Tower Bridge
Ideal: Ideal for city icons, photography, architecture, and riverside walks.
Opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is one of London's most recognizable structures over the Thames. From the walkways between its neo-Gothic towers you can watch the river and city skyline; a glass-floored section lets you look down at traffic below. The bridge's bascule spans still lift to let ships pass.
Quick facts
- Built
- 1886
- Opened
- 30 June 1894
- Architect
- Horace Jones
- Architectural style
- Gothic Revival
- Height
- 65 m
- Length
- 244 m
Facts from Wikidata, photos from Wikimedia Commons.
Did you know?
Why does Tower Bridge look so old?
It dates from 1894 and is technically a steel structure. The Gothic stone cladding was required by Parliament so it would harmonise with the neighbouring Tower of London — the historic look is a deliberate shell.
Does the bridge still open?
Yes, around 800 times a year. Vessels tall enough give 24 hours' notice and passage is free; the lift schedule is published in advance, so you can plan to watch it.
Did a bus really jump the opening bridge?
In 1952 a double-decker was on the bridge as it began to lift. The driver, Albert Gunter, accelerated and jumped the roughly one-metre gap to the other bascule; nobody was seriously hurt and he was given a reward.
Why go?
- To watch the Thames from the glass walkway
- To see the engine room and lifting mechanism
- To combine it with the Tower of London and South Bank on one route
Travel tip
Check bridge lift times in advance; blue hour and sunset are the most striking times for photos.
