Tower Bridge, one of London's most iconic landmarks, offers both a functional crossing over the River Thames and an engaging visitor experience. Here's how you can visit and what to expect:
Getting There:
From Lambeth, you can reach Tower Bridge via several modes of transport:
Underground: Take the Northern Line from Oval Station to London Bridge Station. From there, it's approximately a 10-minute walk to Tower Bridge. Bus: Routes 344 and 360 run from Lambeth to Tower Bridge Road. Check the latest schedules for exact times. Walking/Cycling: For those who enjoy a scenic route, walking or cycling along the Thames Path provides picturesque views of the city. Visiting Tower Bridge:
While the bridge itself is free to cross, the Tower Bridge Exhibition offers an in-depth look into its history and engineering. This experience includes access to the high-level walkways with glass floors, providing panoramic views of London, and the Victorian Engine Rooms, showcasing the original machinery that once powered the bridge.
Ticket Prices:
As of January 2025, the admission prices are:
Adults (16+): £13.40 Children (5-15): £6.70 Seniors (60+), Students (with ID), Disabled Visitors: £10.10 Companions (assisting disabled visitors): Free Children under 5: Free For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it's recommended to check the official Tower Bridge website. TOWER BRIDGE
Opening Hours:
Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. Please note that on the second Saturday of every month, from 9:30 AM to 11:50 AM, entry is reserved for Relaxed Opening attendees. It's advisable to verify the latest opening times before your visit, as they are subject to change. VISITLONDON.COM
Experience:
Visitors often highlight the following aspects of the Tower Bridge experience:
Glass Floor Walkways: Walking on the glass floors 42 meters above the Thames offers a thrilling perspective of the river and the bustling traffic below. Victorian Engine Rooms: Explore the beautifully maintained engine rooms that once powered the bridge's lifting mechanism, complete with informative displays. Panoramic Views: The high-level walkways provide stunning views of landmarks such as the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Shard. Interactive Exhibits: Engaging displays detail the bridge's history, construction, and significance to London's development. Additional Tips:
Booking: To ensure entry, especially during peak tourist seasons, it's advisable to book tickets in advance through the official website. Accessibility: Tower Bridge is fully accessible, with lift access to all levels and accessible toilets available. TOWER BRIDGE Nearby Attractions: Consider combining your visit with nearby sites such as the Tower of London or HMS Belfast for a full day of exploration. Enjoy your visit to this remarkable piece of...
Read moreDon't mix this up with London Bridge which is just a regular bridge. Tower Bridge is an absolute gem and definitely worth the price of admission! Our entire family, including the kids, thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and it was hands down one of the highlights of our London trip. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, a fan of engineering, or simply love stunning views.
First off, you get to take an elevator to one side of the bridge, and from there, you can walk along the top walkway. The views are spectacular, with glass floors that allow you to look down at the road below, where you can watch cars and iconic double-decker buses passing by. The glass floors are especially exciting for the kids – it's thrilling to see everything beneath your feet while walking across such a famous structure!
Along the way, there are some really interesting exhibits and videos, providing a fantastic history of the bridge and its significance. The informational displays are engaging and well-curated, making it easy to learn about the bridge's construction, the Victorian engineering marvel behind it, and its role in London’s history. There are also little window-like shutters that let you peek out to see the Thames River from different perspectives – the views are beautiful and quite peaceful.
The only downside we encountered was the access to the restrooms. After enjoying the exhibits and views, you have to descend over 200 stairs to reach the facilities, which wasn’t the most convenient, especially if you’re traveling with kids. There is no elevator to go down, only to go up, which could be a bit of a challenge for those with mobility issues. So, if you’re planning on visiting, make sure to go to the bathroom before starting your tour!
That being said, the experience was well worth it. The price is very reasonable, especially if you take advantage of discounts like the 2-for-1 offer if you arrive by rail, as we did. Another incredible highlight was witnessing the drawbridge in action. We were lucky enough to see it raise to allow a boat to pass through, which was a pretty amazing sight – the engineering involved is just mind-blowing.
We also had the chance to explore the engine room, which was fascinating. It’s one of the most impressive parts of the visit, showcasing the old mechanisms that used to power the drawbridge. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the history of this iconic structure.
Overall, I highly recommend Tower Bridge to anyone visiting London. It’s fun, educational, and offers some of the best views in the city. Whether you’re a family with kids or just someone looking to learn more about London’s engineering marvels, you’ll find something to enjoy here. Just don’t forget to take a bathroom break before...
Read moreDon't forget to check out the 3 secrets and cost upgrade if u r planning to visit.
This is one such iconic place that does not fade away how many ever times you go and visit...
An icon for London and a much happening place.
Each time one visit this place when it's Sunny, When it's a drizzling evening filled with lights all around, when it's snowing each view is magnificent in its own sight and is truly a masterpiece in architecture and attraction.
Visiting this place does not get charged but if you want to have walk on the glass bridge experience u got to pay.
Hours of Operation:
Tower Bridge is open daily from 09:30 to 18:00, with the last admission at 17:00. On the second Saturday of every month, between 09:30 and 11:30, entry is reserved for Relaxed Opening attendees.
Bridge Lift Times:
Tower Bridge lifts approximately 800 times a year, averaging about twice daily. The schedule varies based on river traffic needs. For the most up-to-date lift times, please refer to the official Tower Bridge website.
Ticket Prices:
Admission to Tower Bridge, which includes access to the Glass Floor in the high-level walkways, is £13.40 for adults and £6.70 for children aged 5-15. Children under 5 can enter for free. These prices are valid until 31 March 2025; from 1 April 2025, adult tickets will be £16.00, and child tickets will be £8.00.
Please note that the Glass Floor experience is included in the general admission ticket; there is no separate fee for accessing the Glass Walkway. The sooner u book u might get some deals.
Here are three little-known secrets:
The Secret Bunker Inside the Bridge
Beneath the bridge, hidden within its structure, is a secret underground chamber that once served as an air-raid shelter during World War II. Few visitors know that Tower Bridge played a small but significant role in protecting Londoners during bombings.
The Abandoned "Dead Man’s Hole"
Near the north side of the bridge, there's a hidden mortuary known as "Dead Man’s Hole." In the past, the Thames was notorious for washing up bodies, and this mortuary was used by the authorities to store them before identification. It's now sealed off, but the eerie history remains.
A Glass Walkway That’s Stronger Than You Think
The glass-floored walkway, installed in 2014, can hold the weight of six London black cabs. While it may feel unnerving to walk on, it’s incredibly strong—yet many visitors hesitate to step on it, making for some...
Read more