Ghyston's Cave

Ghyston's Cave, also called the Giants Cave, is a natural cave in the limestone face of St Vincent's Rocks above the Avon Gorge in Clifton, Bristol. Visitors reach it through Clifton Observatory, and the ledge at its mouth looks out over the gorge and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

What is Ghyston's Cave?

The cave opens high in the gorge wall, roughly 76 m above the river. Before a tunnel was cut, getting there meant a scramble from the top of the gorge or a steep climb from below. Today almost everyone takes the easier route, a passage that starts inside the observatory.

Where does the name come from?

The name comes from a local legend of two giants, Goram and Ghyston, who both wanted to win Avona. Her challenge was to drain a lake that filled the land between Bristol and Bradford-on-Avon. In one telling, Ghyston dug steadily down to Sea Mills and carved out the gorge, while Goram grew hot, drank too much and fell asleep. Versions differ on the details, including how Goram met his end.

Ghyston is sometimes called Vincent, a name linked to St Vincent's Rocks. The word Ghyston itself may have first described the whole cliff face, since it appears in that sense in sources from the mid-15th century. Scholars regard the legend as relatively recent.

How do you get into the cave?

In 1835 William West, who ran the observatory, had a tunnel dug between the building and the cave. According to Wikipedia the work took two years and the passage opened to visitors in 1837. The tunnel is about 61 m long (another source gives 65 m). It descends by steps, and descriptions of the count range from about 130 to more than 200, so expect a climb back up.

At the end there is a small viewing platform at the opening in the rock. Visit Bristol describes it as the only platform in the city overlooking the gorge and the Suspension Bridge.

What will you see?

• The Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge from cliff height
• A Victorian-era rock-cut tunnel
• The observatory itself, with its tower and camera obscura

When should you go?

Opening hours and prices change with the season, so check Clifton Observatory or Visit Bristol before your visit. A clear day gives the best views over the gorge. Wear sturdy shoes, as the tunnel and steps can be slippery.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ghyston's Cave the same as the Giants Cave? Yes. Both names refer to the same cave in St Vincent's Rocks.

How do I enter the cave? Through Clifton Observatory. A tunnel of about 61 m leads from the building to an opening in the cliff.

Who were Goram and Ghyston? They are the giants of a local legend who, in a contest for Avona, were said to have carved out the Avon Gorge.

Can you see the Clifton Suspension Bridge from the cave? Yes. The platform at the tunnel's end looks over both the gorge and the bridge.