Clifton Down

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For Clifton Down station, see Clifton Down railway station

Clifton Down
The Observatory on Clifton Down gives a dramatic view of the Avon Gorge
Type	public park
Location	Bristol, England
Coordinates	N51:27 W2:37
Size	400 acre
Status	open all year

Clifton Down is an area of public open space in Bristol, England, 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. 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.