Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become an iconic symbol of London.
20 pictures of Tower Bridge from Shannon Tremaine, Susan Yin, Charles Postiaux and other travelers
To get to Tower Bridge, you have several options. The nearest Underground station is Tower Hill, which is on the Circle and District lines. From here, it's just a short walk to the bridge. Alternatively, you can take a bus (routes 15, 42, 78, RV1) or the Thames River Boat service (Tower Pier) to reach the destination.
Booking a Tower Bridge Exhibition ticket in advance is highly recommended. This will allow you to explore the history of the bridge, walk across the high-level walkways, and experience the glass floor with stunning views of the Thames below. You can also book a guided tour for a more in-depth experience. The ticket prices are £9.80 for adults, £4.20 for children (5-15 years), and £6.80 for concessions (students, seniors).
While visiting Tower Bridge, there are several activities to enjoy. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is a must-do, providing insight into the bridge's history and engineering. You can also climb the 311 steps of the Monument to the Great Fire of London, which is nearby and offers panoramic views of the city. Don't miss out on the chance to take a leisurely stroll along the Thames Path, which offers fantastic views of the bridge and the Tower of London.
When hunger strikes, there are a few great eateries nearby. The Perkin Reveller, located within the Tower of London, offers traditional British cuisine with a modern twist. For a more casual experience, head to Honest Burgers or The Draft House, both located near the bridge and offering delicious burgers and craft beers.
For accommodations, consider the Tower Hotel, which offers fantastic views of Tower Bridge and the Thames. Another option is the Grange City Hotel, a luxury five-star hotel with a spa and fitness center. For budget-conscious travelers, the Premier Inn London City (Tower Hill) provides comfortable lodging at a reasonable price.
Off the Beaten Path:
For something unusual, consider visiting the nearby St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden. This hidden gem is the remains of a medieval church, bombed during World War II and now transformed into a lush, peaceful garden. It's a serene oasis in the heart of the bustling city, perfect for a quiet break from the tourist crowds.
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🗼 Landmark spots 🌉 Suspension bridge spots 🌆 Skyline spots 🏞️ River spots 🛣️ Road trip spots 🏘️ Town spots 🌉 Bridge spots 🏞️ Waterway spots 🏰 Historic site spots Panorama spotsTower Bridge, London's most famous bridge, stands proudly over the River Thames for nearly 250 meters, a recognizable icon at first glance and a unique feat of engineering as well as a great tourist attraction. Learn how the bridge works in the engine rooms with a guided tour, then climb the tower for a panoramic view, and watch London through the glass floor.
It is a suspension bridge and is made of granite for its facade, steel for its structure and concrete for its foundations. It is located between the boroughs of Southwark and Tower Hamlets, near the Tower of London from which it takes its name.
Tower bridge was officially opened on 30 June 1894 by the Prince of Wales, the future King Edward VII, and his wife, the Princess of Wales, Alexandra of Denmark.
The bridge connects Iron Gate on the north side of the river with Horselydown Lane to the south, now called Tower Bridge Approach and Tower Bridge Road respectively3. Until the bridge opened, Tower Hill tube station, 400m to the north, was the quickest way to cross the river from Tower Hill to Tooley Street in Southwark.
At the time of its construction, Tower Bridge was the largest (246 metres long and 65 metres high) and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built. ... The bridge is world famous for its unique neo-Gothic architecture.
Two towers linked by a road bridge and a pedestrian bridge. The road bridge is a bascule bridge. Steam machinery and energy accumulators allow the Tower Bridge to open in just one minute.
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