What is it? Much more than just a masterpiece of design and engineering.
Why go? Widely considered to be Brunel’s greatest work, Clifton Suspension Bridge first opened in 1864, and the Grade I-listed structure is an internationally recognised icon of the city. No matter how many times you’ve climbed to Clifton Village to gawp at it, the giant wrought-iron structure never fails to inspire sheer vertiginous awe. Big Brunel fan? The SS Great Britain contains a whole room of exhibits dedicated to him and his inventions, including a working train carriage and an enormous bust of the cigar-puffing man himself.
Don’t miss: Perched up on the hill, you’ll find Clifton Observatory. Within this former snuff mill is one of only two working camera obscura left in the UK and a subterranean passageway leading to Ghyston’s Cave, which looks out from the cliff face with unrivalled views of the bridge and gorge.