
Isambard Kingdom Brunel once called Clifton Suspension Bridge his “first child, my darling.” Having stood proudly in Bristol since 1864, you’d think we’d have long-known all its secrets. But, it was only in 2002 when a builder carrying out repairs accidentally stumbled upon its secret vaults…
Yep, you heard correctly: Bristol’s most iconic landmark, the one thing that features on every postcard of the city, has 12 vaulted chambers within the Leigh Woods abutment. Thought to be one of the earliest elements of the bridge, built in 1831 as a platform for the bridge tower, they were soon sealed off when building plans changed.
Many had suspected that they existed, but no one expected them to be quite so big – the largest chamber is said to be as tall as three double-decker buses stacked on top of each other! Meanwhile, the walls are made of lime mortar, while stalagmites and stalactites grow from above and below.
How can I visit Clifton Suspension Bridge’s secret vaults?

Clifton Suspension Bridge will reopen the vaults this April and May to the public. Conducting its now-legendary Hard Hat Tours, visitors will learn about the construction and its strange discovery, before donning a hard hat and high-vis jacket and climbing down into two of the 12 vaulted chambers built by Brunel and his team almost 180 years ago.
These one-hour fully guided tours are available for anyone aged 7+, and offer plenty of time for exploration and photo opportunities. You can also book a two-hour Hard Hat Tour that includes exploring the design and construction of the bridge itself. Plus, to learn more about the bridge’s history or the abutments, head to the free Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum.
Tickets for Hard Hat Tours in April and May go on sale at midday on Tuesday, February 25, while more tours will likely be announced later in the year. To learn more about Clifton Suspension Bridge and its Hard Hat Tours head here.