Not all Bristolians will know that deep down underneath one of the city's most iconic structures are secret vaults. They were discovered by contractors working on Clifton Suspension Bridge 21 years ago.
The underground spaces are abutments that were part of the earliest construction on the site and were designed by engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, who died five years before the bridge's opening.
From April 1, visitors have the opportunity to explore the underground phenomenon that has remained undisturbed for 162 years until their chance discovery in 2002. A family-friendly Vaults Visits programme has been developed to run alongside the Visitor Centre’s popular in-depth Hard Hat Tour From April until October 31 this year.
First opened up to the public last year, the chambers have been closed for the winter. The visits will allow families to access a platform installed in the largest and most significant of the 12 stone chambers – an impressive echo chamber, 11 metres high, festooned in stalactites.
Read More From caves to secret vaults - inside Bristol's (literally) hidden gems
During the tour, bridge fans get to learn more about the construction and discovery of the enormous redbrick abutments supporting the bridge towers. Guests put on a hard hat and high-vis jacket before exploring two of the chambers inside the Leigh Woods abutment.
Tickets for the tours are available on the Clifton Suspension Bridge website and cost £10 for adults or £8 for seven to 17-year-olds. There is a minimum height limit of 1.2m to take part, and part of the tour includes climbing a vertical ladder and passing through a low corridor.
Sessions are at 10.30am, 11.45am and 1.15pm and last an hour. Although many sessions in early April are sold out, there is still availability in May and June, with more tickets set to be released later in the season.
Read More:
- Beautiful lido near Bristol set to open for Easter holidays
- Adventure playground just 25 minutes from Bristol named one of the UK's best
- Adventure playground just 25 minutes from Bristol named one of UK's best
- St Pauls Carnival 2023: Incredible acts revealed for huge summer celebration
- Bristol Harbour Festival 2023 announces return this summer including changes to layout and new zones
