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.  It has been empty and disused since the BBC moved out after the war.

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.

Our Mission...

"To advance the education of the public through the restoration and operation of the Clifton Rocks Railway as a sustainable visitor attraction and transport system, which is fully integrated with other visitor attractions, transport systems and the Victorian heritage in the area."

Special thanks go to the Avon Gorge Hotel for their continued support.