The Ultimate Guide to visiting Tower Bridge in 2024
Tower bridge ultimate guide.
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
Getting there
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
Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the last admission at 5:00 p.m. These hours apply throughout the year, although it’s always a good idea to check for special events or any variations during holiday seasons.
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:
- 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.
Free Tours in Your Language
- Search Please fill out this field.
- Newsletters
- Things To Do
London's Tower Bridge: The Complete Guide
London's iconic Tower Bridge is the city's most famous bridge, often mistakenly called "London Bridge." Built over 120 years ago, the bridge initially was constructed to ease road traffic. The roadways on the bridge have the ability to lift up, allowing ships to pass underneath, and the bridge has been a landmark of London for over a century. Today visitors can see Tower Bridge and its inner workings up close and personal, or elect to snap a photo of the impressive bridge from a nearby viewpoint. Many tourists pair Tower Bridge with a visit to the nearby Tower of London.
History and Background
Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 across the River Thames. It was selected from over 50 designs and ultimately created by Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry. At the time, Tower Bridge was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built and the bascules continue to be operated by hydraulic power even today. In 1977, the bridge was painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, but it was restored to its original blue and white color scheme in 2017.
The interior of the bridge officially opened to the public in 1982, featuring a permanent exhibition inside called The Tower Bridge Experience. Cars and pedestrians can access the bridge's main deck anytime, however the towers, upper walkways, and engine rooms are now part of the exhibition and only available with a ticket.
How to Get There
The best way to get to Tower Bridge is via public transportation. The closest Tube station is Tower Hill, accessible by the District and Circle lines. Visitors can also use London Bridge station, which is served by the Northern and Jubilee lines. Trains will bring you in to London Bridge, Fenchurch Street, or Tower Gateway DLR Stations, while numerous buses stop directly by the bridge. These include routes 15, 42, 78,100, and RV1.
A fun alternative is to take a riverboat service along the Thames to Tower Bridge. Boats stop at St. Katherine Pier and Tower Pier on the north side and London Bridge City Pier on the south side. Because of the busy location it's not recommended to drive to Tower Bridge, but if you do have a car the nearest parking garage is Tower Hill Coach and Car Park on Lower Thames Street.
How to Visit the Bridge
Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (with the exception of Dec. 24 through 26, when the exhibition is closed). Visitors will get to go inside the two bridge towers, visit the Glass Floor—a viewpoint 138 feet (42 meters) above the River Thames—, and learn about the history of the site. The visit includes a peek into the Engine Rooms, where you can see steam engines, coal burners, and accumulators that used to power the bascules.
Purchase tickets online in advance to take advantage of lower prices. There are various group discounts and family ticket prices if you're traveling in a larger group, and children under 5 are free. It's recommended to go at less busy times, like weekday mornings, and avoid weekends or holidays.
For bonus information, book into one of the Behind the Scenes guided tours. The tours last two hours and include access to areas of the bridge, towers and Engine Room not seen by regular guests. The tours don't run every day, so it's best to check the available times and dates online and book in advance when planning a trip.
Best Views of the Bridge
The best view of Tower Bridge may not actually be from the bridge itself. To snap a great photo of the iconic site, head to one side of the Thames, either in front of the Tower of London on the north bank or in front of City Hall and Potters Fields Park alongside the south bank. Those visiting the HMS Belfast, another ticketed attraction, can also score amazing views from the upper deck. For a straight-on look at Tower Bridge walk along the pedestrian sidewalk at London Bridge, where you can catch an uninterrupted glimpse from right in the center.
Things to Know
Tower Bridge is fully accessible for guests needing special access. A lift is available to all levels, including in the towers and to the Engine Room exhibition, and there are also accessible toilets available. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome in all areas and not restricted.
It's important to note that all bags will be searched upon entry to Tower Bridge and guests should not bring any glass items, including glass bottles, to the walkway area. Dogs are permitted, in case you want to bring along your furry friend.
Tower Bridge is a working bridge and it does raise the platforms regularly (about 850 times per year) to allow ships to pass through. The bridge lift times are listed online, so check ahead if you want to see the bascules in action.
Related Articles
More related articles.