Tower Bridge
Discover Tower Bridge in London. Dive into its architectural marvel, walk its glass-floored walkways, and enjoy panoramic views. Experience an iconic landmark.Bestseller
Tower Bridge and Engine Room Entry Tickets
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Pro tips to help you make a pick
If you're visiting with young children, they'll love the interactive experiences. Encourage them to collect all the stamps and learn fun facts about the bridge.
There are toilets located on the Tower Bridge. However, they tend to get crowded and have a long line to enter, especially on the weekends or public holidays.
Take it slow on the glass section. The glass section of the Tower Bridge walk offers stunning views but can be a bit unnerving for some because of the height. Take your time and enjoy the experience at your own pace.
Make sure to visit the engine room, where you can see the original machinery that powered the bridge. It's a cozy and fascinating part of the tour.
As you ascend the tower, pay attention to the stairwells, which offer insights into the construction of the bridge. If you prefer, there are lifts available for convenience, along with toilet facilities.
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About Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule (A bascule bridge is a type of bridge that lifts up like a seesaw to let boats go through) and suspension bridge in London. Designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry, it opened in 1894 to enhance access to London's East End. With its 800-foot length and 65-meter towers, it's a London landmark. Originally steam-powered, it now operates electrically but retains its historic mechanisms for display. Discover its history at the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which includes high-level walkways, Victorian engine rooms, and insights into its original steam-powered operation.
Despite its medieval appearance, Tower Bridge is relatively young, opening in 1894, contrasting with the Tower of London's 11th-century origins. Tower Bridge has a castle-like appearance, its Neo-Gothic style was intentionally chosen to complement the nearby White Tower.
Following a public competition where over 50 designs were submitted, architect Sir Horace Jones and civil engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry collaborated on Tower Bridge's design. Initially rejected, their adapted proposal was approved by Parliament in November 1884. Tragically, Jones passed away a year into construction, never witnessing the bridge's completion.
Tower Bridge took eight years to build and over £1 million to complete, showcasing immense skill and dedication. Divers worked in the River Thames bed, while riveter squads inserted over 13 million rivets into the steel, contributing to the bridge's construction.
Tower Bridge was originally painted in Queen Victoria's rumored favorite color, 'bright chocolate' brown. This color scheme remained until it was camouflaged in battleship grey during World War II. In 1977, the bridge was repainted in the red, white, and blue colors still visible today, commemorating Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
Tower Bridge initially operated on steam power till 1976, boasting the most sophisticated bascule bridge design of its time. While the bascules continue to be powered hydraulically today, they now rely on oil and electricity instead of steam. Visitors can view the original pumping engines, accumulators, and boilers on display in the Engine Rooms.
Why visit Tower Bridge?
Highlights
Plan your visit
Ticket Office Entrance (North Tower)
You can enter Tower Bridge through the Ticket Office on the west side of the North Tower. From there, you can take stairs or a lift to the high-level Walkways, which stretch to the South Tower. In the Towers and Walkways, you'll find information about the Bridge's history and enjoy panoramic views of the city, the Tower of London, and the River Thames.
Engine Rooms Entrance (South Tower)
The Victorian Engine Rooms are located in a separate building under the southern part of the Bridge. You can reach them easily from Tower Hill station, Tower Bridge City Hall bus stop, London Bridge station, and Tooley Street bus stop. There's also an external lift on the southeast side of the Bridge to take you from bridge level to the Thames footpath level, where the Engine Rooms entrance and Tower Bridge Gift Shop are located.
On the second Saturday of every month, from 9:30am to 11:30am, entry to Tower Bridge is reserved exclusively for Relaxed Opening attendees.
Explore a range of souvenirs and gifts at the on-site gift shop.
Stay connected during your visit with free WiFi.
Accessible toilets available for wheelchair users.
Public car park available within two hundred meters of the main entrance.
Two quiet rooms in the South Tower serve as a nursing room and a prayer room.
Two quiet rooms in the South Tower serve as a nursing room and a prayer room.
Wheelchairs available free of charge.
There are wheelchair-friendly routes throughout the building.
Assistance dogs and pets are welcome.
Assistance dogs and pets are welcome.
All routes suitable for pushchairs or prams.
Convenient lifts provide access to different levels of the building.