Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and one of the world’s best-known bridges. It opened in 1894 and was built as a solution to London’s growing traffic while still allowing large ships to reach the Pool of London. It is often confused with London Bridge, but they are completely different bridges.
Tower Bridge is a working bascule bridge: the two central sections can lift to allow tall ships to pass underneath. You can actually watch the bridge being raised if you time your visit with a scheduled Bridge Lift.
The Engine Rooms are particularly interesting because they explain how the original machinery powered the bridge lifts for more than 80 years.
📍Getting There?
Address: Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP.
- By Tube, the two most convenient stations are:
Tower Hill: convenient if you’re coming from the City/Tower of London side.
London Bridge: excellent if you’re combining Tower Bridge with Borough Market, The Shard or HMS Belfast.
– By train: London Bridge Station is the closest major railway station.
– On foot: Walking along the River Thames is one of the nicest ways to arrive. You can approach from either side and get some excellent photographs before entering.
– By bicycle: Cycling along the Thames is also possible, although walking is preferable if you’re sightseeing and taking photographs.
Important: You can cross Tower Bridge on foot for free without buying an attraction ticket. You only need a ticket if you want to go inside the towers and visit the elevated walkways/Engine Rooms.
The official entrance/ticket office is on the west side of the North Tower.
💶 Price:
Tower Bridge currently lists the following admission prices:
Adult (18+): £15.80 Concession: £11.80 Child (5–15): £7.90 Disabled child: £6.00 Under 5: Free Companion: Free
*These are the summer 2026 reduced prices, valid until 1 September 2026. Normal prices are currently listed as £18 adult, £13.50 concession and £9 child. There may also be discounts through certain London attraction passes.
My advice: book online in advance, particularly during weekends and school holidays. Tower Bridge recommends pre-booking to secure your preferred entry time.
🕘 Opening Hours:
Tower Bridge Exhibition:
- Daily from 09:30 until 18:00.
Last entry: 17:00 for the Towers.
The Engine Rooms have a slightly later last admission of 17:30.
🧐 Tips & Tricks:
- Book a timed ticket: This is probably the most important tip. Pre-booking is recommended, particularly during busy periods. Tickets can currently be booked up to 8 weeks in advance.
- Don’t just photograph the bridge from outside: The interior is worth visiting. The High-Level Walkways provide spectacular views of London, while the Glass Floor gives you a completely different perspective.
- Walk up the stairs: There are lifts available, but if you’re physically able, I’d recommend taking the stairs at least once. It gives you a better sense of the structure and history of the bridge.
- Bring headphones: The audio tour is included with your admission ticket and is available in multiple languages. The attraction recommends bringing your own headphones.
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking through the towers and towards the Engine Rooms. Comfortable footwear is definitely recommended.
- Check the weather: Part of the queue is outdoors, so don’t forget that London weather can change quickly.
- Consider visiting late afternoon: If your schedule allows, late afternoon can be particularly nice because you can experience the bridge in daylight and potentially stay around the riverside until sunset.
🎯 Don’t Miss Nearby:
Tower Bridge is in an excellent location, and you can combine it with several major London attractions.
– Tower of London: Literally next to Tower Bridge. The Tower of London is one of the best places to combine with Tower Bridge if you’re interested in British history, the Crown Jewels and medieval London.
– HMS Belfast: A historic Royal Navy warship permanently moored on the Thames between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. You can explore everything from the lower decks to the upper decks.
– Borough Market: One of London’s most famous food markets. It’s a great place for lunch or an early dinner after visiting Tower Bridge. The London Bridge/Bermondsey area is particularly good for food, markets and riverside sightseeing.
– The Shard: If you want another spectacular view of London, head to The Shard near London Bridge. Combining Tower Bridge + The Shard gives you two completely different perspectives of the city.
– Hay’s Galleria: A beautiful Victorian riverside arcade close to London Bridge. It’s a lovely place to walk through on your way towards Tower Bridge.
– Shakespeare’s Globe: Further west along the Thames, but easily combined with a riverside walk if you have enough time. Visit London’s historic reconstruction of Shakespeare’s famous theatre.
Happy Roundtrip 