About Tower Bridge

Located at an impressive 42 meters above the River Thames, Tower Bridge's luminous blue upper walkways offer spectacular views of the city center to the west, the docklands to the east and a breathtaking array of splendid buildings, new and old, that fringe the historic river. Perhaps, only second to London's Big Ben, the Tower Bridge is one of the iconic and recognizable symbols of London. There is something magical about its neo-Gothic towers and blue suspension struts that make it quite enchanting to look at.
   
Built in 1894 as a much-needed crossing point in the east, the Tower Bridge is a triumph of late Victorian engineering. The bridge was equipped with a then innovatory bascule (seesaw) mechanism that could clear the ways of approaching ships in three minutes. Establishing new standards in bridge construction, the combined mechanism of the bascule and suspension bridge extends over 61 meters across the River Tames and rises far above its graceful form. The mammoth structure took eight years to complete and although London's days as a flourishing port are long over, the Tower Bridge still does its work, lifting around 1000 times every year and as many as 10 times every day in summer.

The St Paul's Cathedral, which is only a stone's throw away, is one of the numerous monuments of London's history that can be viewed from the lofty heights of the walkways. But visiting the Tower Bridge is more than just an idyllic river crossing: the experience can bring tourists in to the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Here the history of the structure is explained, which includes alternative blueprints for the construction, films, photos and other media. The Tower Bridge Exhibition explains the nuts and bolts of it all. For visitors who aren't technical minded, there are still appealing activities to delve into like the Victorian Engine Rooms that accommodates the initial steam engines used to power the machines that hoists the bascules out of the bridge. The view from the tower and the walkway itself is worth the visit to the Tower Bridge.
   
Situated in the borough of Tower Hamlets, the Tower Bridge is in easy walking distance from the City of London and fascinating East End enclaves like Brick Lane. On the other hand, a visit to the Tower Bridge could be worked into a day exploring further east, where the river curves to encircle the Isle of Dogs. With a myriad of other activities and sights, the Tower Bridge will not disappoint.

Location

Tower Hill on the Circle and District Lines is the nearest tube station. This is opposite the Tower of London.

By bus: 15, 42, 78, 100