Clifton Observatory

Clifton Observatory A unique events & wedding venue in Bristol with spectacular views. Café and attractions open daily!
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The Observatory (grid reference ST564733) is a former mill, now used as an observatory, located on Clifton Down, close to the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Bristol, England. At 337 feet (92 metres) above the gorge, the cliff top is likely to have been used as a lookout post since at least the Iron Age. The building was erected with the permission of the Society of Merchant Venturers, as a windmill fo

r corn in 1766 and later converted to the grinding of snuff, when it became known as 'The Snuff Mill'. This was damaged by a fire on October 30, 1777, when the sails were left turning during a gale and caused the equipment to catch light. It was then derelict for 52 years until in 1828 William West, an artist, rented the old mill, for 5 shillings (25p) a year, as a studio.

Looking to soak up the last of the sunshine?Our rooftop bar will now be open Sunday the 23rd August from 3pm-7pm for pan...
18/08/2026

Looking to soak up the last of the sunshine?

Our rooftop bar will now be open Sunday the 23rd August from 3pm-7pm for panoramic views and 2-4-1 spritz’s ☀️🥂

Tickets via our website

11/08/2026

🎈✨ What a weekend! ✨🎈

Our Balloon Fiesta weekend was truly one to remember! From our spectacular Sunset Parties on Friday and Saturday, where we were lucky enough to see the balloons take to the skies both nights, to our brilliant Family Fun Day on Sunday, it was a magical few days at Clifton Observatory 💛

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the weekend so special. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! 🎈🌅

And a big thank you to our wonderful suppliers for helping bring it all to life! 👏

Thank you to:

🍕
🍺
🎵
💃🏼
🎨
🎷 & https://www.rorymusic.co.uk
🪩
📸
🪄

Bristol in August really is the spot to be! ☀Clifton Observatory has a packed agenda for this month, taking advantage of...
05/08/2026

Bristol in August really is the spot to be! ☀

Clifton Observatory has a packed agenda for this month, taking advantage of the sunshine. Explore what's on:

- 7/8 August: Balloon Fiesta Sunset Party
- 9 August: Balloon Fiesta Family Fun Day
- 12 August: Solar Eclipse Watching Party
- 16 August: Summer Sunset Soiree
- 31 August: Maker Market
- Every Thursday in August: Golden Hour Thursdays

Plan your visit: https://cliftonobservatory.com/events/

Have you seen we’re doing golden hour Thursdays for the whole of August 👀Enjoy the 2-4-1 spritzes at the bar and live mu...
29/07/2026

Have you seen we’re doing golden hour Thursdays for the whole of August 👀

Enjoy the 2-4-1 spritzes at the bar and live music all month long with free entry! Tickets via our bio

27/07/2026

Yesterdays Summer Soirée highlights! 🪩🍾

Miss out on the fun? Our next one is on the 16th August - tickets in bio

Two weeks until the Balloon Fiesta lands in Bristol... have you finalised your plans yet? 🎈Use the link in our bio for t...
24/07/2026

Two weeks until the Balloon Fiesta lands in Bristol... have you finalised your plans yet? 🎈

Use the link in our bio for tickets to the biggest events of the year!

📷 Bristol Photography Media

This Sunday is sold out, but a new date is coming! 👀Join us for another huge Terrace Soul takeover on Sunday 16th August...
20/07/2026

This Sunday is sold out, but a new date is coming! 👀

Join us for another huge Terrace Soul takeover on Sunday 16th August from 3PM. Early bird tickets are now live for just £7.50! 🥂

Get tickets here: linktr.ee/cliftonobservatory 🎟️

One month to go! ✨The countdown is on to the biggest weekend of the year. Celebrate the Bristol Balloon Fiesta in style ...
08/07/2026

One month to go! ✨

The countdown is on to the biggest weekend of the year. Celebrate the Bristol Balloon Fiesta in style at Clifton Observatory with two blockbuster sunset parties and a fantastic family fun day!

Across the weekend you can expect DJ sets, cocktail bars, lawn games, face painting, a Jim's Pizza stand, and the best view in Bristol of the hot air balloon mass ascents!

Tickets are flying away fast so secure yours here: cliftonobservatory.com/product-category/balloon-fiesta 🎈🎫

Address

Litfield Road, Clifton Down, Clifton
Bristol
BS83LT

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+44 (0) 117 974 1242

Website

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