While we were in Bristol we spent a morning in Clifton, mainly because we wanted to see the suspension bridge, but also because it is an area worth exploring, as it's quite different from the rest of the city. It's a charming neighbourhood, full of stunning Georgian architecture, filled with independent shops, cafes and bars.
We were going to walk there, but we got lost and in frustration, we took a bus that deposited us
and Clifton Arcade,
which was built in the 1870s but it flopped, and became a warehouse for a furniture company before it was restored in the 1980s and 90s, rebuilt in the Italianate style the architect had originally envisaged.
Next, we went to explore Victoria Square
a square of Georgian architecture built in Bath stone
with a square of gardens in the middle.
then went on to the Royal York Crescent, perhaps the most affluent street in Bristol, the longest terrace in Europe. Construction started in 1791 but was not completed until 1820.
It's different from other Crescents I have seen, the one in Bath for instance, or the one in Leamington in that the whole terrace is built on a raised pavement over vaulted cellars
In front and below the Crescent are the gardens, that are as long as the Crescent
and on the other side of the gardens are York Gardens,
the gardens and York Gardens on the other
when we reached the end, we went up the steps, and on to the main part of the Crescent
Great views of the city from here
Some of the basements have been done up really nicely
Angela Carter lived here for a while
Went back to where we had started from, and had lunch here.
We then continued exploring
We arrived at the Downs, a spacious public park
We were on our way to the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
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