Tower Bridge travel guide

One of London's iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge, has a rich and fascinating history. The idea to construct a new bridge downstream from London Bridge emerged in the 19th century.

The historic Tower Bridge was officially opened on 30th June 1894, after eight years of construction. The mastermind behind its iconic design was Horace Jones, the City Architect. But it was his engineer, Sir John Wolfe Barry, who added the twin towers, making it an engineering marvel.

The bridge's unique design was necessitated by the need to allow the passage of tall ships to the busy wharves of Pool of London. Its bascules, or moveable roadways, were initially powered by steam and only converted to electricity and oil in 1976.

It's not just a marvel of Victorian engineering, but also a testament to the city's enduring spirit. Today, it stands as a symbol of London, welcoming millions of tourists each year.

Tower Bridge is not merely a historic marvel, but also a feat of engineering. Its distinguishing feature is the two massive towers, connected at the top by a horizontal walkway, from which the bridge derives its name. The bridge is a combination of suspension and bascule bridge, which is unique in itself. One of its most iconic features is the bascules or the movable sections that can be lifted to allow ships to pass underneath.

The walkways, originally designed to ensure pedestrian access even when the bridge was raised, now house a part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, featuring stunning panoramic views of London framed by the bridge's iconic architecture. Glass floor panels installed in the walkways provide a bird's-eye view of the city and the river below. The Victorian Engine Rooms, filled with the original steam engines, coal burners, and accumulators that once powered the raising of the bridge, offer a glimpse into the bridge's complex inner workings. While the bridge is resplendent during the day, it is completely illuminated at night, making it a sight to behold.

Located in the dynamic London Borough of Tower Hamlets, the popular Tower Bridge is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of London Borough of Southwark or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through England.

London Borough of Southwark is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, London Borough of Southwark offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in London Borough of Southwark and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Borough Market, London Bridge, The Shard, Imperial War Museum, and Millennium Bridge.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, London Borough of Southwark has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in London Borough of Southwark, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in England!

Tower Bridge is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in London Borough of Southwark, England. If you're flying in, Gatwick Airport is approximately 25.2 miles (40.5 km) away from London Borough of Southwark. From there, you can easily reach Tower Bridge by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in London Borough of Southwark, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Tower Bridge, which is located 2.2 miles (3.5 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Tower Bridge, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK, England.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Tower Bridge!

The best time to explore Tower Bridge is during the late spring and early autumn months, typically from April to June and September to October. These periods offer a pleasant climate, with relatively mild temperatures and less rainfall, enhancing the overall experience of touring this iconic London landmark. Additionally, these months are outside of the peak tourist season, resulting in lower crowd levels and shorter waiting times. The bridge's panoramic glass floor and high-level walkways provide unmatched views of London, which are particularly breathtaking at sunset during these months. Visitors should also consider timing their visit with the bridge lift times for a truly unforgettable sight. Special events such as the Tower Bridge Exhibition and the annual London Marathon, which crosses the bridge, also add a unique flavor to the visitor experience. Lastly, visiting on a weekday is advisable to avoid the weekend rush. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Tower Bridge promises a memorable experience steeped in history and grandeur.

Conveniently explore Tower Bridge and plenty more captivating attractions in London Borough of Southwark by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Tower Bridge and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that London Borough of Southwark has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Tower Bridge below.

Aside from Tower Bridge, London Borough of Southwark is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around London Borough of Southwark, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Borough Market, London Bridge, and The Shard.

Borough Market is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in London Borough of Southwark, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars in 99,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Borough Market is London SE1 9AL, UK.

Another appreciated attraction in London Borough of Southwark is London Bridge. Like Borough Market, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 51,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this establishment is London EC4R 9HA, UK.

The Shard is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of London Borough of Southwark. This landmark and top attraction in London Borough of Southwark has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 39,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of London Borough of Southwark below.