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Clifton Suspension Bridge and Visitor Centre

Bridge Road, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 3PA

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About this venue

Designed and built in 1836 by a young engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, this 702-foot-long, 250-foot-high suspension bridge gracefully spans the Avon Gorge between Clifton and Leigh Woods.

Access Guide

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Introduction (Clifton Suspension Bridge Visitor Centre)

  • Services / facilities within the building include exhibitions on the bridge and the achievements of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, an education room, souvenier shop and toilet facilities. The visitor Centre is next to the bridgemaster's office.
  • Services / facilities within the grounds include the Clifton Suspension Bridge and toilets.

Opening Times (Visitor Centre Opening)

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Comments View
    • The visitor centre is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
    • The Suspension Bridge is open at all times.
    • Closed everyday between 13.00-14.00pm for cleaning.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Clifton Down.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 240cm x 660cm (7ft 10in x 21ft 8in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located to the right of the main entrance.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 240cm x 1500cm (7ft 10in x 49ft 3in).
    • Standard marked parking bays are located between the two designated bays.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The free parking is adjacent to the Visitor Centre on the Leigh Woods side of the Bridge. There are two bays allocated for Blue Badge holders with the space between for other vehicles for a maximum of 1 hour.

Outside Access (Visitor Centre Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 93cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm.

Outside Access (Toll Bridge Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at each side of the bridge on the pavement.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 124cm.
  • Comments View
    • The gates are a minimum of 124cm wide and can be opened wider by the officer in the toll booth if needed.
    • There is level access at the gates and across the bridge.
    • There is no charge for pedestrians.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.

Inside Access (Visitors Centre)

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are bright.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the man entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 97cm (3ft 2in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • Staff offer assistance with the lift when visitors enter the building.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the rear of the building at the end of the corridor.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 92cm (3ft).
    • The door weight is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 235cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 9in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • It is not a push button style of alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There are mirrors.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in) high.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the baby care room.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents are available in Braille.
  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • Comments View
    • There are guides in both large print and Braille which give information on both the history and the engineering of the bridge (photographs 1-3).