Tower Bridge | Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to Tower Bridge, one of London’s most iconic landmarks! This magnificent structure, with its distinctive neo-Gothic towers and bascule design, has stood proudly over the River Thames since 1894. A visit to Tower Bridge offers a unique blend of history, engineering, and stunning views, making it a must-see for anyone exploring London. Whether you’re captivated by Victorian architecture, intrigued by the bridge’s operational mechanics, or simply seeking panoramic vistas of the city, Tower Bridge promises an unforgettable experience.

Location

Tower Bridge is located at Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK, spanning the River Thames between the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark. It sits adjacent to the historic Tower of London, with other notable landmarks like HMS Belfast and The Shard nearby. For easy navigation, use GPS or map apps like Google Maps to pinpoint the entrance at the west side of the North Tower.

Opening Hours

Tower Bridge welcomes visitors daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. It is closed from December 24 to 26 and opens at 10:00 AM on January 1. Special relaxed openings occur on the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM for those preferring a quieter experience. Always check the official website for the latest schedule and any unexpected closures.

How to Get There

Tower Bridge is easily accessible via multiple transport options:

• Public Transport:

• Tube: The nearest stations are Tower Hill (District and Circle lines, 7-minute walk) and London Bridge (Northern and Jubilee lines).
• Bus: Routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and 343 stop close to the bridge.
• Riverboat: Services operate from Tower Pier (north side) and London Bridge City Pier (south side), offering a scenic approach.
• Driving: On-street parking is limited, with red routes prohibiting stopping. Nearby car parks include Tower Hill (50 Lower Thames Street, EC3R 6DT) and The Circle (Queen Elizabeth Street, SE1 WJE). Check Tower Hill Car Park for details.

• Walking/Cycling: Stroll along the Thames Path for a picturesque route, or cycle using Santander Cycle docking stations at Tooley Street or St Katharine’s Way. See the Santander Cycle map for locations.
  

For real-time travel planning, apps like Citymapper or Google Maps are recommended.

Best Time to Visit

For a quieter experience, visit early in the morning on weekdays, as afternoons and weekends tend to be busier, especially during summer (June to August). Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, while off-peak months (November to March) see fewer crowds. Timing your visit with a bridge lift, listed on the official website, adds a thrilling spectacle, particularly during summer or at sunset.

Tickets and Costs

Tickets to Tower Bridge include access to the Towers, Walkways, Glass Floors, and Engine Rooms. Prices are:

Ticket Type	Price (£)	Notes
Adult (16+)	13.40	Standard admission
Child (5-15)	6.70	Ages 5-15
Concession	10.10	Seniors (60+), students, disabled adults
Child with disabilities (5-15)	5.00
Carer	Free	One per disabled visitor
Child under 5	Free
Joint Ticket (with The Monument) – Adult	10.50
Joint Ticket (with The Monument) – Child	4.70

Pre-booking is essential, especially during peak seasons, and can be done via the official website. Discounts are available for groups of 15 or more, and local residents of Tower Hamlets, Southwark, or the City of London can access £1 community tickets with proof of address.

What to Expect

A visit to Tower Bridge takes you through a well-structured experience, typically lasting about 1 hour:

• North Tower: Begin by climbing (or taking a lift) to explore exhibits on the bridge’s history, including films depicting Victorian London.
• High-Level Walkways: Walk across the East and West Walkways, 42 meters above the Thames, featuring glass floors for a thrilling view of river traffic below.
• South Tower: Descend to road level, following the Blue Line that honors the bridge’s workers.
• Victorian Engine Rooms: Marvel at the original steam-powered machinery and learn about the 432 workers who built the bridge.
• Gift Shop: Conclude your visit with souvenirs.

Key highlights include panoramic views of landmarks like the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, and The Shard, and the chance to witness a bridge lift if timed right. Facilities include restrooms, seating areas, and a gift shop. The Highlights Tour audio guide, powered by Smartify, enhances the experience with interactive storytelling.

