Tower Bridge London: The City's Iconic Symbol

Tower Bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in London, England. Its Royal presence spread across the River Thames, has captured the imagination of people from all corners of the globe.

Tower Bridge London is not just an ordinary bridge; it is a masterpiece of engineering and a symbol of London’s history and cultural heritage.

Witness the grandeur and the most unforgettable journey to create lasting memories in one of the world’s most happening cities with Europe tour packages!

Tower Bridge History

The Tower Bridge History dates back to the year 1886, when it’s construction started and was completed in 1894, taking approximately eight years to finish. Designed by architect Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry, the bridge was a response to the growing need for a river crossing in the east of London.

At the time of its construction, London was undergoing rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, and the existing river crossings were becoming inadequate to meet the demands of a busy city.

Why is Tower Bridge important?

One of the most distinctive features of Tower Bridge is its ability to open up to allow large vessels to pass through. The central span of the bridge, known as the bascules, can be raised to a near-vertical position, creating a gap for ships and boats to navigate through the River Thames.

This innovative design was crucial in ensuring that the bridge could accommodate the maritime traffic that frequented the river, while still providing a crossing point for road and pedestrian traffic.

One cool thing about Tower Bridge is that it has walkways on top that people can visit. The architectural design of Tower Bridge is evidence of the Victorian era’s grandeur and ambition. The bridge is constructed from a combination of stone and steel, with two imposing towers rising on either side of the river.

These towers are connected by two elevated walkways, providing pedestrians with stunning views of the cityscape and the river below. The detailing and decorative elements of the bridge reflect the ornate style of the late 19th century, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the period. You can also take a break from exploring these historic sites in London by hanging out in the vast variety of cafes in London.

Visitors to Tower Bridge London have the opportunity to explore its inner workings and learn about its history through the Tower Bridge Exhibition. The exhibition, housed within the bridge’s walkways, offers interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and photographs that provide insight into the bridge’s construction, operation, and cultural significance. Visitors can also see the impressive sight of the bascules being raised during scheduled bridge lifts, offering a firsthand experience of this engineering marvel in action.

Tower Bridge has played a significant role in London’s cultural landscape, serving as a backdrop for numerous films, television shows, and literary works, making it one of the top photography spots In London.

In addition to its architectural and cultural significance, Tower Bridge serves as a vital transportation link, connecting the districts of Tower Hamlets and Southwark. The bridge carries both vehicular and pedestrian traffic across the River Thames, providing a vital artery for commuters and travellers navigating the city. Its strategic location near key landmarks and attractions also makes it an essential thoroughfare for residents and visitors.

Interesring Facts About Tower Bridge London

• Robert McCulloch bought the old London Bridge and transported it to Arizona; legend says he mistook it for Tower Bridge.
• Confusion between Tower Bridge and London Bridge has long been common.
• Beneath Tower Bridge is Dead Man’s Hole, once a mortuary for Unionists’ bodies (no longer in use).
• On its opening, people feared horses couldn’t climb the slant; the bridge kept its own horses to disprove this.

How to reach Tower Bridge London? 

The London city centre is well-connected to other parts of the city. The Tower Bridge London is also an important landmark, and there are various ways to reach:

Underground Tube

• Tower Hill Station: District & Circle Lines is a 7 minute walk with step-free access to street level.
• London Bridge Station: The Northern & Jubilee Lines is just 12 minutes walk if you take the Tooley Street and More London Riverside.

Train(National Rail/DLR)

• London Bridge and Fenchurch Street: The stations serve National Rail and are in close vicinity.
• Tower Gateway DLR: Docklands Light Railway is also in the nearby areas with connections to Tower Hill Underground.

Riverboat

• Tower Pier: (Also known as Tower Millennium Pier); Uber Boat stops right next to the Tower of London, which is a short walk to the Tower Bridge.
• London Bridge City Pier: The London Bridge on the South Bank is also a convenient disembarkation point.
• Tower Bridge Quay: (North Side, east of the bridge) serves tourist river cruise lines.

By Car

• Limited street parking: The area does not allow to stop at any time.
• Closest Car Park: Tower Hill Coach & Car Park with drop off available and blue badge accessible bays.
• Private Chauffeur: Private Chauffeur or Chauffeur driver car hire is also available for a traffic free journey.

Best time to visit the Tower Bridge 

• March, April and June

The best time to visit Tower Bridge London is between March, April and June. This is the best time to visit London Bridge because during this time, the lodging and theatre bookings are easy to make.

If you are planning a day trip in London, keep in mind that lineups can be heavy throughout the middle of the day and on weekends, so going early on the weekend or weekday may be your best bet.

Tips For Visiting Tower Bridge London

Here are a few tips for visiting Tower Bridge London you must follow:

• Book tickets beforehand: Tickets to the main areas inside the tower or even the lift to the upper walkways aren’t always readily available. It is always recommended that you book your tickets beforehand so you can access all areas of your choice without much hassle.
• Look up the times for the bridge opening: Regardless of whether you wish to watch the bridge rise and fall from the ground floor or you wish to attend yoga classes or exhibitions, always look for the correct time of the events.
• Always apply sunblock: If you’re visiting this iconic landmark in summer, then make sure to carry sunblock and goggles to protect yourself from sunburn and heat rashes.
• Carry a camera: You should always carry a good camera to capture the enthralling moments as a memoir of your trip. The sights from the walkways are some of the best in London, and you should have a snap of it on your camera.