Bristol Photo Gallery - Clifton Suspension Bridge

Clifton Suspension Bridge is an iconic piece of architecture across the Avon Gorge. Designed by a young 24-year old engineer, construction started in 1831 but was initially abandoned in 1843. Luckily, it was eventually built and finished in 1864. At the time, it served horse-drawn carriages and foot traffic but now some 12,000 cars a day use it. Pedestrians can walk across for free but vehicles need to pay a toll. A good place to see the bridge is perched above it around Clifton Observatory. A large park wraps around it and it is an easy walk uphill. Originally a windmill built in the 1760s, it was converted into an observatory in 1828.