Cabot Tower isn’t very far from where I live but I had not been up to the top for nearly nine years, so decided it was time for another visit. The tower was built in the 1890s to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the journey of John Cabot from Bristol to land which later became Canada.

It is quite a long way up for a small bear…

There are quite a few steps getting to the top of Brandon Hill before even getting inside the tower.

I stopped for a rest at the top.

Many years ago when my human was a girl there was a turnstile at the bottom and people had to put coins in slot to get in. Nowadays it is free, which is much better.

I set off up the many steps…

The steps went round and round…

Finally light appeared – I was getting near the top.

I made it!

There are great views of Bristol from Cabot Tower

I wasn’t at the top though – there are more stairs going right to the top. So off I went….

At the top of the tower there was a door that I had to push open.

The reward was an even better view…

The weather was misty and drizzly, I think the view would be better on a clear day, but I could still see quite a lot of Bristol.

The weather was getting a bit damp and I had forgotten to wear my waterproof coat, so we decided to go back down the tower and head for home.

A bear has to be very careful walking down stairs too!

Here I am at the bottom.

I sat for a while and had a little rest before we set off for home.

The last time I was here in 2016 I got friendly with the many grey squirrels that live on Brandon Hill. You might like to read about that visit too – see https://horacethealresfordbear.com/2016/02/15/brandon-hill-squirrels/

Horace the Alresford Bear 2/01/2025