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 7407 9191
Official Website: Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Reviews
Rated
Tower Bridge is indeed an iconic and highly recommended destination for anyone visiting London. You've captured its essence perfectly!
Here's a summary of why it's a must-visit, echoing your points:
* Iconic Landmark: It's instantly recognizable and a symbol of London.
* Ideal for Shorter Visits: As you said, it's not a full-day commitment but perfect for a few hours.
* Photographer's Dream: Offers incredible opportunities for stunning photographs, especially of the bridge itself, the River Thames, and the surrounding cityscapes.
* Engaging Experience: Walking across the bridge allows you to appreciate its architecture up close, enjoy the (often cold!) wind, and take in the mesmerizing views of the River Thames.
* Great for All: Whether with friends or family, it offers a memorable experience.
For those looking to delve deeper, the Tower Bridge Exhibition (inside the bridge itself) offers a chance to learn about its history, see the Victorian engine rooms, and experience the glass walkways for unique views. Even without entering the exhibition, a walk across and around the bridge is a highly rewarding experience.
parth khundiwala - a month ago
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most historically important landmarks, and visiting it was an incredible experience. The architecture is truly astonishing, with its massive towers and intricate design that perfectly combine Victorian engineering with Gothic elegance. Standing on the bridge offers one of the best views of the city, along with a stunning perspective of the River Thames flowing beneath.
It can get quite crowded, especially during peak tourist hours, but the energy of the place only adds to its charm. I had a great time exploring the bridge and learning about its fascinating history. One thing to note is that many tourists often confuse Tower Bridge with London Bridge, but Tower Bridge is the one with the iconic towers and beautiful structure.
Yadu Krishnan (YK) - a month ago
From the moment I first saw Tower Bridge, I was captivated by its architecture. It's both majestic and functional; it's a truly impressive structure. Walking on it is a wonderful way to explore the area, and the views of London, especially when illuminated at sunset or at night, are truly breathtaking.
Tower Bridge isn't just a bridge; it's a blend of engineering and aesthetics spanning centuries. It's a must-see landmark for anyone visiting London.
Eren Özkan - a week ago
Tower Bridge is a must-see in London! The architecture is stunning, and the views from the high-level walkways are breathtaking. It's fascinating to watch the bridge lift for passing ships. A perfect blend of history, engineering, and iconic beauty. Don't miss it!
Kerstin Mo - a month ago
Visiting Tower Bridge was an unforgettable experience! The architecture is absolutely stunning — a perfect blend of history and engineering. Walking across the high-level glass walkway gives you incredible views of the River Thames, and the interactive exhibition inside provides great insights into how the bridge was built and how it works.✨💫
Bhavesh Jain - 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: d26b73 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Giuseppe Milo (www.gmilo.com) - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Stuart Smith. - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Jesús Quiles - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Croydon Clicker - cc license via Flickr