The Avon Gorge extends approximately 3 km north-westwards from the edge of Bristol's docks at Hotwells, levelling out before Sea Mills, but with further areas of limestone cliff occurring further downstream as far as Pill.

The Gorge is designated as an SSSI for its geological as well as its wildlife interest, and has also been proposed for designation as a Special Area of Conservation under the European Habitats Directive. It is of international wildlife importance, supporting an exceptional range of plant species including two (Bristol whitebeam and Wilmott's whitebeam) which are not found anywhere else in the world, and another two (Bristol rock cress and Bristol onion) which are not found anywhere else in Britain. The Gorge is also important for invertebrates and for breeding peregrine falcons.

The Avon Gorge is managed by the National Trust on the North Somerset side. On the Bristol side, it is managed by Bristol City Council in partnership with Bristol Zoo, WWF and English Nature as part of a major initiative to secure the wildlife interest of the area and raise awareness of its importance.