London Tower Bridge

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

Striking view of the Tower Bridge at dusk
Striking view of the Tower Bridge at dusk cc licensed photo by James Petts

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 7403 3761

Official Website: Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge Reviews

Rated 4.8 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating One of the most famous spots for sightseeing in London! You should definitely across the bridge on foot. You can also go up by paying the fee (around 20£). You can get nice photos from all around the Tower Bridge. By the way, I strongly suggest you to do Queen’s Walk when you’re already there. The view is breathtaking but you should be extremely careful about pickpockets. Always keep your belongings close and safe in this area!
Illy - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating We were here almost 10yrs ago n there are little changes, so there are lots to reminisce. Let's dive in! Attractions: There are glass panels everywhere and you can actually see through them, from sides to bottom of where you are standing. We did enjoy our time walking around and snapping photos but we did not take any of the landscape while on the top of bridge. But hey, many have taken so, yeah😅, just refer to those yeah.. Queue: Not that long as we came by in the morning and weekday. Duration: Spare about 2hours walking the top and down. Do note that there are stairs and on those stairs, there are some photos area to capture memories. Spare an additional hour to walk around the area and you can definitely get more of the bridge. Cons: We would advise those who have some knee issues, to avoid going down those steps. Do look for staff should you need to exit ya. But for those exiting normally, we would definitely recommend going down those stairs. All in all, it was a great experience. We currently only have the exterior images, since the images inside, we had are all family shots inside😅 So yeah, enjoy your time yeah! Cheers!!
Sten (Piqued Wanderer) - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Don'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 starting your tour!
Jay S - in the last week

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4 Star Rating Tower Bridge is a definitive icon of the city, and visiting its interior is a quick and interesting activity for a tourist, though maybe in hindsight it’s a bit of a tourist trap given the price. The looks are great but only through the couple of small windows that open. It’s hot inside as it’s all closed interior so don’t think of the cool breeze as you cross it. The glass floor is awesome. I was looking forward to some info on the history of bridging Thames and controlling the Pool of London in general - whereas the museum is all about the construction and operations of the current 19cc. bridge, somewhat oriented towards kids.
Krzysztof Nosek - in the last week

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5 Star Rating Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. This magnificent Victorian structure combines striking Gothic architecture with innovative engineering. Walking across the bridge offers stunning views of the River Thames, and the glass-floor walkway provides a unique perspective as boats pass beneath. For an even richer experience, the Tower Bridge Exhibition takes you inside the bridge to learn about its fascinating history and mechanisms, including the steam-powered engines that once raised the bascules. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photography lover, or just out for a scenic stroll, Tower Bridge is a true highlight of London.
Nithin Frederick - in the last week

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Directions

Tube Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Northern and Jubilee LinesLondon Bridge Station12 MInutes
District and Circle LinesTower Hill Station10 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.

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