Discover Tower Bridge | A Visitor's Introduction to Tower Bridge

Why Visit Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge offers a blend of history, engineering, and architecture that appeals to a wide range of interests. Whether you are fascinated by its innovative design, captivated by its Victorian mechanics, or simply seeking some of the best views of London, the bridge has something for everyone. Its close proximity to other major attractions like the Tower of London and Borough Market makes it an easy addition to any sightseeing itinerary. A visit to Tower Bridge is not just about crossing the river—it’s about experiencing a unique piece of London’s heritage up close.

Architectural Significance of Tower Bridge

Designed by architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry, Tower Bridge was built to accommodate increased traffic along the River Thames while maintaining river access for the bustling docks. It combines a central bascule (drawbridge) section that can be raised for passing ships with two high-level walkways that connect its twin towers. The bridge's distinctive appearance, marked by its Gothic-style twin towers and suspension elements, was designed to complement the nearby Tower of London, a historic royal fortress.

Each of the bridge’s bascules, weighing over 1,000 tons, can be raised to an angle of 86 degrees in just a few minutes, allowing river traffic to pass. This was originally powered by steam-driven hydraulic engines, but in the 1970s, the system was modernized to incorporate electricity and oil. The bridge remains operational, with its bascules raised approximately 800 times a year to accommodate tall ships and other vessels.

Tower Bridge Highlights and Exhibits

1. Tower Bridge Exhibition: The Tower Bridge Exhibition is the highlight for many visitors, providing access to the bridge’s high-level walkways, Victorian Engine Rooms, and a range of multimedia exhibits. The exhibition offers insights into the bridge’s history, design, and operation. It includes interactive displays, historic photos, and artifacts related to the bridge’s construction.

2. High-Level Walkways: Visitors can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of London from the high-level walkways, located 42 metres (138 feet) above the River Thames. The walkways provide a unique vantage point to observe landmarks such as the Shard, Canary Wharf, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Tower of London. The glass floors, installed in 2014, offer a thrilling experience for those who want to look directly down at the road and river traffic below.

3. Victorian Engine Rooms: The Victorian Engine Rooms showcase the original steam engines that powered the bridge's lifting mechanism until the mid-20th century. Through a combination of interactive displays, mechanical models, and sound installations, visitors can explore the inner workings of this feat of engineering and see how the hydraulic system functioned.

4. Glass Floors: Installed along the high-level walkways, the glass floors offer a dramatic view of the bascules in operation as well as the river and road traffic below. Visitors can time their visit to coincide with a scheduled bridge lift, allowing them to witness the bascules rising while standing directly above.

5. Bridge Lifts: Watching a bridge lift is a special experience. Scheduled lifts are posted in advance on the Tower Bridge website, and visitors can either view them from the high-level walkways or the banks of the Thames. The spectacle showcases the precision engineering that allows the bascules to rise smoothly.

6. Exhibition Rooms and Special Displays: The bridge regularly hosts temporary exhibitions related to the history of London, architecture, and engineering. These exhibitions are housed in the walkways or the engine rooms, adding an additional layer of interest to a visit.

Tower Bridge Visitor Facilities

Tower Bridge provides a range of facilities to enhance the visitor experience:

Accessibility: Tower Bridge Exhibition is accessible via lifts, and the high-level walkways and engine rooms are equipped to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Visual and audio guides are available in multiple languages to assist those with visual or hearing impairments.
Gift Shop: A well-stocked gift shop offers themed souvenirs, books, and educational materials related to the history of the bridge and London.
Restrooms: Restroom facilities, including accessible toilets, are available on site.
Café: There is no on-site café inside the bridge, but visitors can find a variety of dining options nearby, including at the adjacent Tower of London, the bustling areas of Shad Thames, and Borough Market, which is a short walk along the south bank of the river.

Nearby Attractions

Tower of London: Adjacent to the bridge on the north bank, the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a rich history as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. It houses the Crown Jewels and offers tours led by the Yeoman Warders.
HMS Belfast: Just a short walk upstream, HMS Belfast is a World War II Royal Navy ship that now serves as a museum, allowing visitors to explore its decks and learn about its naval history.
Borough Market: One of London’s oldest and most renowned food markets, Borough Market is a great place to sample local and international cuisine, with vendors offering everything from artisanal cheeses to gourmet street food.
The Shard: For a stunning view of London’s skyline, visitors can head to the Shard’s observation deck, which offers a vantage point over Tower Bridge and other iconic landmarks

Practical Information

Opening Hours: Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry to the exhibition at 5:00 PM. It is advisable to check the Tower Bridge website for any changes to opening times or maintenance closures.
Tickets and Admission: Tickets can be purchased on-site or in advance through the Tower Bridge website. Discounted rates are available for children, seniors, and students. Families can also benefit from family ticket packages.
Getting There: The bridge is accessible by public transport, with nearby Underground stations including Tower Hill (District and Circle lines) on the north side and London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines) on the south side. Several bus routes also stop close to the bridge, and riverboat services are available from Tower Pier.

Tower Bridge Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal for those looking to avoid crowds. Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, especially outside of school holidays.
Photography: The high-level walkways provide excellent photo opportunities, especially around sunset when the city lights begin to illuminate. The exterior of the bridge is also stunningly lit at night, making it an excellent spot for evening photography.
Nearby Dining Options: Consider exploring the Shad Thames area for a variety of cafes and restaurants housed in converted warehouses. Alternatively, the restaurants around St. Katharine Dock offer a quieter dining experience with views of the marina.