Giant's Cave at Clifton Observatory
Descend into legend and emerge with views of Bristol's most iconic bridge from an unforgettable angle.
Descend 130 steep steps into a natural limestone cave carved into the Avon Gorge cliffs, where you'll emerge onto a unique viewing platform 250 feet above the river. This Victorian-era attraction, first opened to the public in 1835, offers breathtaking perspectives of the Clifton Suspension Bridge and surrounding gorge landscape. The 200-foot tunnel journey combines adventure with geology and local legend, culminating in one of Bristol's most distinctive vantage points.
A brief summary to Giant's Cave
- Bristol, Clifton, GB
- +441179741242
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.75 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4 pm
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. The 130 steps are steep and narrow, and the limestone can be slippery, especially after rain or in damp conditions.
- Allow extra time for the return climb. Ascending 130 steps from the cave platform requires more effort than descending, so pace yourself and take breaks if needed.
- Visit during clear weather for optimal views. The Suspension Bridge and gorge landscape are most spectacular in good visibility; misty or rainy conditions significantly reduce the viewing experience.
- Combine your visit with the Camera Obscura and Observatory tower for full access. The full ticket offers better value and provides additional perspectives of the bridge and surrounding area.
- Visit the 360 Café after your cave experience. Hot drinks and locally-sourced snacks are available, and the rooftop terrace offers open-air views of the Suspension Bridge to relax with after your descent.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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On foot from Clifton Village
Walk from Clifton Village centre toward the Avon Gorge. The Observatory is located at the cliff edge overlooking the Suspension Bridge. The walk from the village centre takes approximately 10–15 minutes depending on your starting point. The final approach involves a steep climb up to the Observatory entrance. This is the most common and practical route for visitors arriving by public transport or staying in Clifton.
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Bus from Bristol city centre
Take bus route 8 or 9 from the city centre toward Clifton. Journey time is approximately 20–25 minutes depending on traffic. Alight at the Clifton stop and walk toward the Avon Gorge. The Observatory is signposted from the main Clifton area. Single fares cost approximately £1.50–£2.50. Buses run regularly throughout the day, with reduced frequency in evenings and Sundays.
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Taxi or ride-share from Bristol city centre
Travel time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Fares typically range from £12–£18. Taxis can drop you near the Observatory entrance, though the final approach to the cliff-edge location involves a short walk. This option is convenient if you're carrying luggage or prefer direct transport, though parking in Clifton is limited and paid.
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Car with parking
Drive to Clifton and use nearby paid car parks. Street parking is available but limited and subject to permit restrictions. Parking costs approximately £1.50–£2.00 per hour in nearby facilities. The Observatory itself is accessible by foot only from the car park, requiring a 5–10 minute walk depending on which car park you use. Note that the final approach to the cave entrance involves steep terrain.
Giant's Cave location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Giant's Cave
A Natural Wonder Carved by History
The Giant's Cave, sometimes known as Ghyston's Cave or the Foxhole, is a natural cavity in the limestone face of St Vincent's Rocks within the Avon Gorge. For centuries, this cave remained virtually inaccessible, reachable only by perilous climbs down the steep cliff face or from the gorge floor below. In 1835, William West, an inhabitant of Clifton Observatory, transformed access to this geological marvel by excavating a passage through the rock from the Observatory itself. This engineering feat opened the cave to Victorian tourists and remains one of Bristol's most distinctive attractions today.The Descent and the Journey
Your adventure begins at Clifton Observatory and takes you down 130 steep steps through a 200-foot-long tunnel carved into solid limestone. The passage is narrow in places with low ceilings, creating an intimate sense of descending into the earth itself. As you navigate the steps, you're literally walking through the geological layers that form the Avon Gorge, surrounded by ancient rock formations. The physical challenge of the descent is part of the experience—a reminder of why this cave remained hidden from casual visitors for so long. The final stretch opens onto a viewing platform that emerges from the cliff face itself.Legendary Giants and Local Folklore
The cave's name derives from Bristol's famous giants of local legend: Goram, Ghyston, and Avona. According to folklore, these giants once inhabited the Avon Gorge, and their stories have been woven into Bristol's cultural identity for centuries. The cave is said to be their home, and visitors descending into its depths are stepping into the world of these mythical figures. Whether you believe in the legends or simply appreciate the storytelling tradition, the cave's association with these giants adds a layer of mystery and wonder to the geological experience.Unparalleled Views from the Cliff Face
The viewing platform emerges 250 feet above the Avon River and 90 feet below the cliff top, creating a perspective found nowhere else in Bristol. From this vantage point, you see Isambard Kingdom Brunel's Clifton Suspension Bridge from an angle impossible to achieve from ground level or the bridge itself. The bridge's elegant arches frame the gorge in a way that reveals its engineering brilliance. The Avon Gorge spreads below you in all its natural grandeur, with wooded slopes descending to the river far below. On clear days, the views extend across the Clifton Downs and surrounding landscape, offering a panoramic understanding of Bristol's geography.Victorian Engineering and Modern Access
The cave represents a fascinating intersection of natural geology and Victorian ingenuity. William West's decision to carve a passage through solid rock was ambitious for its time, and the tunnel remains a testament to 19th-century determination and engineering skill. Today, the route is maintained for safe public access, though it retains its character as a genuine cave experience rather than a sanitized tourist attraction. The narrow passages and steep steps preserve the sense of adventure while modern safety considerations ensure visitors can navigate the descent securely.A Living Connection to Bristol's Past
Visiting the Giant's Cave connects you to multiple layers of Bristol's identity: the geological history of the Avon Gorge, the Victorian era's appetite for exploration and tourism, local folklore and legend, and the engineering achievements of the Industrial Revolution. The cave itself has remained largely unchanged for millennia, while human access to it has evolved dramatically over just two centuries. Standing on the viewing platform, you're simultaneously experiencing ancient geology and appreciating the determination of those who made this natural wonder accessible to everyone.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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William Draper Memorial
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Memorial Arch
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The Matthew of Bristol
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St John's Church
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Unmissable attractions to see
St Vincent's Rocks
0.0 km
Historic cliffside landmark in Clifton offering dramatic views, ancient caves, and rich cultural heritage above the Avon Gorge.
