff and check in excellent. The room was lovely. Very clean and with good coffee etc. I will definitely make this my first choice in Bristol."

Reviewed on Jul 29, 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
The price is P4,235 per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
P4,235
P5,314 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
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 ...
6.8/10 (818 reviews)
"It was great"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 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 P7,452 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P7,452
P8,942 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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! (2,396 reviews)
"I’m not sure they offered an upgrade"

Reviewed on Jul 30, 2025

Apex City of Bath Hotel
Macdonald Bath Spa

Macdonald Bath Spa

5 out of 5
Sydney Road, Bath, England
The price is P11,039 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P11,039
P13,247 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Bath. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Good but check in took more than 45 mins."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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 popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Wills Memorial Building or We The Curious.

Harbourside
Wills Memorial Building featuring a city and night scenes

Canon's Marsh

If you're spending some time in Canon's Marsh, Wills Memorial Building and We The Curious are top sights worth seeing.

Canon's Marsh
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 Baldwin Street.

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

Clifton