Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge stands as one of London's most iconic landmarks, a combined bascule and suspension bridge that spans the River Thames between the Tower of London on the north bank and Southwark on the south. The glass walkway referred to in the location details is part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where visitors can walk across the high-level walkways that connect the bridge's two towers, some 42 metres above the Thames. These walkways, originally designed to allow pedestrians to cross even when the bridge was raised, were closed in 1910 due to lack of use but reopened to the public in 1982 as part of the exhibition. The glass floor panels, installed in 2014, offer a unique and thrilling perspective straight down to the river below and the roadway of the bridge, allowing visitors to watch boats passing beneath their feet and vehicles crossing the bridge deck.
From these elevated walkways, visitors are treated to spectacular panoramic views of London's evolving skyline. Looking east, you can see the historic Tower of London immediately adjacent, with its White Tower dating back to the Norman Conquest, and beyond it the modern skyscrapers of Canary Wharf pierce the horizon. To the west, the view encompasses the distinctive shape of The Shard, HMS Belfast moored on the Thames, and the historic riverside buildings along both banks. The perspective from the glass floor sections is particularly dramatic, offering views of the Thames flowing beneath and the intricate Victorian engineering of the bridge itself, with its massive counterweights and hydraulic machinery visible in the chambers below. The combination of historical and modern architecture visible from this vantage point provides a unique visual narrative of London's development through the centuries.
The bridge itself was designed by Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, and construction began in 1886. It took eight years to build, requiring the labour of 432 construction workers and the use of over 11,000 tons of steel, clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone to give it a more impressive appearance that would complement the nearby Tower of London. The bridge was officially opened on 30 June 1894 by the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, and his wife Princess Alexandra. At the time of its completion, it was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built, representing the pinnacle of Victorian engineering achievement. The original hydraulic mechanism used to raise the bridge was powered by steam engines pumping water to drive the massive pistons, though this was later converted to electricity in 1976 while maintaining the hydraulic system.
The view from Tower Bridge has transformed dramatically since the Victorian era. When the bridge first opened, the riverside was dominated by warehouses, wharves, and the busy commercial activity of the Pool of London, which was then the heart of the British Empire's maritime trade. The skyline was characterized by church spires, with St Paul's Cathedral being the tallest structure for miles around. The high-level walkways, intended for pedestrian use, quickly became unpopular and were associated with pickpockets and prostitutes, leading to their closure. Today's vista is radically different, with the warehouses converted into luxury apartments, the working docks replaced by restaurants and tourist attractions, and the skyline punctuated by glass and steel towers such as the Gherkin, the Walkie-Talkie, and The Shard. The river traffic has changed from cargo vessels and steamships to a mix of commuter boats, tourist cruises, and the occasional historic vessel.
The best times to visit Tower Bridge Exhibition for optimal viewing experiences vary depending on what you wish to see. Clear mornings, particularly in spring and early summer, offer excellent visibility and beautiful light for photography, with the sun rising in the east and illuminating the historic buildings and modern towers. Late afternoon and sunset visits can be particularly magical, as the setting sun casts golden light across the Thames and the city begins to illuminate its evening lights. The bridge looks especially spectacular at dusk when both the natural and artificial lighting create a dramatic atmosphere. Weather plays a significant role in the viewing experience—clear days obviously provide the best long-distance visibility, but even overcast days can create moody, atmospheric conditions that are appealing in their own way. The bridge lifts approximately 800 times per year, and witnessing this from the walkways while standing on the glass floor is a unique experience; lift times are published in advance on the Tower Bridge website.
Winter visits have their own charm, with fewer tourists and the possibility of crisp, clear days when visibility can be exceptional, though the shorter daylight hours mean planning is more important. The bridge is typically busier during school holidays and weekends, so weekday mornings often provide a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds. The glass floor sections can be temporarily closed during extreme weather conditions, though the walkways themselves generally remain open. Night visits to the bridge area, while not accessing the interior walkways which close in the evening, allow you to see the structure beautifully illuminated, with its lighting changed for special occasions and celebrations.
Access to the Tower Bridge Exhibition is via the north tower, reached from the north bank of the Thames near the Tower of London. The location is excellently served by public transport, with Tower Hill Underground station on the Circle and District lines just a short walk away. London Bridge station, a major hub served by the Northern and Jubilee Underground lines as well as numerous National Rail services, is approximately a ten-minute walk from the bridge. Bus routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and RV1 all stop near the bridge. For those arriving by river, several Thames Clipper services stop at Tower Pier, immediately adjacent to the bridge. The exhibition includes lifts to the high-level walkways, making it accessible to wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties, though visitors should be aware that the experience involves walking across the walkways once at height.
Combining a visit to Tower Bridge with nearby attractions makes for an excellent day of sightseeing. The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is immediately adjacent and houses the Crown Jewels, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Britain. The Victorian engine rooms beneath Tower Bridge's southern approach contain the original hydraulic machinery and are included in the Tower Bridge Exhibition ticket. HMS Belfast, a Second World War Royal Navy cruiser now preserved as a museum ship, is moored on the Thames just west of the bridge and offers its own unique perspectives on London and maritime history. Southwark, on the south bank, provides access to Borough Market, one of London's oldest and finest food markets, and the area around More London including City Hall and the Scoop outdoor amphitheatre.
The surrounding area offers numerous dining options, from historic pubs such as The Dickens Inn at St Katharine Docks to modern restaurants along Shad Thames with its converted warehouse buildings and dramatic overhead walkways. The Thames Path runs along both sides of the river here, providing pleasant walking routes either west toward London Bridge and the South Bank, or east toward Wapping and Limehouse. St Katharine Docks, immediately east of the Tower of London, offers a quieter riverside setting with moored yachts and waterside cafes. The Circle Walk, a relatively new walking route around the City of London, passes by Tower Bridge, making it a natural stopping point for those exploring on foot.