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 P5,633 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P5,633
P6,759 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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)
"Great Hotel professional and helpful staff. Quick and easy check in and out. Help with parking locally. The rooms were traditional yet modern, the bathrooms wonderful and luxurious. Beds very comfortable. The only tiny thing is that the hotel bar is not well staffed - while not a big deal as there ..."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Avon Gorge by Hotel du Vin
Victoria Square Hotel
Victoria Square Hotel
3 out of 5
29 - 30 Victoria Square, Bristol, England
The price is P4,737 per night from Jul 27 to Jul 28
P4,737
P5,684 total
Jul 27 - Jul 28
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Bristol. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (960 reviews)
Ideal Location
"Good location Very friendly staff Good selection at breakfast just slow service for toast on both days"

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Victoria Square Hotel
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)
"The location was great. Staff was very friendly, and the property was beautifully renovated. Elevator was available. Suggestion for improvement: install AC units in rooms on top floors. Our room on the 3rd Fl. already heated up quite well during the day in May. Cool nights and open windows helped ..."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2025

Clifton Hotel
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (995 reviews)
"The young international staff is delightful. I stayed a week at The Washington and got to know them. I am sorry I didn't learn all their names, but I do remember Sumaya, Kassa (?), Kate, Katie, Rhiarre (?)."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 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 P4,178 per night from Jul 6 to Jul 7
P4,178
P5,245 total
Jul 6 - Jul 7
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! (809 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 P6,870 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P6,870
P8,244 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (2,352 reviews)
"Simply a lovely well run hotel in an extraordinarily interesting city."

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2025

Apex City of Bath Hotel
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

Iced frappe from Manga Manga.

Cotham

Travelers enjoy Cotham for its restaurants and gardens. Consider checking out BBC Bristol while you're in the area.

Cotham
Arnolfini Gallery

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 night scenes and a city

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 a park, heritage architecture and wildflowers

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 showing 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 Bristol Aquarium or We The Curious 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

Clifton