Clifton Observatory
0.1 km
Historic observatory with one of the UK’s few working Camera Obscuras, Giant’s Cave adventure, and stunning views of Clifton Suspension Bridge.
Butt polished rock
0.1 km
Discover the subtle geological wonder of Butt Polished Rock nestled in Bristol’s historic and scenic Clifton district.
Clifton Suspension Bridge
0.2 km
Iconic Victorian suspension bridge spanning the Avon Gorge with stunning views, free museum, and engaging guided tours in Bristol.
Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre (Free Entry)
0.4 km
Explore the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge’s history and engineering at the free Visitor Centre with interactive exhibits and guided tours.
The Mall Gardens
0.4 km
A serene and charming green oasis nestled in Clifton, offering peaceful gardens framed by historic architecture and community spirit.
The Paragon
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The Clifton Arcade
0.6 km
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Victoria Square
0.7 km
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Clifton Down
0.9 km
Expansive green parkland offering stunning views, wildlife habitats, and peaceful recreation in the heart of Bristol.
Bristol Docks
1.2 km
Historic Bristol Docks at Hotwells: Engineering brilliance and maritime heritage meet vibrant waterfront life.
National Trust - Leigh Woods
1.2 km
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Sea Walls
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Capricorn Place
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Cabot Tower
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Essential places to dine
Côte Clifton Village
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The Ivy Clifton Brasserie
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Clifton Sausage
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New Moon Tapas
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Giggling Squid - Clifton
0.5 km
Experience authentic Thai flavors and vibrant dining in the heart of Clifton Village at Giggling Squid, Bristol’s beloved Thai restaurant.
No.4 Clifton Village
0.5 km
Charming Georgian hotel in Bristol’s Clifton Village with cozy rooms, a private garden, and the acclaimed No.4 Clifton Village restaurant.
Coppa Club, Clifton
0.7 km
Stylish Italian dining and vibrant social hub in Clifton Village, Bristol, perfect for all-day meals and lively evenings.
1 York Place
1.0 km
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The Pump House
1.1 km
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Racks Bar & Kitchen
1.2 km
A vibrant Clifton hotspot blending historic cellar charm with gourmet British and Mediterranean cuisine in a lively, stylish setting.
The Chef's Table
1.2 km
An intimate fine dining experience in Bristol’s historic docks, serving innovative modern British cuisine with expert wine pairings.
Lost & Found Bristol
1.3 km
Theatrical cocktails and creative cuisine in Clifton's most Instagram-worthy venue.
The Coconut Tree Bristol, Clifton Triangle
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Botanist Bristol
1.5 km
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Bravas
1.5 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas in Bristol’s cozy and lively Bravas, where traditional flavors meet seasonal creativity.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Grace & Mabel Ltd
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Discover handpicked elegance at Grace & Mabel Ltd, the Clifton Village boutique where three sisters craft a world of timeless fashion, quality, and personal style since 2007.
The Pod Company
0.4 km
Discover cutting-edge wellness with The Pod Company’s innovative ice baths and sauna pods in the heart of Clifton, Bristol.
Indira Rose Vintage
0.4 km
Discover mid-century magic across three floors in Clifton's chic village—timeless antiques and vintage furniture await in Bristol's premier trove.
Movement Boutique
0.5 km
Discover curated designer fashion, jewellery, and homewares in the stylish heart of Clifton, Bristol’s charming historic district.
About Face
0.5 km
Discover curated gifts and artisanal treasures in Clifton's charming village heart, where unique finds meet personal service in a cozy Bristol gem.
Mint Velvet Bristol
0.6 km
Discover relaxed glamour and personalized style at Mint Velvet Bristol, a chic ladies' boutique in Clifton's fashionable Regent Street.
Village
0.6 km
A compact, design-led gift shop in Clifton Village offering locally made homewares, stationery and small-batch finds with a quietly curated, neighbourhood feel.
Ashwell & Co
1.1 km
Retro elegance meets homemade indulgence: vintage treasures and legendary scones in Clifton's cozy tearoom.
Clifton Down Shopping Centre
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Bristol's Clifton hub: supermarkets, shops, coffee, and convenience right by the station on leafy Whiteladies Road.
Inca
1.5 km
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Soukous
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The Bristol Artisan
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Ganesha
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Uncle Sam's Vintage
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Alices Secret Empourium
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Coronation Tap
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22 Clifton
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The Quadrant
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The Dirty Bird
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The Last Word Clifton Village Bristol
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Barrelhouse
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The Eldon House
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The Brass Pig
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The Cottage Inn, Bristol
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The Cocktail Club - Triangle Bristol
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Hyde & Co
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Steam
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Alterego
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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1.4 km
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La Rocca
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The Pearl NightClub
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Marquee Cocktail Bar & Nightclub
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Silk Nightclub
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Antix
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OMG
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PRYZM
2.1 km
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Popworld - Bristol
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Thekla
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Lakota
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adrenaline-pumping
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Physically Demanding
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
