The Downs

Bristol


The grassy parks of Clifton Down and Durdham Down (often referred to as just the Downs) fan out from the Clifton Suspension Bridge and make a fine spot for a picnic. Nearby, the Clifton Observatory houses a camera obscura and a tunnel leading down to the Giant's Cave, a natural cavern that emerges halfway down the cliff with dizzying views across the Avon Gorge.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bristol attractions

1. Clifton Observatory & Camera Obscura

0.06 MILES

Set in a striking 18th-century windmill, Clifton Observatory features a viewing platform, a rare camera obscura and the cliff-side Giant's Cave. Together…

2. Giant's Cave

0.06 MILES

A natural cavern set beneath the Clifton Observatory & Camera Obscura. The cave mouth is set into the side of the cliff, offering spectacular views over…

3. Clifton Suspension Bridge

0.12 MILES

Clifton's most famous (and photographed) landmark is the 76m-high Clifton Suspension Bridge, which spans the Avon Gorge. It was designed by master…

5. Leigh Woods

0.31 MILES

It may be tiny (under a square mile), but Leigh Woods squeezes a lot into a small space: ancient trees, snaking walking trails and corking Avon Gorge…

6. Clifton

0.33 MILES

During the 18th and 19th centuries, wealthy Bristol merchants transformed the former spa resort of Clifton into an elegant hilltop suburb packed with…

7. Cabot Tower

0.93 MILES

Set in the small park of Brandon Hill, this 32m ornate red-brick tower was built between 1896 and 1898 to commemorate John Cabot's pioneering voyage in…

8. Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

0.98 MILES

You're in for a few surprises at this classic old Edwardian museum. Look out for the Paint-Pot Angel by world-famous street artist Banksy in the entrance…

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