The IMechE Western Region and the Bath & Bristol Area are pleased to offer to members an enlightening and educational summer's evening to be inspired by one of the UK's and Bristol's most famous of engineers, I.K. Brunel.

"The man with the greatest originality of thought and power of execution, bold in his plans but right." Daniel Gooch, 1859

The Clifton Suspension Bridge Museum are offering a tour of the underground vaults, and a bridge building activity, to two groups of 15 people each on 29th May 2025.

The bridge building activity has been included as an opportunity for members who have an interest or are considering supporting STEM activities to learn a bit more about what the Clifton Suspension offers, and how you can be inspired to do more yourself. Please do consider this event if that sounds like you.

Please note, this is a Member only event as numbers are limited.  

The schedule for the evening is below (groups can be preferred or we will randomly assign):

Arrive at 18:00	Group 1	Group 2
18:00-19:00	Underground Tour	Bridge Building activity
19:00-20:00	Bridge Building activity	Underground Tour

This is a fully guided tour of Clifton Suspension Bridge’s Vaults. Experience it as the engineers who built the bridge would have by using our Victorian-style lanterns to explore the space.

In our immersive Lantern Tour, you can reveal the secrets of Clifton Suspension Bridge by the flickering light of your lantern. Our knowledgeable guides will transport you to the era of the bridge’s construction. Once inside, imagine yourself in the boots of Brunel and the labourers who made this engineering marvel a reality.

The tour promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Clifton Suspension Bridge for all visitors alike, don a hard hat and descend the ladder to reveal the stories hidden within these historic vaults.

• Please wear sturdy shoes with good grip such as hiking boots or trainers. You will not be allowed to join the tour in heels, flip-flops or open-toed shoes.

• This tour includes climbing a vertical ladder and passing through a low corridor. Please ensure that you are physically capable of doing so. Please consider this event's suitability if you are concerned about claustrophobia or vertigo. There is a minimum height limit of 1.2m.

• Please ensure that any camera, phone, or device you bring will fit in your pocket or bag so that you have two hands free to climb the ladder.

• Only small rucksack type bags worn over both shoulders or bags with cross-body straps will be permitted inside the vaults. Large bags, handbags, umbrellas and so on can be stored securely at the Visitor Centre during your tour.

• Be aware that the vaults can be wet and/or muddy inside, particularly after heavy rain. Please wear suitable clothing and ensure that cameras or mobile phones are protected from the calcite saturated water which may fall from the ceiling.