Tower Bridge | Why It's The Most Iconic Landmark in London

Here’s why the Tower Bridge, not to be mistaken with the famous London Bridge, is the city’s most recognizable and known structure.

To begin with, Tower Bridge is not the same as London Bridge; the bridge is now located in Lake Havasu City, Arizona (for real). Although Tower Bridge does not have a catchy song about it tumbling down, it is one of London’s most famous monuments.

It is a must-see on any tour of London’s most famous sights. The Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are immediately next to one other, and one can see the other from the other. If you take the journey up the towers, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views over the City of London, may be better than any of the other London bridges.

Tower Bridge’s History

The River Thames is crossed by Tower Bridge, which was completed between 1886 and 1894. (That slices London in half). It was constructed to improve access to London’s East End. It was inaugurated in 1894 by Edward, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales, towards the close of Queen Victoria’s lengthy reign, when the British Empire was at its peak.

Listed: In the United Kingdom, I Listed Buildings
Between 1886 and 1894, the building was completed.
800 feet in length (or 240)
Height: New London Bridge is about 0.5 mile upstream from Tower Bridge and is 213 feet or 65 meters tall.

The bridge opens in the middle to enable ships to pass through since the River Thames is a busy waterway. It used to be hydraulically driven, but in 1972 it was upgraded to an electro-hydraulic system. If you stick around long enough, you may get to witness the bridge open in person.

During World War II, it was bombed by the Germans. When a high-level span was struck in 1940, the hydraulic system was cut, and the bridge was rendered inoperable. A parachute mine detonated near the bridge in 1941. Parts of the bridge’s workings were severely damaged as a result. However, it was able to survive the conflict in the end. During World War II, the Axis bombed Tower Bridge.

Visiting the Tower Bridge of London

The bridge is still in use today, carrying thousands of cars and people each day. The bridge deck is open to the public, and anybody may use it to take Instagram photos.

It is simple to locate Tower Bridge. The building may be seen when visiting the neighboring Tower of London, or by simply walking down the Thames from Westminster. While anybody is welcome to cross the bridge, a ticket is necessary to enter the bridge’s twin towers, stroll on the high-level walkways, or see the Victorian engine rooms.

Visitors are welcome to visit the bridge, although it is advised that tickets be purchased in advance online to ensure a visit. Capacity has been drastically decreased as a result of the epidemic, and spaces are restricted.

Tower Bridge Self-Guided Tours

If you want to take a tour of the bridge, you should start by ascending the North Tower. Following that, one walks down the West Walkway, passing by the famous Glass Floor. Stop for a moment and take in the view of the bridge and the River Thames under one’s feet; feel one’s heart begin to race.

Hours of Operation: 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Last Entry At 5.00 pm)
Tour by yourself: Adults (aged 16 and up) pay £10.60, while children (aged 6 to 15) pay £5.30. (Aged 5 to 15)

After you’ve taken all of your Instagram photos from the glass level, make your way down the South Tower to the road. The blue line will subsequently be followed (it commemorates the workers of the Tower Bridge). The trip concludes with a visit to the Victorian Engine Rooms, which lift the bridge in order to keep the canal open. The tour comes to a close with a visit to the gift store.

Tower Bridge Tours with a Guide

The Behind-the-Scenes Tour and the Regular Guided Tour are the two primary kinds of guided tours. The British Sign Language Interpreted Tour and the Family Tour are two more guided tours available (which is an interactive tour perfect for families wanting to learn about the history of the bridge).

Behind-the-Scenes Tour:

For those interested in learning more about the history and trivia of one of Britain’s most iconic sites, this is an extended guided tour. This 2-hour guided tour gives you access to locations that are off-limits to the general public as well as those who have purchased additional tickets. It gives you entrance to the Bascule Chambers as well.

When: Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2 hours in length
The Towers, West Walkway, Machinery Room, Bascule Chamber, and Engine Room are all included.
Prices start at £45.00.

Regular Guided Tour:

Expert guides will take you on a 60-minute tour of Tower Bridge. This is the most popular of the Tower Bridge guided excursions, which take place on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.