Directions to Clifton Observatory, Camera Obscura and Cave

Situated beside the Clifton Suspension Bridge and accessed by a path up a small hill is the Observatory. The Observatory was originally a windmill built to grind corn and was later used as a snuff mill. Nowadays you can go inside to see the Camera Obscura. Installed around 1828 and still in working order, the Camera Obscura projects a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery onto a white surface inside a darkened room. After marvelling at this you can climb down a spiral staircase to Ghyston or Giant's cave to see the fantastic views over Clifton Suspension Bridge and Avon Gorge. The straircase is quite narrow so if you suffer from claustrophobia you might want to give this a miss.

On the slope below the Observatory, is a rocky slope worn to a sheen over the years by intrepid fun lovers using it as a slide. Take care if you decide to give this a try as you can reach quite a speed

Photographs below by N Hindmarch

Address: Litfield Place , Clifton , Bristol, BS8 3LT

View Larger Map

Best Seller

Bristol Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Get to know the city through the eyes of a passionate local. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it up to the local for an insightful introduction

5 Reviews

From £26.29
Bath Tour With Hot Springs Experience Day Tour From Bristol

The ultimate day-trip to Bath. A private walking tour of the city that includes a guided visit to the ancient Roman Baths and ends with a spa session in the city's hot sp

From £340.00
Best Seller

9-Day Tour: Best of England & Wales

See the very best that England and Wales have to offer on a tour that showcases the beauty of the country's natural wonders and the majesty of the many historic sites tha

From £955.00
Gloucester and Lacock Harry Potter Day Tour

Enjoy a guided day tour of Harry Potter film locations in the picturesque Lacock village and historic Gloucester, including Hogwarts classrooms and Godric’s Hollow.

From £808.00
Ultimate UK 12–Day Tour

A culmination of 10 years of touring experience, join this unforgettable adventure from the bottom to the top of this wonderful island.

From £1,450.00
Best Seller

South West England 5–Day Experience

This 3-day coast and countryside small–group tour takes you on a journey through England's dramatic and mysterious history, and some of the most incredible scenery sout

5 Reviews

From £545.00
St Nicholas Market
City-Centre, Bristol

A permanent market on Corn Street in the centre of Bristol with a variety of independent stalls selling a huge selection of goods. A fantastic place to browse for unusual
Bristol Ferry Boat Company
Harbourside, Bristol

Taking a boat is a great way to see Bristol from a different perspective and to visit some of the key tourist sites around the harbourside................
Blaise Castle Estate
Bristol-Area, Bristol

Set in 650 acres of parkland Blaise Castle on the outskirts of Bristol is a great venue for a family day out................
Pirate Walks
Harbourside, Bristol

This walk takes you to a smugglers cave to see Long John Silver's treasure chest, Treasure Island's Spy Glass Inn to find out where press gangs roamed and Blackbeards Lai...