Visit Tower Bridge — London’s iconic landmark. Walk the glass floors, explore its Victorian engine rooms, and enjoy panoramic views of the Thames.

Visit Tower Bridge London

Rising above the River Thames, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most recognisable landmarks — and one of the world’s greatest feats of Victorian engineering. Opened in 1894, this majestic structure combines the strength of steel with the beauty of Gothic design, linking history, innovation, and London’s spirit of progress.

Today, visitors can explore its high-level walkways, glass floors, and Victorian engine rooms — discovering the story behind this working bascule bridge that still lifts for river traffic.

The Story of Tower Bridge

In the late 19th century, London’s East End was booming, and a new river crossing was urgently needed. Traditional designs wouldn’t do — the busy Port of London required a bridge that could open for tall-masted ships.

Engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry and architect Sir Horace Jones created a revolutionary design that combined a suspension bridge with a bascule mechanism (a movable drawbridge). The result was both practical and beautiful — a masterpiece of industrial elegance that quickly became a global symbol of London.

Architecture and Design

Built from over 11,000 tons of steel, Tower Bridge’s twin towers are clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone, giving it the look of a medieval fortress to match the nearby Tower of London.

The bascule arms — weighing more than 1,000 tons each — can be raised in just 90 seconds, a spectacle that still delights crowds today. Modern hydraulics now power the mechanism, but the original steam-powered engines are preserved in the museum below.

The Tower Bridge Experience
High-Level Walkways

Connecting the twin towers, the walkways were once used by pedestrians when the bridge was raised. Today, they offer panoramic views across London — from the Tower of London to St Paul’s Cathedral, and beyond to Canary Wharf.

Glass Floor Walkways

One of the highlights is the glass floor, giving you a thrilling view straight down to the traffic and boats below. It’s a photographer’s dream and a favourite for visitors of all ages.

The Victorian Engine Rooms

Down below, explore the engine rooms where the bridge’s mighty machinery once roared to life. Restored steam engines, interactive displays, and soundscapes reveal how this technological marvel once worked around the clock.

A Living Landmark

Tower Bridge is more than a museum piece — it’s a working bridge. The bascules still lift several times a week to allow tall ships, yachts, and historic vessels to pass. Watching the bridge rise and fall remains one of London’s most iconic sights.

Nightfall adds another layer of magic: the bridge’s towers and walkways are illuminated, reflecting beautifully on the Thames.

Things to Do Nearby

Tower Bridge sits in one of the most historic corners of London, surrounded by iconic attractions:

Tower of London – Home to the Crown Jewels and centuries of royal history.

HMS Belfast – Explore a World War II warship moored nearby.

City Hall – Striking modern architecture by the river.

Borough Market – A short walk away, London’s most famous food market.

The Shard – Panoramic city views from Western Europe’s tallest building.

Plan Your Visit

Managed by: City of London Corporation

Entry: Paid admission for Tower Bridge Exhibition; bridge crossing is free.

Location: Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP.

Transport: Nearest stations – Tower Hill, London Bridge, or Tower Gateway.

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30am–6pm (last entry 5pm).

Facilities: Shop, restrooms, lifts, and full accessibility

For more information, please visit Official Tower Bridge website

Why Visit Tower Bridge?

The Tower Bridge London experience brings together architecture, engineering, and adventure. It’s a chance to see London from a new perspective — to walk above the river, explore the bridge’s mechanical heart, and witness a living piece of history in motion.

Whether you’re drawn by the views, the technology, or the sheer beauty of its design, Tower Bridge is a must-see landmark that captures the soul of the city.

Step inside this masterpiece of Victorian ingenuity — and discover the story behind London’s most famous bridge.