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The Observatory stands on the site formerly occupied by a snuff grinding mill that was burnt out in 1777 through having been over-driven in a gale. In 1828 the site was rented to Mr. West, an artist. He constructed the Camera Obscura and cut the underground passage to St. Vincents Cave. Both remain and are open to visitors. The cave's visiting platform may be seen clearly from the Clifton Suspension Bridge, set within the sheer 250 ft cliff face. The camera obscura projects a panoramic view of the surrounding area onto a white surface inside a darkened room. A box on top of the building contains a convex lens and sloping mirror. Light is reflected vertically downward onto the table, giving a true (not mirror) image. Open Hours:Easter-OctoberMonday-Sunday 7days a week 10:30-5:30 weather Permiting October-EasterSaturday-Sunday 10:30-4:30 weather Permiting CAMERA OBSCURA PRICESADULT: £2.00CHILDREN: £1.00 GIANT'S CAVE PRICESADULTS: £1.50CHILDREN: 50P |