At last it feels like spring has sprung and as somebody once said it’s been a long cold lonely winter.

It may not last of course, but while we’ve got a few sunny days to enjoy I’ve been wondering how best to spend my free time in Clifton.

I’ve put together a list of ten ‘must dos’ pretty much off the top of my head and I’d be interested to see what people think.  If you had a visitor coming to stay, where would you start? Would you forget the Suspension Bridge and head straight to the Cori tap for the cider?

So, in no particular order, here’s my list of top ten attractions:

Clifton Suspension Bridge/Observatory/The Gorge

I suppose this is the most obvious starting point but I think it’s easy to forget the majesty of the ancient gorge straddled by the equally majestic Clifton Suspension Bridge representing all that was innovative and brave about the modern industrialised world.

The camera obscura is worth a look on a sunny day and while you’re there you might as well head down to Giants Cave and get some good piccies of the Avon Gorge. Followed up by a picnic outside the Observatory and that is one top afternoon.

A walk around the Downs.

Just a short walk from there is Durdham Downs and a finer patch of green in the centre of a city you will struggle to find. I have to say that having the Downs on the doorstep is one of the main reasons for staying in Bristol for all this time. Even though I’ve probably run around every inch of it by now, I still enjoy walking across it and the views across the Severn on a clear day. And it’s free.

The Clifton Arcade and Primrose Cafe, Boyces Avenue.

How about a trip around the Clifton Arcade if you enjoy antiques, arts and crafts? The website puts it best: “This unique and beautiful Victorian shopping arcade in the heart of Clifton Village houses some of the most unusual shopping in Bristol. Originally opened in 1878, it later fell into disuse but has recently been restored and now houses a community of small shops selling a huge variety of desirable items from the affordable to the wildly extravagant. From antiques, furniture and jewellery to designer clothes, contemporary interiors and art, (not to forget the books and music!), there really is something for everyone in the Clifton Arcade.”

After a busy afternoon shopping the Primrose Cafe is a must, with its relaxing atmosphere and ‘slow food’ philosophy.

Avon Gorge Hotel

I’m not suggesting you spend all day drinking, but if the sun is out, the terrace out the back of the White Lion at the Avon Gorge is an absolute must for views up and down the gorge and one of the best views of the suspension bridge.

Wills Tower/ Bristol University

Clifton is home to one of the finest universities in the country, not only in terms of academic excellence but its buildings as well.

The Wills Tower dominates the skyline looking up Park Street and along with the Victoria Rooms further up towards Whiteladies Road, are well worth a look if you are inclined to check out the campus.

Whiteladies Road and Park Street shopping

Clifton is fortunate to have plenty of areas for some great shopping which isn’t focussed on the usual high street outlets.

From the Farmers’ Market on Whiteladies Road, to Park Street’s boutique clothes and furniture shops, there is a huge variety of independent traders and restaurants on the mile or so from Whiteladies down to Park Street. But I would start at the Blackboy Hill end at the top and get the bus back up!

Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery, Park Street

Last year the Bristol Museum was home to one of the most talked about art exhibitions in the world, and that’s no exaggeration. When Banksy took over the museum for his one-off show it drew international headlines. But even without the famously camera shy artist’s work there the museum is still worth a visit to find out a whole load of stuff I bet you never knew about Bristol. For example, I had no idea Bristol used to make so many fine pianos. There’s a load of them in there, as well as fossils and plenty of information about our Jurassic past. And, it’s free.

Fine dining

There are a number of truly excellent restaurants in Clifton, in fact there are quite a number, but I wanted to pick out a couple for special mention.

The Clifton Sausage on Portland Street is a well-established favourite and does have a fine array of sausages available, but also a great wine list and staff who care about what they do. It is a real success story for Clifton. And for possibly the best example of Italian fine dining Prosecco just round the corner (as seen on Gordon Ramsay) is an absolute must. Its superb menu and intimate atmosphere make it a favourite for couples.

I should also mention Aqua on Whiteladies Road and Mitch Tonks’ RockFish opposite, which also epitomise all that is great about eating out in Clifton. But the list could go on and on.

Drink up thy zider

Bristol is the capital of cider country and if you’re in Clifton you have to head to the Coronation Tap (Cori Tap), tucked away down a cobbled street in Clifton Village on Sion Place.

The Cori is Clifton's original, and still its only cider house. This legendary centuries-old venue is famous for its very own "EXHIBITION" cider which is 'apple juice' like you've never tasted before. It's also an incredibly popular live music venue - not just with its audiences, but with many of the most talented musicians around who love to play there.

Nice and cheesey. The Lizard Lounge, Clifton Triangle.

No visit to Clifton would be complete without some bad dancing at the Lizard Lounge. If you’re over 30 you might get mistaken for somebody’s parent, but for a bit of sticky dance floor hooning  around there’s fewer finer venue.

You might not look good on the dance floor but if you want to go clubbing for a laugh with your mates and not just to be achingly cool, then you could do worse than the Lounge.

I’m sure I’ve missed out loads of obvious stuff, so it would be good to get your suggestions.