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BRIEF ENCOUNTER at Clifton Observatory

  • Clifton Observatory Litfield Road Bristol, England, BS8 3LT United Kingdom (map)

COVID: BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE

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While nobody can say for sure what will happen regarding Covid, Bristol Film Festival is committed to hosting our events in a safe way and have invested in equipment to achieve this goal.

All our screenings at Clifton Observatory will have air purifiers, as approved by Bristol City Council. An enhanced cleaning procedure in place between screenings will be in place, and windows can be opened to increase airflow in the space.

Bristol City Council guidelines will be followed, and where appropriate we will notify all guests prior to any event of any additional measures may be required.

If you test positive for Covid and cannot attend the event, let us know with evidence of the test results and you will receive a credit for future festival events.

Sheer perfection - the gold standard of tragic romances whose influence can still be seen to this day […] One of the most vivid, impassioned and painfully believable love stories ever committed to celluloid
— Time Out

DOORS: 17:15 | FILM STARTS 17:35

The historic Clifton Observatory plays host to our Spirit Of Cinema screenings, which pair classic films with great artisan gins. Join us in this intimate setting overlooking the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge, and (weather permitting) enjoy the stunning views day and night on the rooftop terrace before the film begins.

Your ticket includes a Gin & Tonic on arrival, as well as a gin-based cocktail served during a brief interval in the film. If you’ve got to drive, or gin isn’t to your taste, we’ve introduced a new non-alcoholic ticket option – enjoy the drinks with a premium non-alcoholic spirit alternative! 

This October we’re screening the romantic drama Brief Encounter. Adapted by Noël Coward from one of his own plays, and helmed by celebrated British director David Lean, it is frequently cited as one of the greatest films of all time, including a BFI poll naming it the 2nd greatest British film of the 20th Century (pushing three of Lean’s other films down the Top 10!).  

Take your evening further with our add-on options:

• Indulge with a delicious deli box from Two Belly, with cheeses, chutney and crackers to enjoy alongside your film and wine

• Attending in a group of six or more? Take a look at our new Group Bookings option below

Please note that this event is strictly for over-18s only

About The Film

PG | 1945 | 87 mins

Suburban housewife Laura is returning from a shopping trip when she has a chance meeting with a kindly stranger called Alec. As they innocently get to know each other, Laura finds herself developing feelings for Alec, and yearns for more than her loving but dull marriage – but can she truly risk hurting her family and losing all that she holds dear?

About The Location


Established in 1766, Clifton Observatory is an iconic landmark and an integral part of the Bristol landscape. The Observatory has had a long and varied history, but one thing has remained consistent over the centuries: the spectacular and unforgettable views of Bristol, Avon Gorge, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. 

In 2015, the Observatory underwent a major restoration. Over the past few years. Today, it’s home to the 360 café, a museum featuring a rare Victorian-era Camera Obscura, and the atmospheric and mythical Giant’s Cave.

Watch The Official Trailer

See This Venue

Two Belly Deli Box

Indulge during your screening with a delicious deli box from Two Belly cheese and beer shop. Enjoy 3 different cheeses, along with an artisan chutney and crackers, as a perfect complement to your wine tasting.

 
 
Group Bookings


Our Group Bookings option has been introduced in response to the larger parties of six or more people who attend our events and are looking to add something extra to their evening to enhance the experience.

Before the screening, you can enjoy exclusive access to the historic Camera Obscura with a private area for welcome drinks (weather permitting, on the roof terrace). Each group member will receive a Two Belly Deli Box to enjoy during the film, which includes a selection of premium cheeses with crackers and chutney. Your group’s reserved seating will mean you can enjoy the film from the best seats in the house!


Tickets from £35pp | Enquire Today

Red Carpet Club


Bristol Film Festival’s Red Carpet Club is an opportunity for film-lovers to make th e most of our events throughout th e year.


Take advantage of advance booking facilities , discounts on tickets and a range of benefits from our partners and supporters.



Find Out More

Getting Here

  • Clifton Observatory is located at Litfield Road, Clifton Down, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3LT.

  • There is no onsite parking at the venue - Pay and Display parkling is available around Clifton Village.

  • Clifton Village is on several bus routes from the city centre. The nearest train station is Clifton Down station.

  • Wherever possible, we encourage walking the use of public transport when travelling to our events.

Accessibility

  • Clifton Observatory is a Grade II listed building, first constructed in 1766. As such, some areas are not suitable for people with limited mobility or using wheelchairs. For further information, please contact us to discuss your visit.

  • Clifton Observatory has no onsite parking, and does not allow drop-offs - there is a short uphill walk in order to reach the venue. The middle path from Clifton Village is the least steep.

  • If you are attending an event as a carer for a disabled guest, then you are entitled to free access. Please select the relevant ticket and bring appropriate proof of eligibility such as proof of blue badge, access card, cinema for all card, letter from a professional or evidence of DLA/PIP. If you are uncertain, please contact us.

  • Please contact us if you require r require seating in a particular area (e.g. closer to the exit, at the end of a row).

  • If you require subtitles, please contact us in advance of making your booking.

  • We want to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about this venue’s accessibility.

Venue & Event Information

  • Doors for this event will open at 5:15PM (17:15). You will not be able to access the screening room before this time, so we recommend arriving as close to this time as possible.

  • This event is strictly for over-18s. As alcohol is included in your ticket price, you may be asked to show ID upon entry to the venue. If you fail to provide valid ID when asked, you will not be able to attend this event. In this instance we would be unable to offer event credit.

  • Please do not consume hot food in the Screening Room.

  • Please take care when walking to and from the Observatory, particularly after dark - light levels are low and the paths to the venue are steep.

  • We strongly encourage all guests to take a lateral flow test before attending this event, for the safety of other guests and event staff.

FAQs

Is there a non-alcoholic alternative available? Yes! Please select the non-alcoholic option when purchasing your ticket.

Can I buy food at the venue? Snacks will be available to purchase at the venue.

is this event indoors? Yes, this event will take place in the William Weston room at Clifton Observatory.

I have a BuyAGift/Red Letter Days/other voucher. How do I redeem this for this event? Head to this page for more information about redeeming Gift Vouchers.

Is my ticket refundable? We operate a no-refunds policy; tickets may be exchanged for event credit to the same value of your ticket up to 48 hours before the start of an event. To request an event credit, please complete our event credit application.

 
Earlier Event: October 9
INSIDE OUT at Clifton Observatory
Later Event: October 9
CABARET at Clifton Observatory