Clifton Suspension Bridge is a special part of Bristol’s heritage, symbolising the city for residents and visitors.
With no local or central government funding, the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust ensures that all toll crossing money is used for the upkeep of the bridge, a historic structure that needs constant expert management and maintenance in order to keep running.
Visit & Explore
A visit to Bristol isn’t complete without a trip across the multi-award-winning Clifton Suspension Bridge. As well as being a sightseeing must-see, the iconic bridge has a free Visitor Centre where tourists, families and locals alike can learn when, how and why Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s first bridge was built.
Crossing The Bridge
Clifton Suspension Bridge is, and always has been, a toll bridge. It is open and manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week throughout the year. Keeping the bridge safe and operational is the work of the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust, a charitable trust acting as custodians of this working Grade I listed structure.
Motorised vehicles (including motorcycles) pay £1 to cross the bridge, all of which goes towards its maintenance and upkeep. There is no charge for pedestrians, cyclists or horse riders crossing the bridge.
Just as the bridge spans Avon Gorge, joining Bristol and North Somerset, the history of Clifton Suspension Bridge spans three centuries. With around 90% of its original ironwork still in operation, maintenance work requires the utmost care in replacing parts like for like.