Spectators take advantage of the viewpoint at Clifton Observatory, Bristol to look out across the Avon Gorge during the 2018 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

The Observatory was originally built in 1766 as a windmill for grinding corn. It was subsequently used to grind snuff. Following a fire in 1777, it was derelict for 52 years. The Observatory was created by William West, an artist who used the building as his studio. He installed the camera obscura in 1829.

West built the tunnel from the Observatory to St Vincent’s Cave, 90 feet below the top of the cliff.

The Observatory, which today also houses a cafe, is Grade II* Listed.