Clifton Rocks Railway
Clifton Rocks Railway
Princes Buildings
Clifton
Bristol
City of Bristol
BS8 4LD
England
Website
www.cliftonrocksrailway.org.uk
restoration diary
www.b-i-a-s.org.uk/rocks_railway_refurbishment.html
restoration
secretary
Thousands of people pass the bottom entrance to the Clifton Rocks Railway as they drive along Bristol's Portway, with most not knowing what secret is buried in the rock of the Avon Gorge. Constructed with great difficulty inside the cliffs of the Avon Gorge in order to reduce its visual impact on the picturesque surroundings, this water powered 'funicular' railway opened on 11 March, 1893 and operated for 40 years against diminishing trade. Its closure in 1934 did not mark the end of its useful life as it became a secret transmission base for the BBC during WWII, a repair centre for Imperial Airways barrage balloons, and a refuge shelter. This resulted in many blast walls and rooms being built on the rails. It has been empty and disused since the BBC moved out after the war. Volunteers have been working on it since Easter 2005
The Clifton Rocks Railway Trust has been formed by a group of volunteers to restore the Railway. Supported by the Avon Gorge Hotel, Bristol City Council and sponsored by a number of local companies the Trust is working hard to restore elements of the railway.
Venue Type:
Transport heritage site
Additional info
Only the top station can be seen on open days, but there is an exhibition of photos and artefacts found. Views of cable wheels, track and tunnel
Includes original turnstiles, regenerative gas light, artefacts left by war-time users
Collection details
Land Transport, Weapons and War
Clifton Rocks Railway Open day
Be escorted round the top station and hear the story of how this Victorian funicular Railway was converted for use during the War. Artefacts of both eras on display.
Photographic display may be on in the Avon Gorge Hotel too. Children under 14 not allowed for insurance reasons
Suitable for
- Not suitable for children
When
10am-4pm
Where
bottom of Sion Hill, Clifton
Admission
Donations welcome
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