Tower Bridge London: Travel guide

The bridge is open from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM every day.

Tower Bridge is one of the most recognised landmarks in the world and an iconic representation of London.  It is a suspension bridge that connects the north and south parts of London by crossing the River Thames. The bridge was constructed between 1886 and 1894, and its main objective was to give heavy traffic an entirely new crossing point. It also made it possible for tall ships to transit across the river unhindered. 

The bridge is remarkable, measuring 244 metres in length and 65 metres in height (bridge towers). Tower Bridge is distinctive due to its bascule structure, which enables it to raise its central part to accommodate larger ships. Since the bridge was constructed, this process has taken place more than 85000 times, which is evidence of its practicality and functionality. Tower Bridge is a well-known tourist destination and has been featured in several films and television programmes.

Source: Pinterest

 

Tower Bridge is an engineering wonder that exemplifies the ingenuity and inventiveness of those who constructed it. It serves as a representation of London’s rich history and global prominence. Visiting Tower Bridge is a remarkable experience that offers a distinctive perspective on London and its history. A reminder of the ongoing allure of technical wonders that endure the test of time is the unusual design of this bridge, which integrates the functionality and artistry of those who have created this wonder.

Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom 

Opening time: Open daily from 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission 5:00 PM) 

Tickets and prices: Adult £12.30 (Rs 1,250.3 approx), Child £6.20 (Rs 630.25 approx)

Source: Pinterest

 

Tower Bridge: How to reach?

If you are taking public transportation, there are several options available depending on your location and preference. The distance to the location from the city centre is 4.4 kilometres; a car or cab ride will take 19 minutes. 

Most likely, taking the tube and getting off at Tower Hill or London Bridge stations is the simplest option. Another option is to take the bus; routes 42, 78, or RV1 all have stops close to the bridge. 

You can walk there if you are feeling a little adventurous or if the weather is beautiful. The Southbank offers some of the most beautiful views of London and passes by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and other attractions along the Thames River.

 

Tower Bridge: What to expect?

The Tower Bridge lifting is a major attraction here for which you shouldn’t be late because it always works on time.  The day, time, and name of the vessel that will travel through the bridge are listed on a page of the official website for Tower Bridge well in advance and you can check it from there.  

Tower Bridge does not lift every day; therefore, it is important to be aware of that.  Sometimes, Tower Bridge may not lift at all for days or even weeks throughout the winter; therefore, plan accordingly. In the summer, Tower Bridge can lift seven or eight times every day, frequently in the evening, and it usually opens three or four times nearly every hour.

The passing ship will show up and wait for the scheduled opening, which is a sure indicator the free performance is about to begin.  It would be worth waiting a few minutes to see if the bridge would open for a tall vessel waiting in the Thames by the bridge if you happen to come across Tower Bridge while exploring London. 

If you had planned, you would already be aware of the ship and would have chosen the ideal location to record a moment in British history. It is advised to show up 20 minutes before the Tower Bridge is scheduled to be lifted. This will allow you to pick your spot and then move to your preferred viewing location for a memorable experience.

Since the entire lifting and closing of Tower Bridge typically only takes 3 to 5 minutes, it pays to be ready in this situation because the next lifting could be several hours, days, or even weeks away.

 

FAQs

What is the major attraction at Tower Bridge?

The Tower Bridge lifting is a major attraction where you can see a passing ship if you're lucky.

What is the main objective behind building Tower Bridge?

Its main objective was to give heavy traffic an entirely new crossing point. It also made it possible for tall ships to transit across the river unhindered.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]

 

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