Living in Clifton (Bristol)

Clifton is a prestigious Bristol suburb renowned for its Georgian architecture, iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge and vibrant village atmosphere – all within easy reach of the city centre.  

Where is Clifton?

Clifton is one of Bristol’s most distinguished inner suburbs, located on the western edge of the city centre. Situated around two miles from Bristol’s heart, it occupies the high ground stretching from Whiteladies Road in the east to the dramatic Avon Gorge in the west, and from the famous Downs in the north to Cornwallis Crescent in the south.

The area enjoys a spectacular clifftop location overlooking the Avon Gorge, giving Clifton its name and providing some of the most breathtaking views in the city.

Is Clifton a nice place to live?

Clifton consistently ranks as one of Bristol’s most desirable places to live, offering an exceptional quality of life that attracts professionals, families and students alike. The area successfully balances historic grandeur with modern vibrancy, featuring elegant Georgian terraces and crescents alongside contemporary amenities and a thriving cultural scene.

The strong sense of community is evident throughout Clifton Village and along Whiteladies Road, where independent boutiques, artisan coffee shops and award-winning restaurants create a village-like atmosphere within the city. The area attracts a diverse and educated population, including University of Bristol students, young professionals working in the city, and families drawn to the excellent schools and green spaces.

Clifton’s appeal extends beyond its architectural beauty to include easy access to some of Bristol’s best cultural attractions, the expansive Clifton and Durdham Downs, and excellent transport links.

What is Clifton famous for?

Clifton is internationally renowned for the Clifton Suspension Bridge, Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s masterpiece completed in 1864. This Grade I listed landmark spans the Avon Gorge and stands as one of Britain’s most recognisable engineering achievements.

The area is also celebrated for its outstanding Georgian architecture, with Royal York Crescent being particularly notable as one of Europe’s finest examples of Georgian terrace design.

Clifton is also famous for housing much of the University of Bristol, including the iconic Wills Memorial Building, and for being home to Bristol Zoo (until its recent closure). The area’s cultural significance extends to hosting the BBC Natural History Unit on Whiteladies Road, which is responsible for producing many of the world’s most acclaimed wildlife programmes.

Things to do in Clifton

Clifton offers a broad range of attractions and activities. The Clifton Suspension Bridge and its visitor centre provide fascinating insights into Victorian engineering, while the surrounding Avon Gorge is home to spectacular walking routes and photo opportunities.

Clifton Village is the area’s cultural heart, featuring the atmospheric Clifton Arcade with its collection of independent shops, antique stores and traditional sweet shop.

The expansive Clifton and Durdham Downs provide 400 acres of public parkland perfect for walking, jogging, kite flying and outdoor sports. The Downs hosts various events throughout the year and offers spectacular views across the city and surrounding countryside.

Cultural attractions include the elegant Everyman Cinema with its luxury sofa seating and cocktail service, numerous art galleries, and the historic Coronation Tap – Bristol’s oldest cider house. The area’s restaurant scene is bustling, with everything from Michelin-recommended establishments to cosy gastropubs and international cuisine.

What is the transport like in Clifton?

Clifton enjoys excellent transport connections. The area is served by Clifton Down railway station on the Severn Beach line – this provides regular services to Bristol Temple Meads and connections to London, Cardiff and beyond.

Frequent bus services connect Clifton to central Bristol, with routes running along Whiteladies Road and through the city centre. The area’s elevated position and proximity to the city centre make walking and cycling popular options, with many residents choosing to walk the 20-30 minutes to central Bristol.

Road connections are excellent via the Clifton Suspension Bridge to North Somerset and the M5, while the city centre and M4/M5 motorways are easily accessible. For air travel, Bristol Airport is around 45 minutes away by car or public transport.

Schools in Clifton

Clifton is home to some of Bristol’s best schools. The area is home to several outstanding independents. These include the prestigious Clifton College, one of Britain’s leading co-educational boarding and day schools, and Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital, a highly regarded independent day school.

For state education, families have access to excellent primary schools in and around Clifton, with many rated ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Good’ by Ofsted. The proximity to other desirable Bristol areas means parents have a wide choice of both primary and secondary education options.

The presence of the University of Bristol adds to the area’s academic aura, with many university buildings located throughout Clifton.

Is Clifton safe?

Clifton is consistently recognised as one of Bristol’s safest areas, with crime rates lower than the city average. Detailed local crime statistics are available on police.uk.

What are the average property prices in Clifton?

House prices in Clifton have an overall average of £507,470 over the last year. The majority of properties sold here during the last year were flats, which fetched an average price of £400,323. Terraced properties sold for an average of £907,100, with semi-detached properties fetching £1,393,833.

Overall, the historical sold prices in Clifton over the last year were 9% down on the previous year and 16% down on the 2022 peak of £602,803. Despite this recent adjustment, Clifton is still one of the most expensive areas to live in Bristol.

FAQs

• How far is Clifton from central Bristol?
  Clifton is around two miles from central Bristol, easily walkable in 20-30 minutes or a short bus journey of 10-15 minutes.
• Is Clifton good for families?
  Yes. Clifton offers outstanding schools (including top independent options), safe streets, expansive green spaces on the Downs, and a strong community atmosphere with family-friendly amenities.
• Is Clifton affordable?
  Clifton is positioned at the premium end of Bristol’s property market with average house prices of over £500,000. While not the most affordable area, it offers good value considering the location, architecture and lifestyle benefits.
• Is Clifton good for commuters?
  Yes, Clifton offers good commuting options with regular train services from Clifton Down station, frequent bus connections and easy access to major road networks. Many residents also walk or cycle to central Bristol.