Giant's Cave

What it’s like

A steep 130-step descent through a 200-foot tunnel to a cliff-side platform looking straight at the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge.

This isn't a big attraction with a shop and a gift counter at the end. It's 130 steps down a tunnel cut into the cliff, and then you're stood on a platform looking out over the Avon Gorge with the suspension bridge right there. That view is the whole point and it's over quickly, so don't expect to fill an afternoon with this on its own.

It's £3 for an adult and £1.50 for a child, so a family trip won't break the bank, but the age limit is real. Under-4s aren't allowed down, and neither are people with mobility issues or claustrophobia, which makes sense once you picture 130 steep steps in a tunnel with no lift. Babies in slings are turned away too, so this one's for kids who can walk it themselves.

Tickets are walk-in, no booking needed, and they're valid any time across the day, 10am to 5pm in summer and 10am to 4pm over winter. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing, which doesn't give you much room if you turn up late. There's a café up top with indoor seating and vegetarian options, so once you've done the climb back up you can sit down and let the kids recover with a drink.

Parking is street meters on Clifton Down Road and Observatory Road rather than a car park, so factor that into your visit. If you're relying on the bus, the number 8 stops five minutes' walk away on Observatory Road, or it's a 20-minute walk from Clifton Down rail station.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

4 to 14; younger ones aren't allowed on the steps

Last entry

15 minutes before close

Parking

Street meter parking on Clifton Down Road and Observatory Road nearby

Wheelchairs

Café and patio wheelchair accessible

Dogs

Not permitted in the Giant's Cave

Getting there by bus or train

5-minute walk from number 8 bus stop on Observatory Road to Temple Meads

• Tickets are single-use but valid any time during opening hours, so no need to rush
• The cave isn't wheelchair accessible, though the café and patio are
• No lift, just 130 steep steps down and back up, so pace yourselves with young kids
• It's a 20-minute walk from Clifton Down rail station if you're coming by train

Plan your visit

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