Thursday 14 March 2013

Clifton Village

I have to say that the bit of Bristol I loved the most was Clifton Village.  I could quite happily live here (except it is rather steep in parts!!).  It has some of the largest houses I have ever seen - the wealthy merchants houses, as well as beautiful terraced villa's and several crescents.  


The Clifton suspension bridge is daunting! A tremendous feat of engineering by old Isambard Kingdom Brunel and a nightmare to maintain I bet.
It is really really really high up over the Avon Gorge.  We walked across it, I got scared!

I need a house with an Edwardian canopy and balcony.
I thought that York Crescent was very very pretty.  Each house had large windows so that I could nosey poke into peoples homes.  The rooms were enormous - I don't know how people managed to decorate - or heat!! these rooms.


It reminded me slightly of Montmatre in Paris - you are so very high over the rest of the city here.
It was Saturday afternoon when we visited and the place had such a great vibe to it.  The shops and cafes are mainly individual ones - not may chains.  I like this sort of a place, they tend to feel unique.  There seemed to be a lot happening too - I loved the "buzzing" atmosphere.
I would highly recommend Clifton for a look around.  It has my vote.

15 comments:

Diane said...

Thanks for the memories. I used to go to school at Winterbourne, Bristol more years ago than I would like to admit to!! Keep well, t'other Diane

Curtise said...

I LOVE the Clifton Suspension Bridge, it's an amazing feat of Victorian engineering. My niece is at university in Bristol and lives in Clifton, it's terribly well-to-do and very attractive. Couldn't afford it myself, but great to visit! xxx

Vintage Tea Time said...

I like Bristol in general, but Clifton especially - lots of great shops and cafes, as you say. We've got several friends in that area, so visit from time to time. Thanks for sharing your visits! x

Kathy said...

Hi Diane, I've enjoyed your last few posts in and around Bristol. We've been there a few times ourselves and really like it too. Clifton is lovely, but I don't think I could afford it ..... Carol Vorderman lives there! x

DeniseinVA said...

Your tour was a fun one, I enjoyed each photo and description. Thank you :) Years ago when I used to visit my sister, I would drive from Torbay to Worcestershire, and my route took me underneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

elsy said...

i love these posts diane...we were in bath a few weeks ago and it never fails to delight....and yes clifton is rather fab ....i really covet an iron balcony...sigh

Down by the sea said...

I have enjoyed your posts about your break away. It looks as if you have has a wonderful time and you have visited so lovely places. My great great grandmother was born in Clifton so it was lovely to see your post about it. I have only driven across the Clifton Suspension Bridge, it must be more scary walking across it and looking down!
Sarah x

Jan said...

I completely agree that Clifton is lovely. Did you pop into the little visitor centre on the far side of the bridge? Jx

Linda P said...

I've enjoyed reading about your time away in the West Country and looking at each photo. It's a lovely record of your break and I can see you had a good time with lots of walking! I would love to go
down to the West country as Bristol is not a place I've explored. We've only by passed it to go to other places.Thank you for the tour.

Gilly said...

Seems you had an absolutely wonderful time! Clifton looked really lovely, never been there. And I would have been scared stiff on the Sus[pension Bridge. they would had have to come and rescue me!!
I've always wanted to go to Tyntesfield - seen such a lot about it on TV, but your photos were far better to get the atmosphere! Loved the photo of the staff - that maid at the back looked really pretty, bet the male staff were struck with her, too!

The Curious Cat said...

Ah! I miss Bristol...so lovely! :) xxx

Rosie said...

The bridge is a bit daunting to cross - I loved those houses with the balconies, it looks like you had a really good exploring day there:)

Jennyff said...

Looks really interesting, nothing to beat individual shops. I traipsed down Princes Street yesterday, apart from wonderful views of the Old Town and castle, I could have been anywhere.

Lisa said...

Clifton does look so very stylish, I bet the house prices match and if you can afford them then you can probably afford the heating bills! Unless they huddle in one room!
Lisa x

A garden just outside Venice said...

Did you meet up with Bekimarie?!
xxxxx