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20/01/20
Local insights

Clifton: Your ultimate area guide

There’s an air of exclusivity when you live in Clifton.

And why wouldn’t there be. After all, it’s where Bristol started way back in the era of the Doomsday Book.

What Clifton has become today is something really special, from its superb location in Bristol to it’s amazing properties and brilliant schools.

Living in Clifton

One of the most affluent and visually striking areas of Bristol, Clifton is a period property hunter’s dream thanks to its stunning Georgian terraces and Victorian villas.

Flanked by the Clifton Suspension Bridge, most of the University of Bristol is in Clifton, too, which makes for a very special and unique mix of residents, from students and young professionals to families who love the area’s community feel.

Open space is very much the order of the day in Clifton, too, with the Downs and the Avon Gorge forming incredible views of the area.

Houses for sale in Clifton

If you’re looking for a Clifton property to buy, there’s a strong chance you’re already a lover of some of the best period homes available anywhere in the UK.

Rows of Georgian terraces dominate in roads like Royal York Crescent, while sprawling four-storey properties catch the eye on Worcester Terrace and Vyvyan Terrace, which has a stunning garden in the centre.

Towards Clifton Down station, rows of stone-built Victorian terraces are the order of the day.

Flats to rent in Clifton, Bristol

Many of Clifton’s best Georgian and Victorian properties have been turned into stunning converted flats and apartments.

Properties to rent close to Clifton Down station are popular with young professional renters and students at the University of Bristol, while properties close to Clifton Village, in the south of the area near the suspension bridge and the area’s best amenities are also in high demand.

Transport links in Clifton

Clifton is only around two miles from Bristol city centre, so bikes or good old-fashioned walking are usually the modes of transport for those needing to reach the heart of the city.

Those who need to get further afield have great rail options from Clifton Down, however.

London Paddington is less than two hours away via Bristol Temple Meads, while Reading is around one hour 30 minutes away and Cardiff an hour.

On the roads, the M32, M4 and M5 offer solid links to South Wales, London, Birmingham and the Midlands.

Schools in Clifton, Bristol

As well as being a haven for students and young professionals, many of whom are part of Bristol’s ever-growing tech start-up scene, Clifton also attracts families looking for a relaxed pace of life and superb schools.

The best primary school in Clifton is Christ Church CofE Primary School, rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted.

Clifton High School, meanwhile, takes pupils from the age of four right through to 18.

Shops in Clifton, Bristol

Shoppers in Clifton tend to stay in Clifton, despite the lure of Bristol’s Mall at Cribb’s Causeway and the Bristol Shopping Quarter.

Of course, those two giants of retail are right on the doorstep when you live in Clifton, but the area’s independent shops, restaurants and coffee houses are what makes Clifton so special.

Clifton Village and Whiteladies Road are home to an amazing number of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as the household names like Waitrose which is close to Tyndalls Park.

Restaurants in Clifton, Bristol

Whatever your taste buds fancy, you’ll find it in Clifton.

If it’s hearty food you love then head to The Clifton Sausage, which really does do what it says on the tin.

It’s one of the best deliverers of bangers and mash anywhere and also offers other classic English dishes in a great setting.

If Indian food is your choice, try Indian Rassasy on Hotwell Road which is one of Bristol’s best rated eateries on TripAdvisor.

Finally, Primrose Café is one of Clifton’s best known venues having been owned by the same people for more than 25 years.

Primrose serves up brilliant breakfasts and a host of lunchtime sandwiches – well worth a visit.

Bars in Clifton, Bristol

One of the best-known bars in Bristol, the Coronation Tap is probably Clifton’s most popular drinking venue.

It’s the oldest and only cider house in Bristol and offers live music and entertainment weekly.

For post-work drinks, head to The Quadrant which serves up a vast array of superb wines as well as tapas during the day.

Finally, gastropub The Somerset House is brilliantly located close to Clifton Village and is the go-to venue for gin lovers, with more than 60 varieties on offer.

Things to do in Clifton

Away from amazing bars and superb restaurants, Clifton also offers plenty more.

The Giant’s Cave provides those who enter with a unique and breath-taking view of the Clifton Suspension Bridge, while the Clifton Rocks Railway lies within the rocks of the imposing Avon Gorge.

The railway runs from the foot of the gorge to the centre of Clifton and is open to the public twice a year.

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