London Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of London's most recognized landmarks and one of the most recognized bridges in the world

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. This walkway now provides visitors with some outstanding views of the Thames River and Central London.

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 10 am to 5:30 pm in th Summer and from 9:30 am to 5:pm in the Winter except on December 24th to 26th. There is an admission charge to see the exhibition, however admission is free with the London Pass.

For more information about Tower Bridge including hours and admission charges for the Tower Bridge Exhibition visit their official website: Tower Bridge - London

Getting There on Transit
Tube Line	Tube Station	Walking Time
Northern and Jubilee Lines	London Bridge Station	12 minutes
District and Circle Lines	Tower Hill Station	10 minutes
Walking Distance from Tube Stations. No bus needed. 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. View London Attractions in a larger map