The colourful houses that you can see in Bristol on the hillside above the harbour are situated in the Cliftonwood neighbourhood, between Hotwells and Clifton Village.

To get a photo of the whole row, head to the opposite bank towards Baltic Wharf.

If you’d like to stroll right amongst the houses, head to Church Lane and Ambrose Road.

🏨 Victoria Square Hotel Clifton Village – prices and availability – is in Clifton Village, above the harbour. From there, you can walk downhill amongst the colourful houses of Cliftonwood all the way down to the water’s edge.

Where to take a photo of Cliftonwood across the harbour

On the southern quay, head to the footpath along the water’s edge by The Cottage Inn.

But I liked the view from Spike Island on the other side of the water even more, where you can see a whole row of houses in the background.

It’s a stop on the way from the SS Great Britain to Underfall Yard.

You’ll also find more colourful houses in another part of Bristol, near Redcliff Wharf. The best view of them is from the Redcliff Bascule Bridge, which you’ll cross on foot, for example, when travelling between the city centre and Temple Meads station.

If you’d like to start your day with a photo across the water, look for accommodation in Bristol Harbourside. You can easily combine the view with a stroll along the waterfront.

A short stroll amongst the colourful houses

From Baltic Wharf, continue to Underfall Yard and across Junction Lock Bridge to Hotwells. Follow Hotwell Road back down the hill to Mardyke Steps.

From Hotwell Road, climb the Mardyke Steps, which you’ll also find marked on the map as Church Path Steps. Look back as soon as you reach the top. From the end of Church Lane, there’s a view across the water to Baltic Wharf and the shipyards.

1. Walk upChurch Lane past The Lion pub. Here you’ll already be able to see the colourful Victorian terraced houses up close.
2. Argyle Place will take you to the community garden, where Ambra Vale East and Ambrose Road meet.
3. Take a stroll along Ambrose Road and Ambra Vale East to enjoy the views straight from the street. You can then head down Ambra Vale back to Hotwell Road.

Allow 30 minutes for the walk. Cliftonwood is a residential neighbourhood and you’ll see the houses from the public streets and pavements.

If you’re already at the Clifton Suspension Bridge, you can reach Cliftonwood from above via Clifton Village.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Bristol.