An iconic London landmark and one of Britain’s best loved historic sites, Tower Bridge is open to the public 363 days a year. Within the Bridge’s iconic structure and magnificent Victorian Engine rooms, the Tower Bridge Exhibition is the best way of exploring the most famous bridge in the world! Come learn about this incredible feat of Victorian engineering, discover how the Bridge is raised and enjoy stunning panoramic views across London from our high-level walkways, 42 metres above the River Thames.
The Capital of England is one of the most visited places in the world. It has a rich history and culture attached to it. Any tourist who visits it will be baffled with what they will learn. That is how much this place is rich with its content. Just like how you will find this article if I may assume. The place that I am talking about is the land of London. This great city is standing on the river of Thames. They are the world’s most important global city, also one of the most powerful, desirable, most influential, most expensive and so on. Here we are going to look at one of the most important buildings in London, the Tower Bridge. Let us have a look at the tower bridge to know and plan on this attraction.
What is Tower Bridge?
One of the most famous bridges in the world, the Tower Bridge was built in 1894 . The bridge crosses the River Thames and stands between the London Borough of Southwark and Tower Hamlets.
The bridge boasts of Victorian style of architecture and engineering. The high-level walkaway allows people to cross the Thames and is used by close to 40,000 people on a daily basis. They also act as a great spot to enjoy the most amazing panoramic views of London.
Rooted in history, the Tower Bridge continues to educate its visitors on its past. Inside, you will be able to learn about the people behind this attraction, view the original pumping engines and accumulators, and even some of the designs that were submitted for the construction of the bridge.
Why is Tower Bridge Famous?
Built over a course of 8 years, between 1886 and 1894, the Tower Bridge is one of London’s most popular attractions, thanks to its Neo-Gothic architecture and lifting central sections. When it opened, it was the most sophisticated bascule bridge in the world. One of the reasons why the Tower Bridge is so important is that it is the only bridge on River Thames that can be raised.
What’s Inside Tower Bridge?
Since 1982, when the walkways reopened after being closed for almost 72 years, you will find a series of exhibitions, the glass high-level walkways that connect the two towers and the famous Engine Rooms, as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
North Tower
The North Tower of the Tower Bridge is where your tour begins. Here, visitors get to explore the immersive history of the Tower Bridge, from choosing the design, and its construction, and maintenance to the importance of the bridge in shaping in London.
Glass Walkway
The high-level Glass Floor offers unparalleled views of London life, from 42 meters above the River Thames, and 33.5 meters above road level. If looking down scares you, you can simply enjoy the panoramic views of St Paul’s Cathedral, the BT Tower, The Monument and other iconic London attractions instead.
South Tower
Once you cross the high-level walkway you reach the South Tower of Tower Bridge. Nestled underneath this tower is its main attraction, the Engine Rooms. Apart from the steam engines that once powered the bridge, you will find the ‘Lives of a Landmark’ exhibition that documents the stories of the people working behind the scenes here.
Engine Rooms
History of London Bridge
In the late 19th century, commercial development in the Fast End of London increased, leading to demand for a new river crossing downstream of London Bridge. A traditional fixed bridge at street level could not be built because it would cut off access by sailing ship to the port facilities in the Pool of London between London Bridge and the Tower of London.
A Special Bridge or Subway Committee chaired by Sir Albert Joseph Altman was formed in 1877 to find a solution. More than fifty designs were submitted, including one from civil engineer Sir Joseph Bazalgette. which was rejected because of a lack of sufficient headroom. A design was not approved until 1884 when it was decided to build a bascule Bridge John Wolfe Barry was appointed engineer and Sir Horace Jones the architect. An Act of Parliament authorising construction was passed in 1885. It specified that the opening span would provide a clear width of 200 feet (61 m) and headroom of 135 feet (41 m). The design had to be in a Gothic Style. Construction was funded by the Bridge House Estates. A charity established in 1282 for maintenance of London Bridge that subsequently expanded to cover Tower Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, Southwark Bridge and the Millennium Bridge.
Barry designed a bridge with two Bridge Towers built on piers. The central Span was split into two equal bascules or leaves, which could be raised to allow river traffic to pass. The two side spans were suspension bridges, with rods anchored both at the abutments and through rods contained in the bridge’s upper walkways.
How to Reach Tower Bridge in London
Tower Bridge is one of the most important attractions in the whole of London. It is actually one of the redefining landmarks of London. Its is situated across of the river Thames.
Address:
Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
By Bus:
Typical London double decker red bus on Tower Bridge, public transportation
The closest bus stop near the London Tower Bridge is the Tower Bridge stop. The services that will take you there are 15, 42, 78,100, 343.
By Tube:
The Tower Bridge station can be accessed through the north side of the Bridge. Also the River bridge station near the South banks of Thames.
By Car:
The nearest car park to the bridge is situated in 50 Lower Thames Street, London, EC3R 6DT, situated next to the Tower of London.
By Boat
Nearest Pier: Tower Pier (482 meters)
Tower Bridge Opening Hours
Timings:
Opening Hours:
It is open all days
Time: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
(The last Admission is 5:00 PM)
Every third Saturday of the month the bridge opens up at 10:00 AM.
The Bridge is closed during the dates 24-26 of December. The bridge opens up at 10:00 AM on the day of the New Year.
Ticket Prices of London Tower Bridge
| Adult | £10.60 |
| Child (aged 5-15) | £5.30 |
| Adult Concession* | £7.90 |
| Child Concession (aged 5-15) | £4.00 |
| 1 Adult & 2 Children | £18.00 |
| 2 Adults & 1 Child | £22.50 |
| 2 Adults & 2 Children | £27.00 |
| 2 Adults & 3 Children | £31.50 |
| 2 Adults & 4 Children | £36.00 |
| Under 5 | FREE |
| Companion | FREE |
This will be your best times in the great city of London. You will have a blast if you plan your trip to the fullest. We will be able to help you out in bringing the best itinerary on the table. You can check out the Pickyourtrail website to create your own customizable London Trip Pack. Our Travel advisers will also help you out in creating the best United Kingdom Holiday Packages. Look out for more fresh content and do drop down your comments on this article.
