Skip to main content
POINT OF INTEREST

Cabot Tower

Brandon Hill Park, Bristol, England

Perched on top of Bristol’s Brandon Hill, Cabot Tower is a red-brick structure that dates back to 1897, when it was built to commemorate John Cabot’s historic voyage from Bristol to North America 400 years earlier. Located in the city’s oldest park, visitors can climb the tower's steps for panoramic views of Bristol and the Harbourside area. It's also the perfect setting to relax and have a picnic.

Many visitors come to Cabot Tower independently, often taking a break from shopping or exploring the nearby Harbourside, which is around a 10-minute walk away. Another option is to rent bikes, with some rental packages including a map, helmet, and lock, allowing you to park and ascend Cabot Tower’s steps with ease. After the tower, there are beautiful walking paths around the gardens.

  • There are public toilets in Brandon Hill, around a 3-minute walk from Cabot Tower.

  • The tower is not wheelchair accessible, as there are 109 steep steps to reach the viewing area.

  • If exploring Cabot Tower with little ones, Brandon Hill features a children’s play area.

  • Bring your camera if ascending the tower, as it’s often touted as one of the best views of Bristol.

Cabot Tower is easy to get to from Bristol’s city center. It's around a 10-minute walk from the Harbourside area, or a 13-minute drive or 37-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads railway station. If using public transport, the nearest stop is Park Street Top (U1), which is served by a number of bus routes, depending on your starting point.

Cabot Tower is best visited in late spring, summer, or fall (ideally between May and September). During these months, Brandon Hill Park is perfect for walks or picnics on warm days. For a quieter experience, visit the tower early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds, and opt for weekdays rather than weekends if possible.

If you fancy a bite to eat after visiting Cabot Tower, there are several places within walking distance. Just a 5-minute walk away, there are several restaurants around Berkeley Square and Queens Road: Botanist Bristol is a gastropub offering British and Mediterranean bites, The Coconut Tree Bristol has Sri Lankan cuisine, and Folk House Cafe & Bar serves mostly organic British food.

THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP