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
What can we say about this historic place? Your visit begins by climbing the North Tower, move through East Walkway and West Walkway, as you cross the iconic Glass Floors. Head down to the South Tower to road level. Follow the Blue line which commemorates the workers of Tower Bridge.
End your visit in the iconic Victorian Engine Rooms. Enjoy your visit!
rajagopalan sundarachari - 2 weeks ago
One of my favorite places to go visit & eat. Awesome experience and popular spot to visit as well. The view is mesmerizing and the people of London are friendly. Probably the most diversified location visited when it comes to food, culture and all of the above pretty much. Definitely recommend staying near the Tower Bridge and visiting the tourist attraction part of it by going all the way up to the see through glass walkway at the top.
Joshua Noel - in the last week
An excellent experience to walk over Tower Bridge. The glass panels are a big attraction, so be prepared for people lying on top of them! The photography windows are great!
Also really appreciated the Engine Rooms and the exhibition there. Was informative and educational. Loved how there's something for everyone, including younger children.
Christine M - a month ago
It’s one of the two iconic images everyone thinks of when they think of London, so of course you have to go see it when in London. We didn’t go into any of the special rooms or anything, we just took pictures and crossed the bridge itself. The shop at the end on the South bank was a bit simple with lots of generic London-themed souvenirs and nothing special. Definitely cross it if you can, but be prepared for the crowds of people with the same thoughts. Pictures of the bridge from the South-West side are best to avoid lots of the big skyscrapers in the background.
Cody P - a month ago
Such an iconic landmark in London & recognised around the world. The Tower Bridge Experience lets you climb up inside & walk across between the towers whilst enjoying views up The Thames & learning of the building of the bridge. The glass floor is a fun part of the tour.
The G Force - in the last week
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
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
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: 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: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: It's No Game - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Francisco Anzola - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: stefanjurca - cc license via Flickr
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