Accessibility Guide for Clifton Suspension Bridge

Travel by public transport

You can get to Clifton Suspension Bridge by bus.

The number 8 bus stops at Clifton Down Road, Clifton Village (close to Christ Church). The bus stop is 0.7 miles / 1.1 km from Clifton Suspension Bridge.

The number 8 bus goes from Bristol Temple Meads to Clifton Village. Our closest bus stops are at Christ Church and Clifton Down Road, both a 15 minute walk on flat terrain along Suspension Bridge Road and across the bridge.

Parking

There is parking near the venue. There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is free.

There are two allocated accessible parking bays next to the Leigh Woods toll booth which blue badge holders are welcome to use free of charge. The spaces are located 25 metres and 50 metres from the building entrance. There is no charge to park here. From the car park to the entrance, there is level access.

There are tarmacked pavements of both sides of Bridge Road and a pelican crossing opposite the entrance to the Visitor Centre. There is a paved area leading from the Visitor Centre entrance to the bridge. This passes the parking bay.

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

The building is free to enter and has a double set of glass automatic doors which open when approached. On the left hand side of the doors there is a glass panel which is used for the display of posters. The entrance has a small metal plate at the bottom which creates a very slight raise.

Visual Impairment - General Information

We have contrast markings on all glass doors.

Lift

We have 1 lift.

You can get a lift to all floors.

There is an enclosed Stannah lift to the first floor. Please remember to keep your finger on the button to keep the lift in motion.

The lift says the floor number at each floor.

The lift buttons have raised numbers or letters.

Ticket/ information desk

Reception desk

From the main entrance to the desk, there is level access. The desk has a low section.

The shop consists of two areas either side of the reception desk. It is all on one level. To the right of the reception desk, you will find a display of cards, postcards, stationery, fridge magnets, books, china and pocket money souvenirs. In this area, the display is up to 180 centimetres (6 feet) high and the width of the space is 136 centimetres (4 ½ feet) wide at its narrowest point.
To the left of the desk is a unit containing cold drinks and ice cream, a display of limited edition prints and photographs and a display of teatowels, tote bags and cross stitch kits. This area is just 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches) wide.
There is always a volunteer at the front desk who will be happy to assist you to reach or inspect any of the products sold in the shop. Aside from books (which are individually priced), the price of each item can be found on the wall display or counter top. Labels are dark grey with white writing.

Things to See and Do

We have display information in: large print.

First Floor

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access. There is a lift.

Some display information is low, for wheelchair users. There are seats.

Some videos have subtitles.

On the first floor there is a soft padded gallery seat on the mezzanine level which provides a stopping point to sit and read information boards or enjoy the view from the picture window. Two tall bar stools are available to sit and watch the DVD documentary. Subtitles are not available, but we are currently working to provide this. However, the content of the DVD is also available in written form as part of the exhibition itself.

Public toilet

Visitor Centre toilets

There is a public toilet for disabled visitors.

From the main entrance to the public toilet, there is level access. The direction of transfer onto the toilet is to the right.

The toilet seat is 500mm high. The toilets have handrails.

The door to the toilet is 85cm (2 feet 9 inches) wide. There is space for a wheelchair 93cm (3 feet) wide to the left side of the toilet. The seat of the toilet is 50 cm (20inches) from the floor. There are grab rails to either side of the toilet, above the sink and on the back of the cubicle door. The tap is operated using a motion sensor and both a hand drier and paper towels are provided.

Shop

Visitor Centre Shop

From the main entrance to the shop, there is level access. The route through the shop is 800mm wide, or more.

Unfortunately our shop area is rather small and wheelchair users may find it difficult to access all of the displays. Please ask volunteers at the desk who will be happy to assist you.

Picnic Area

Chapter & Holmes Coffee Cart

From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. You can bring your own food to the picnic area.

The Coffee Stand is open every day from April until October and selected weekends during the winter season. From the Visitor Centre, cross the road at the zebra crossing and follow the pavement back toward the bridge. There is a small seating area with a stone slab surface and two octagonal pcnic tables.

Accessibility equipment

Folding stools are available for your use throughout the building. They are light, have a carry handle and can be used as a walking aid as well as a seat.

Emergency evacuation procedures

We have emergency evacuation procedures for disabled visitors.

The fire alarm has flashing lights.

In the event of a fire alarm, alarms will sound and lights will flash in the ceiling. The fire doors at the entrance to the Education Workshop will swing closed, but the keylock system will be disabled. The automatic doors at the front entrance will lock open and emergency lighting will switch on.

There are two fire exits, located in the Education Workshop and at the end of the toilet corridor. Our volunteer team will escort you safely from the building and to our assembly point at the Leigh Woods Toll House.

In the event of a fire, the lift will return to the ground floor. If you are unable to use the stairs, please wait for assistance at one of the first floor refuge points. These are located next to the lift and next to the fire exit in the Education Workshop. The Refuge Intercom connects to emergency telephones at the reception desk and in the entrance foyer of the building.

Customer care support

Some staff have disability awareness training.

We have information in large print.