When planning your trip to London (UK), Tower Bridge deserves a spot on your itinerary. This iconic landmark is one of the few places in the world where nature (the River Thames) and modern life (the London skyline) exist harmoniously. Moreover, you feel as if you entered a time machine and were transported to a distant past when looking at the bridge’s impressive Victorian architecture. Besides the breathtaking views and architecture, there is a lot to experience around Tower Bridge.
HISTORY & SIGNIFICANCE
First things first, Tower Bridge is not London Bridge (*gasp*). I know we’ve all learnt the nursery rhyme “London Bridge Is Falling Down” in preschool and unconsciously equate any bridge in London with London Bridge. So here is a quick and overlysimplified history lesson, London Bridge is pretty simple and has been in existence in various forms for over 2,000 years. Tower Bridge, completed in 1894, is an architectural marvel with its iconic twin towers. The good news is that London Bridge is pretty close to Tower Bridge, just a 15-minute walk, so you can also visit London Bridge for the plot.
Here are some interesting facts about Tower Bridge you can tell your friends after you’ve visited:
• It’s a Bascule bridge: Which means it can be raised to allow ships to pass underneath. Bascule is the French word for seesaw and depicts how a bridge tilts open. The bridge is raised about 1,000 times a year and fingers crossed that you’re lucky enough to visit during one of those occasions (or you can check the schedule online and plan accordingly).
• It’s a movie star: Tower Bridge has been on the big screen quite a few times, including popular movies like “The Mummy Returns”, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”, “Sherlock Holmes”, and “Bridget Jones’s Diary”.
THINGS TO DO
Many people visiting Tower Bridge expect just great views and maybe a tour—and they would be wrong! Below are some of my favourite things to do at Tower Bridge:
• Walk The Full Length Of The Bridge; Snap Photos: You didn’t need a 1,200-word travel guide to tell you the obvious but let me cook. Walking the bridge gives you panoramic views of London’s iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, The Shard, and the River Thames. Additionally, you get to examine the intricate details of the stone-clad bridge up close.
It should come as no surprise that the famous bridge is one of London’s most photographed landmarks and for good reason. There are excellent photo opportunities from various angles that will elevate your Instagram to influencer status (or you can just share in the family group chat).
• Guided Tour: These tours of the bridge interior can be booked in advance via the official Tower Bridge website or at the site depending on availability (you should always book tourist attractions in advance to avoid disappointment). There are various guided tours to choose from and you can also purchase an entry-only ticket and explore freely (or with the help of an audio guide).
A guided tour will give you a deeper understanding and appreciation for the historic bridge as tour guides will share their in-depth knowledge and stories and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions. Moreover, you’ll have access to special areas such as Victorian engine rooms, glass floor walkaways and Tower Bridge Exhibition.
(You can always walk across Tower Bridge at the street level completely free.)
• Gift Shop: As you would expect you can get a wide variety of bridge-themed souvenirs (miniature models of the bridge, prints, posters, and books detailing its history and construction). I’m a huge believer in getting souvenirs of tourist attractions and not just of the place you visited.
There are exclusive collections such as commemorative coins, fine china, and limited-edition prints that can only be purchased in person at the gift shop. Bookworms will be happy to know that there is a selection of books covering the Victorian era, London’s architecture, and the bridge’s engineering feats. Also, you can pick up fun and educational toys and games, including puzzles and activity books for any children in your life.
The gift shop is conveniently located at the end of the Tower Bridge Exhibition and allows people to browse and purchase items as a part of the overall experience. There is also the Tower of London Shop close by that is worth checking out.
• Stalls: Various stalls are set up along The Queen’s Walk, a pedestrian path that runs along the River Thames. The food stalls offer a wide variety of dishes, from traditional British food like fish and chips to international cuisines such as Mediterranean wraps, crepes, and artisan pastries. There are also stalls that specialize in handcrafted goods like artwork, jewellery, and unique souvenirs.
In addition to the permanent stalls, the area often has seasonal pop-ups, particularly around Christmas and summer, where you can purchase seasonal treats, mulled wine, hot chocolate, handcrafted gifts, and holiday decorations. Cold drinks and ice cream are a staple at the summer pop-ups to help you beat the heat.
• Restaurants: From elegant riverside dining at Le Pont de la Tour and Blueprint Café to casual bites at Anchor Tap and Honest Burgers to fast food at Chipotle and Five Guys, there is something for everyone. The area is packed with a diverse range of restaurants serving British, European and international culinary delights.
• Picnic: Potters Fields Park is a large green space located directly next to Tower Bridge and boasts an unparalleled view of the river crossing. You can pack your food or get it from nearby cafes. Borough Market (a 12-mute walk away) offers a wide variety of gourmet foods, artisanal snacks, and drinks for your picnic.
The park is open to the public all year round and there are public restrooms nearby (behind Fratelli Café). In the summer, entertainment is often provided with outdoor events, festivals, and movie screenings. For the colder months, the park is still lovely, but you’d be advised to bring blankets and warm drinks to enjoy the crisp air.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Like with any other major tourist attraction, the right information can greatly improve your experience. Here are some of our insider tips:
• Avoiding Crowds: Early morning or late afternoon is ideal to avoid large crowds and If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, visit in the late fall or winter to avoid the summer tourist crowds.
• Tickets And Discounts: Avoid ticket queues and potential disappointment by booking online. Additionally, search for combination tickets that offer a discount if you also want to visit the Tower of London.
• Good Photo Spots: Potters Fields Park is one the best spots to capture the entire bridge with the Thames in the background. The Queen’s Walk pedestrian path offers excellent views of Tower Bridge, especially at sunset, with signature London landmarks in the backdrop. What’s more, if you’re visiting the Tower of London, you can capture great photos of Tower Bridge from the castle grounds. Finally, don’t forget to take pictures on the bridge itself! The walkways offer fantastic angles of London’s skyline, including The Shard and HMS Belfast.
• Nearby Attractions: Pair your visit with other attractions in the vicinity like the Tower of London, The Shard or a cruise to make a full day of exploring.
• Accessibility: Lifts are available in both the North and South Towers to all levels of the bridge and Engine Rooms and welcome staff is eager to help if necessary. Click here for more accessibility information.
Tower Bridge offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and breathtaking views, making it a must-see for both first-time visitors and seasoned London explorers. Now that you’re all prepared to visit Tower Bridge, tag us in your photos/videos when you visit.