London Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of London's most recognized landmarks and one of the most recognized bridges in the world
One of London's most iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge is one attraction you won't want to miss seeing up close. You might also want to check out the Tower Bridge Exhibition where you can learn more about the history of the bridge and enjoy some great views of London from the upper walkways.
London's Tower Bridge was constructed between 1884 and 1892 to fill the need for an additional crossing over the Thames River east of London Bridge. The challenge was to build a bridge without disrupting the river traffic. This resulted in the final design which utilized bascules (counterbalanced spans) between two tall towers that could be raised to allow ships to pass through. The powerful hydraulic system that opens the bridge is located in the base of the towers and can raise the bridge in just one minute. Originally powered by steam, they have been converted to oil and electricity since 1976.
The upper portion of the towers are joined by a unique high level walkway that allowed foot traffic to cross the bridge when the spans where raised. These were closed in 1910 due to lack of use and crime, but reopened in 1982 as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition. In 2014 glass floors were installed in the walkways enabling visitors to experience a dizzying straight down view as they walk across the bridge.
Tower Bridge is located adjacent to the Tower of London so you may want to combine both into one visit.
The Tower Bridge Exhibition is open daily from 10am to 5:30pm during Summer and from 9:30am to 5pm during Winter except on December 24th to 26th. There is a nominal admission charge to see the inside exhibits.
For more information about Tower Bridge including hours and admission charges for the Tower Bridge Exhibition visit their official website at the link below.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: No - except for the inside exhibits which you can purchase tickets for on the official website.Tower Bridge Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Friday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Saturday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK
Phone: 020 7403 3761
Official Website: Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Reviews
Rated out of 5
No visit to London can ever be complete without a visit to the Tower Bridge. Undoubtedly one of London's most famous monuments and with good reason. First of the bridge is massive and filled with details. Walking across it feels truly magical. Gazing upwards toward the towers is almost as enchanting as the view you have from up here. A must in London if ever there was one.
Jonas Maenhout - in the last week
Great experience overall. You can wait to buy tickets to go up into the tower and view the engine rooms. I thought it was a fun event and fairly cheap compared to other sites around the city (£30 for a family of three). We waited 40 min to get tickets. They also have pre-purchase tickets or time reservation to hold your spot in line at a specific time for you to jump the line.
C & T VDH - in the last week
One of the most iconic, if not THE iconic bridges in the world. It’s painted and colorful and easily walkable. Nice wide sidewalks for pedestrians and lots of traffic of course. Stairs at each end. Views of the Tower of London and the River Thames and other very significant buildings of London.
The bridge is lit up at night and is even more glorious.
BerryTheCat - 2 weeks ago
To see this bridge in person still leaves one in amazement. A very iconic part of London, indeed. We went there on a weekend and the area was understandably packed. At around 11am, the queue for the walk above was already long. We did not opt to go up for personal reasons, but I bet the views above are breathtaking, could be literally.
Roan - 2 weeks ago
Great experience finally learning the detailed history of an iconic landmark of London. We have all seen this marvel before in books and movies. To learn all about and actually touch and see the striking views from the top is a must! The staff are all helpful kind and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend going up to the walkway and experiencing the glass floor! Highly recommended
Nick Pastore - a month ago
Directions
| Tube Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Northern and Jubilee Lines | London Bridge Station | 12 MInutes |
| District and Circle Lines | Tower Hill Station | 10 MInutes |
How to get to Tower Bridge by Tube
From London Bridge Tube Station on the south bank exit onto Tooley Street and walk to your right (east) to Potters Field Park and then north through the park to the foot of the bridge.
From Tower Hill Station on the north bank exit to the south and follow Tower Hill Terrace east to the Tower Bridge approach.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Tower Bridge:
Photo Gallery
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View of London's famous Tower Bridge framing the 40 storey Gherkin Tower -
Tower Bridge with bascules being raised -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giuseppe Milo (www.milo.photography) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stuart Smith. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Janne Räkköläinen - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Steven Penton - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: D-Stanley - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: It's No Game - cc license via Flickr
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