Join student life to visit Bristol's most iconic landmark

A fully guided tour exploring two of the twelve vaulted chambers within the Leigh Woods abutment. Learn about the bridge’s construction and the rediscovery of these chambers in 2002.

During the tour, you will learn about the construction and discovery of the huge red brick abutments which support the bridge towers before donning a hard hat and high vis jacket and exploring two of the twelve vaulted chambers inside the Leigh Woods abutment.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Hard Hat Tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the hidden vaults beneath one of Bristol’s most iconic landmarks. These tours provide an immersive experience into the bridge’s engineering marvels and rich history.

Students will be split into two groups for the tours. Tour times are 13.30 & 14.30. The group not on the tour will explore the Clifton Observatory where you can visit the Camera Obscura (entry price is £3 for students who want to visit the Camera Obscura - this is not included in the event package). There are incredible views across Avon Gorge and a chance to see the infamous 'sliding rock'.

FREE event. Book your place via Eventbrite:

Please be aware of the following details before booking

Participants have to climb a vertical ladder and pass through a low corridor, walk along a gently sloping woodland path which is surfaced with loose gravel. There are several steps edged with wooden boards.

At the end of the path, there is a ladder with 15 steps (not rungs) which are 25 cm apart. The steps are at a slight angle, rather than vertical and there is a handrail on either side which must be held with both hands when descending and ascending. The distance between the handrails is 60cm. There is a safety cage which encloses the ladder.

Access to Vault 4 (the first chamber) is through a short passageway which is full height (196cm) and surfaced with concrete. Spiders may be evident at this point. The vault flooring is uneven and may become muddy underfoot.

Access to Vault 5 (the second chamber) is through a low passageway which varies in height from 142cm to 133cm. The passageway is 180cm long. Visitors can only access the second vault by walking through this passageway in a crouch position.

Inside Vault 5, there is decking which provides a flat and even non-slip floor surface. Like Vault 4, this chamber has a high ceiling. The air inside is fresh, but the atmosphere may be humid. The temperature is always around 13.5 degrees.