TOWER BRIDGE ULTIMATE GUIDE

Open: Every day: 9:30AM to 6:00PM

Time Needed: 1.5 hours

Price: £13.40

You’ve probably seen it in the Harry Potter and James Bond films, or maybe even heard about it in a London history lesson, but to see the Tower Bridge with your very own eyes is an experience in itself.

The Tower Bridge was first built in 1894, and since then has become an iconic symbol of London thanks to its Victorian Gothic design. The construction of the bridge required more than 11,000 tons of steel, five contractors, and 450 workers to complete. Once construction was finished, the Prince of Wales (the future King Edward VII) and his wife The Princess of Wales (or Alexandra of Denmark) opened the bridge in an official ceremony on June 30th, 1894.

Since then it has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in London (as well as one of the most photographed bridges in the world), and is marvelled upon by both history and architect fanatics alike. It's a major sight in many free walking tours in London, and guides will be able to explain many interesting facts about this must-see landmark. You'll be blown away!

Tower Bridge Highlights

Believe it or not, there’s more to seeing the Tower Bridge than just walking across or taking photographs from afar. Visitors can now go inside the bridge and view London from a walkway between the towers, and also learn more about the construction of the bridge inside the Tower Bridge Exhibition Room.

Thanks to its glass walkways, visitors can look down at the River Thames from 42 metres above, and even watch passing boats and cars pass under the bridge. Along the East Walkway, which is higher than the West Walkway, visitors can view the spectacular skyline of London and spot various museums and historic buildings along the Thames (such as the Tower of London, the HMS Belfast, St Paul’s Cathedral, the Monument and even St. Katharine Docks leading to Canary Wharf). The East Walkway also contains a “Great Bridges of the World” exhibition so visitors can learn more about other historic bridges all over the world.

Tower Bridge Exhibition visitors can also see the Victorian Engine Rooms which contain coal-driven steam engines that were once used to power the bridge lifts. Inside the Victorian Engine Room, visitors can also learn about the technology behind the Tower Bridge via photographs, films and other media, and there are even interactive displays which allow you to experience what a real historic steam engine would have sounded and smelled like.

Special Tips

To fully enjoy your visit to Tower Bridge, make sure to download the free Highlights Tour. This self-guided audio tour includes information about the bridge’s construction, maintenance, and role in London’s transportation and culture throughout the centuries. It's available in several languages and can be downloaded by scanning the QR codes at the entrance of the attraction or using the Smartify App.

If you plan on visiting Tower Bridge with your family, you can download the free Tower Bridge Family Trail app beforehand to book your tickets. Through the app, your family can learn about the history of the bridge's construction, watch an animated video of the lifts, and play interactive games. Additionally, there's a Family Trail booklet, available through the app, with activities for visitors of all ages.

Getting there

Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom.

By Tube: The nearest station is Tower Hill which is an eight-minute walk away.

By Train: The nearest station is London Bridge.

By Bus: You can get to the Tower Bridge via routes 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1.

Visiting Tower Bridge

Pedestrians can walk across the Tower Bridge for free (except when there is a bridge lift to allow larger boats on the River Thames to go by). If you want to access the glass walkways or steam engine room, you will need to purchase a ticket for the Tower Bridge Exhibition beforehand.

Keep in mind that entry into the Tower Bridge’s walkways may not always be guaranteed during bridge lifts (you can find out what time the bridge will be lifting by visiting The Tower Bridge’s official website). However, if you can, try to schedule your visit so you can watch the lifting of the bridge up close.

If you want to avoid the big crowds, try to arrive at the Tower Bridge as soon as it opens, or just before last admission.

All visitors must pass through a security check, and children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

Ticket prices and Opening hours

Additionally, on the second Saturday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., "Relaxed Opening" is available. This special entry is designed for those who prefer a quieter visit, including people with autism and other neurodiverse needs, as well as their families and caregivers.

The ticket prices for Tower Bridge are as follows:

• £13.40 for adults
• £6.70 for children (ages 5-15)
• £10.10 for concessions (students, seniors 60+) and adults with disabilities
• £5 for children with disabilites (ages 5-15)
• Free for carers and children under 5

There are also discounted tickets available on the Tower Bridge’s official website, which includes group discounts for families and seniors, as well as joint tickets for The Tower Bridge and The Monument. Joint tickets cost £10.50 for adults, £7.20 for seniors and students, and £4.70 for children under the age of 16.

If you want to pay for a tour, there are a few different options available which range in price depending on which one you purchase.

For a rewarding visit to Tower Bridge, you can download both the free Highlights Tour self-guided audio or the free Family Trails App. Additionally, there are several tours you can join to explore Tower Bridge:

• Guided Tours: Departing several days a week, these 1.5-hour tours are led by experts who will share stories about those who designed, constructed, and maintained the bridge. Prices are as follows:

  • Adult (16 years +): £30
  • Child (5-15 years): £23
  • Concessions (seniors aged 60+, students with ID, and disabled visitors): £25
  • Carers: Free

• Guided Tours with BSL Interpretation: 1.5-hour tours available to book on selected dates. The price is included in the standard entry fee.
• Deaf-led Guided Tour: Also available to book on selected dates. The price is included in the standard entry fee.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours: These special events are extended visits to operational areas not normally open to the public. The tours are only available on selected dates and must be booked well in advance as they tend to sell out very quickly.

Are you all set to visit Tower Bridge? Don't hesitate to take a look at the many free tours of London that depart daily.