http://Book your tickets via ticket tailor
Join us for an exclusive hard hat tour of the Clifton Suspension Bridge’s legendary Underground Vaults, hosted in partnership with the Bristol Junction Company (BJC). Space is strictly limited to 15 places overall, so book early to secure your spot!
Event Details
- Date: Wednesday, 17th September
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Note: Sunset is at approximately 7:17 PM as twilight begins).
- Post-Tour Social: From 8:00 PM onwards, we will reconvene at the White Lion Pub (located right next to the Avon Gorge Hotel) for drinks and a catch-up.
About the Tour
When construction of the Clifton Suspension Bridge began in 1831, the eyes of the world were on 23-year-old Isambard Kingdom Brunel and his bold plan to build the highest and longest bridge in the world. Many of the bridge’s secrets, like the vaulted chambers sealed inside the abutment, were lost when Brunel died.
Join Clifton Suspension Bridge’s knowledgeable volunteer guides—winners of the 2023 Heritage Collaboration Award—on a one-hour historical tour through two of Brunel’s twelve vaulted chambers. The tour will begin on the abutment above, and once you’ve descended the ladder, your guide will share fascinating features and explain why it took until 2002 for the vaults to be rediscovered.
Ticket Types & Add-Ons
- BJC Subsidised Ticket: £8.67 (Exclusive rate for BJC members)
- Full-Price Ticket: £18.67 (Standard Out-of-Hours admission )
- Optional Add-On: BJC Pin Badge – £3.00
Hard Hat Tour Restrictions:
Please be aware of the following restrictions. For safety reasons, we may not be able to allow attendees to access the vaults if they have not complied with the following:- Tours are suitable for age 12+ and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- There is a minimum height limit of 1.2m.
- Please wear sturdy shoes with good grip such as hiking boots or trainers. You will not be allowed to join the tour in heels, flip-flops or open-toed shoes.
- This tour includes climbing a vertical ladder and passing through a low corridor. Please ensure that you are physically capable of doing so.
- Please ensure that any camera, phone, or device you bring will fit in your pocket or bag so that you have two hands free to climb the ladder.
- Only small rucksack type bags worn over both shoulders or bags with cross-body straps will be permitted inside the vaults. Large bags, handbags, umbrellas and so on can be stored securely at the Museum during your tour.
- Be aware that the vaults can be wet and/or muddy inside, particularly after heavy rain. Please wear suitable clothing and ensure that cameras or mobile phones are protected from the calcite saturated water which may fall from the ceiling.
- Although we will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, this may not always be possible due to the nature of the tour.
