Cabot Tower: City council issues statement on why it is still closed

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Cabot Tower offers one of the best views across Bristol, so many have been wondering when the historic monument will open to the public again.

Visitors to Brandon Hill Park could previously climb the 19th Century tower’s spiral staircase and be rewarded with a stunning panoramic vista over the Harbourside for free.

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But as with most attractions, the gothic tower had to close its doors as coronavirus restrictions came in last year.

When approached by BristolWorld, Bristol City Council couldn’t say when the tower would reopen, but did provide some insight into why it’s still closed.

Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park.Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park.
Cabot Tower in Brandon Hill Park.

A spokesperson said: “The narrow stairway of Cabot Tower makes it extremely hard to maintain any social distancing measures and manage the number of people entering, to prevent it becoming crowded.

“We continue to assess the mitigating measures required and we will reopen the tower as soon as we can do so safely with regard to the Covid pandemic.”

The tower was finished in 1898 and commemorated the 400th anniversary of the journey of the Matthew, led by John Cabot, from Bristol to Newfoundland in 1497.

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