Tower Bridge | London

Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge crossing the River Thames.

Visual Characteristics

A hallmark of Victorian Gothic architecture, the bridge features two massive towers clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone over a steel framework. The bridge is famous for its blue-painted suspension chains and the high-level glass-floored walkways connecting the towers.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK.

Transit: Tower Hill station (District and Circle lines) is an 8-minute walk. London Bridge station (Northern and Jubilee lines) is a 10-minute walk.

Hours (Exhibition): Daily 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Last entry 5:00 PM).

Admission: Walking across the road level is free. Entry to the "Tower Bridge Experience" (Walkways and Engine Rooms) is approximately £13.40 for adults.

Historical Origin

Designed by Sir Horace Jones and engineered by Sir John Wolfe Barry to ease road traffic while maintaining river access to the Pool of London. Construction began in 1886 and the bridge was officially opened on June 30, 1894, by the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VII).

Key Highlights & Activities

The Bascules: The central spans raise approximately 800 times a year to allow tall ships to pass. Lifting schedules are published in advance on the official website.

Glass Floor: High-level walkways situated 42 meters above the river, offering a direct view of the traffic and water below.

Victorian Engine Rooms: Located at the south end, housing the original steam engines once used to power the bascule lifts.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The bridge is fully accessible for wheelchair users via lifts to the walkways and Engine Rooms. There is a gift shop in the South Tower. Pedestrian walkways on the road level are wide and paved. 5G signal is excellent.

Best Time to Visit

Bridge Lift Times: Check the schedule to witness the bascules in motion.

Evening: The bridge is spectacularly illuminated, providing one of London’s most iconic nighttime photo opportunities.

Facts & Legends

Technical Oddity: The bridge used to be powered by steam; today, the bascules are operated by oil and electricity.

The "Bus Jump" (1952): A double-decker bus driver, Albert Gunter, famously jumped the gap between the rising bascules when the bridge began to open while he was crossing. He was awarded £10 for his bravery.

Nearby Landmarks

Tower of London – 0.2km Northwest

HMS Belfast – 0.4km West

The Shard – 0.8km Southwest

City Hall – 0.1km South