The story behind the Clifton landmark older than the Suspension Bridge

The Clifton Suspension Bridge is known as one of Bristol’s biggest and best landmarks. However, overlooking the iconic bridge is another historical landmark, one that is older than the bridge itself, which was completed in 1864.

Almost 100 years earlier, in 1766, the Clifton Observatory was built and was originally a corn windmill before being converted into a grist mill. Nowadays it’s an observatory with a cafe serving luxury hot chocolate, perfect for a winter’s day.

The historic observatory, now a Grade II* listed building, has had many uses throughout its life, including as a studio and camera obscura. Tunnels were also built under the observatory, linking the site with Ghyston’s Cave, which then opens onto St Vincent’s Rocks on the Avon Gorge.

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Despite starting life as a mill, it would only operate until 1777, when a fire destroyed the building. The mill was then left derelict for 52 years until local artist William West leased the mill and converted it into an observatory with a camera obscura.

Throughout the 1800s and 1900s, the camera obscura was used by students to create artworks of the Avon Gorge and Leigh Woods. Some of these paintings can be seen in the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery.

In February 2015, the Clifton Observatory was bought by local entrepreneur Ian Johnson, who also owns the Wellhead cocktail bar. Since then, the observatory has seen some noteworthy changes.

In the summer of 2018, a rooftop cafe was launched, but only for the summer months. He offered visitors cups of tea and slices of cake and it proved to be a great success.

In 2019, a glass cafe was built on the observatory, which includes the roof terrace, offering a year-round experience. The 360 ​​degree cafe allows for possibly the ‘best view’ in Bristol.

Another recent addition to the Clifton Observatory has been the sighting of a well-known local celebrity. Wallambard, from the Gromit Unleashed 2 event, was installed at the observatory in 2019.

The museum that now sits on the site has also proved popular in its own right. Tours of Ghyston’s Cave (also known as Giant’s Cave) offer a unique experience overlooking the Avon Gorge.

In 2022, Clifton Observatory was named one of Britain’s “worst kept secrets” as it was identified as one of the most Instagrammable locations in the country. The mix of different attractions and the viewpoint overlooking the Clifton Suspension Bridge meant that visitors couldn’t get enough photos taken at the landmark.

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