Safety and Accessibility

Safety measures include mandatory bag searches (bags limited to 45 x 35 x 20 cm) and outdoor queuing, so dress for the weather. The bridge is fully accessible, with lifts to all levels (though the South Tower lift may be out of service from July 28 to August 15, 2025; check updates). Accessible toilets are available, and special pricing applies for disabled visitors (£12.00 for adults, £6.00 for children, free for one carer). Monthly Relaxed Openings cater to neurodiverse visitors. For accessibility inquiries, contact bookings@towerbridge.org.uk or call +44 (0)20 7407 9191.

History and Background

Tower Bridge was conceived in 1876 to address traffic needs while allowing ships to access the Pool of London. After a public design competition with over 50 entries, Sir Horace Jones and Sir John Wolfe Barry’s neo-Gothic bascule bridge was selected in 1884. Construction began in 1886, employing 432 workers and using 11,000 tons of steel clad in Cornish Granite and Portland Stone. Opened on June 30, 1894, by the Prince and Princess of Wales, it was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge of its time.

Fun Facts:

• In 1952, a London bus driven by Albert Gunter famously leaped between rising bascules.
• Originally chocolate brown, the bridge was painted red, white, and blue in 1977 for Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee.

Learn more at the bridge’s visitor center or official website.

Nearby Attractions

Extend your day with these nearby attractions, all within a short walk:

• Tower of London: A UNESCO World Heritage site and historic fortress housing the Crown Jewels, just steps away (Historic Royal Palaces).
• HMS Belfast: A preserved WWII warship turned museum, offering naval history insights, a 5-minute walk away.
• The Shard: Western Europe’s tallest building with a viewing platform, about 10 minutes away (The Shard).
• Borough Market: A vibrant food market with diverse stalls, roughly 10 minutes on foot (Visit London).
• St. Paul’s Cathedral: A stunning cathedral with iconic architecture, about 20 minutes away.

Combine these for a full day of exploration, with walking times under 20 minutes between sites.

Practical Tips

• What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes for stairs and walking. Bring a camera for the stunning views, and consider a rain jacket for outdoor queues.
• Rules: No suitcases or oversized bags; only small bags (45 x 35 x 20 cm) are allowed due to security checks. Photography for personal use is permitted.
• Recommendations: Download the free Highlights Tour audio guide or Family Trails App for an enriched visit. Arrive early for fewer crowds and check bridge lift schedules for a memorable experience. Visit the official website for updates.

FAQs

What are the opening hours of Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM. It closes December 24–26 and opens at 10:00 AM on January 1. Check the official website for updates.

How much does it cost to visit Tower Bridge?

Tickets cost £13.40 for adults, £6.70 for children (5-15), £10.10 for concessions, and free for children under 5. Joint tickets with The Monument and community tickets (£1 for local residents) are available.

Is Tower Bridge suitable for children?

Yes, it’s family-friendly with interactive exhibits, the Family Trails App, and activities like the Tower Bridge Cat Trail, engaging kids of all ages.

Are there any discounts available for Tower Bridge?

Discounts include concessions for seniors, students, and disabled visitors, joint tickets with The Monument, and £1 community tickets for local residents. Book online for potential savings.

How long does it take to visit Tower Bridge?

A typical visit lasts about 1 hour, covering the Towers, Walkways, Glass Floors, and Engine Rooms.

Is photography allowed at Tower Bridge?

Yes, personal photography is allowed throughout the attraction, perfect for capturing the glass floors and city views.

Are there guided tours available at Tower Bridge?

Yes, 90-minute guided tours, including British Sign Language options, are offered on select dates. Prices start at £30 for adults; some are included in standard admission. Book via the official website.

What’s the best way to get to Tower Bridge from the city center?

Take the Tube to Tower Hill (District/Circle lines) or London Bridge (Northern/Jubilee lines) for a 5–10 minute walk. Buses (15, 42, 78, 100, 343) or riverboats from Tower Pier are also convenient.

Is Tower Bridge wheelchair accessible?

Yes, lifts provide access to all levels, and accessible toilets are available. Contact bookings@towerbridge.org.uk for lift status updates.

Are there dining options near Tower Bridge?

Numerous dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, are available along the South Bank, at Borough Market, and in St. Katharine Docks, all within a 10-minute walk.