Is there a more iconic sight in Bristol than Clifton Suspension Bridge? It’s most iconic bridge in Bristol – and there are a lot of bridges in Bristol. Everyone recognises it. Most of us have driven or walked across it. But have you ever seen its secret hidden vaults beneath?
Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel and once called his “first child, my darling”, has stood proud in Bristol since 1864. It was only in 2002, however, that a builder accidentally discovered 12 secret vaults hidden beneath it. He had been carrying out repairs on the bridge around the Millennium when he stumbled across them – thought to be one of the earliest elements of the bridge built in 1831, but soon sealed off when building plans changed.
Many suspected for a long time that these hidden vaults existed. But no one expected them to be quite as big as they are. The largest chamber is said to be as tall as three double-decker buses on top of each other. And they are quite a sight to behold too. The walls are made of lime mortar, while stalagmites and stalactites grow from above and below.
How can I see these inside these hidden vaults?
Until the end of August, Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust is conducting its now-legendary Hard Hat Tours of the Clifton Suspension Bridge’s Underground Vaults. With a one-hour fully guided tour available for anyone aged 7+, this is your only chance of the year to see inside two of the 12 vaulted chambers.
During the tour, visitors will learn about the construction – as well as the strange discovery – of these red brick abutments that still support the bridge, before donning a hard hat and high-vis jacket and descending the ladder. You can also enjoy a partially guided tour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge’s hidden vaults, or extend the experience to include a more comprehensive Clifton Suspension Bridge Tour.
Tickets for public Hard Hat Tours are now available from until the end of August, costing £15 per person. Private tours are also available for up to a maximum of 15 people. To learn more about Clifton Suspension Bridge and its Hard Hat Tours head here.