Clifton and Durdham Downs, Bristol

Description:

Clifton Down is an area of public open space in Bristol, north of the village of Clifton. With its neighbour Durdham Down to the northeast, it constitutes the large area known as The Downs, much used for leisure including walking and team sports. Clifton Down was given to the public by an Act of Parliament in 1861, from the Society of Merchant Venturers.


Recognised as the lungs of Bristol, the four hundred acres of the Downs are the focal point for activities all year round. Joggers brave the elements from January to December, whilst all manner of team sports can be seen being practised most days. Various amateur football leagues use part of the Downs on Saturdays during season.


The Downs is very popular with dog walkers, and when the winds are up with kite flyers too. As an area of outstanding natural beauty, it's rare to see the Downs entirely deserted. When the weather is fine it teams with folk, but even the coldest day will see a couple enjoying a romantic stroll across the rolling spread. The Downs has won the prestigious Green Flag award, a recognition and reward for the best green spaces in the country, high environmental standards and a benchmark of excellence in recreational green areas.


From the southwest corner of Clifton Down there are panoramic views of the Avon Gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. This is the site of the Observatory, a small tower with a camera obscura at the top. Located close to the observatory is an open face of rock that has been used as a slide by generations of Bristolians and students. This rock slide has become polished and is now an attraction to visitors.