Cabot Tower

Why it was built

The tower was paid for by public subscription and designed by the Bristol architect William Venn Gough, with cream Bath stone picking out the detail on the red sandstone. Work began in June 1897, exactly four centuries after Cabot's voyage, and it was finished in July 1898. It is now a Grade II listed building.

The climb and the views

A narrow spiral staircase leads to two viewing platforms edged with wrought-iron railings. The upper one sits around 100 metres above sea level, high enough to look across the harbour and the rooftops of the Old City. Bristol City Council currently lists the tower as temporarily closed for essential maintenance, so check its Brandon Hill page before planning the climb.

Brandon Hill park

Even when the tower is shut, Brandon Hill is worth the short, steep walk up from Park Street. The park is free and never closes, with a nature park, a tree trail, a dog-free play area for under-12s and two outdoor exercise stations. Parts of the hill are scheduled ancient monuments. Pair it with the Wills Memorial Building and Bristol Museum & Art Gallery at the top of Park Street.

Highlights

• Built 1897–98 for the 400th anniversary of Cabot's voyage
• 32 metres tall and Grade II listed
• Two viewing platforms reached by a spiral staircase
• Set in free, always-open Brandon Hill park
• Nature park and tree trail on the hill

Good to know

• Bristol City Council currently lists the tower as temporarily closed for essential maintenance; check before you go.
• There is no dedicated car park, so walk up from Park Street or the harbourside.
• Barbecues are allowed only in designated areas, using shop-bought barbecues raised on legs; open fires are not permitted.
• Toilets are near the tower; the tower and toilets close on 25–26 December and 1 January.

Frequently asked questions