CLIFTON SUSPENSION BRIDGE

 The Clifton Suspension Bridge, spanning the picturesque Avon Gorge, is the symbol of the city of Bristol. For almost 150 years this Grade I listed structure has attracted visitors from all over the world. Its story began in 1754 with the dream of a Bristol wine merchant who left a legacy to build a bridge over the Gorge.

24 year old Isambard Kingdom Brunel was eventually declared the winner and appointed project engineer – his first major commission.

There's a toll of 50p per vehicle to use the bridge, which takes you across the Avon Gorge and right into the heart of Bristol's docklands

From the viewing platform on the Clifton side of the bridge, there is a view of the Clifton Observatory. 

The complex hosts a cafe, camera obscura, and museum. It stands above the mythical Giant's cave.

The building was erected, with the permission of the Society of Merchant Venturers, as a windmill for corn in 1766 and later converted to the grinding of snuff, when it became known as 'The Snuff Mill'. This was damaged by fire on 30 October 1777, when the sails were left turning during a gale and caused the equipment to catch alight. It was then derelict for 52 years until in 1828 William West, an artist, rented the old mill, for 5 shillings (25p) a year, as a studio.

By 1842, West had converted the building into an observatory incorporating reflecting and achromatic telescopes and a camera obscura.

It is open to the public, but I've not yet have the chance to sample its' delights.

Now, would you like to see how the bridge and gorge looked in 1932?