Tower Bridge: A Must-See Historical Landmark in London
January 14, 2025
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Tower Bridge
Traveling is my passion, and I love to share travel opportunities with my family. Offering my daughter a trip of her choice, she chose to visit London in the United Kingdom. Prior to our trip to London in July 2024, we created a list of places we wanted to visit while in the area, and the Tower Bridge was high on our list and how could it not be with its stunning presence towering high above the Thames River. Visiting the iconic structure of the Tower Bridge which was one of our favorite tours in London. We enjoyed exploring the interior of the Tower Bridge while walking through the towers and walkways, while taking in the breathtaking views of London. One of our favorite views was eyeing the Thames River through the glass floor as it gave this sense of openness, as I gazed at the passing boats below.
Fun fact: In 1952, a driver of a big Red Double Decker Bus was driving 20 passengers over the Tower Bridge when it suddenly began to lift without its usual warning bell. Thinking quickly, the driver slammed on the gas pedal and jumped the nearly 6-foot gap between the rising bascules making it safely to the other side. What would you have done in this situation? I can imagine how scared everyone on the bus felt.
Iconic Tower Bridge of London
The Tower Bridge in London offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of the bridge and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. This iconic London landmark was built in 1894 and spans across the Thames River with its exquisite architecture and Gothic-style towers. You are allowed to visit the walkways and enjoy the views from high above the Thames River and take in the thrills as you walk on the glass floors and view the Thames River below as the boats pass by. Allowing a place to cross the river, this bridge is part of the city’s history and innovation.
Later, visit the Engine Room and hear stories of the build and learn about the magnificent process of opening the bridge and maintaining it years ago and still today. It will blow your mind at the marvel of this beauty and the history of its operation. Whether you decide to admire the intricate details of the bridge from the riverbanks or walk across the glass floor high above the water, visiting the Tower Bridge offers a unique glimpse of London’s past while you enjoy the beauty of what it is today.
Address: Tower Bridge Road, London, England
Hours: daily 9:30am to 18:00pm
Ticket prices start at £13.40 adults, £6.70 child
Family activities
Multiple family activities are available during certain days/hours that include hands on learning for younger children. The second Saturday of the month they have a Relaxed Opening for those who need a calmer atmosphere that accommodates those with autism.
Stop at the landing on your way to the walkways and enjoy a movie depicting the history of the Tower Bridge. Take the elevators or continue walking the stairs to the walkways.
Fun fact:
Tower Bridge is dog friendly and well-behaved dogs are allowed in the Towers and Walkways
Kids can enjoy following the Tower Bridge Cat Trail and learning fun facts about the Tower Bridge along the way. Grab your Apprenticeship Record book at the start of your tour for more details. Purchase the Tower Bridge Cat book prior to your tour to learn more about the cats of Tower Bridge.
Visit those popular locations on a full-day guided tour from London. Transportation included. Prices start at $122.52 per person.
Tower Bridge walkways
There are two walkways you can explore within the Tower Bridge and there is a hallway connecting the two. Inside each walkway you will be provided with an expansive view high above the Thames River of the surrounding area. You can take your time and be mesmerized with the views, read facts about the tower, or learn about the history of the bridge from the staff. Observing the structure itself brings me to imagine the magnitude of work and design it took to create such a structure as this.
Before you leave, grab a selfie from the photo booth to take home a personalized postcard as a souvenir.
Glass floors
A newer expansion of the Tower Bridge is the million-dollar beautifully designed glass floors. These are located in one of the two walkways and provide a unique opportunity to view the Thames River below and watch the boats pass by.
Our favorite part was being able to lay on the glass floor and take a selfie with the mirrors installed on the ceiling. #insidetowerbridge
The glass floors were installed in 2014 and took 20 people and 6 weeks to install.
Fun fact:
The floors are so strong they can hold the weight of 6 elephants or 12 London Taxi Cabs
Take a guided tour from London with transportation included to the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio tour. This full-day tour includes viewing original sets and behind the scenes secrets. Prices start at $123.76 per person.
Views from the Tower Bridge
Below you will see some of the views from inside the Tower Bridge. Along the glass walls of the Tower Bridge, you will find small windows that open for a better view of the area creating better photo opportunities.
The photos below are views from the Tower Bridge on a cloudy day. You can see The Shard and the Sky Garden and an expansive view of the Thames River.
Engine Room
After you tour the walkways and Tower Bridge, for an additional fee, you can take time to explore the Engine Room. As you leave Tower Bridge, follow the blue line with circles which leads you to the Engine Room.
John Gass was around for the building of the Tower Bridge and was given the job of running it after it was completed. He lived in the Bridgemaster’s residence with his wife and children for 35 years and retired at the age of 78.
Fun facts about the Tower Bridge Engine Room:
Cats use to roam the Engine Room
Stokers use to shovel 20 tons of coal a week to keep the engines running
In the beginning the Tower Bridge used to raise 20-30 times a day, now it only raises 2-3 times a day
More than 80 people were used to maintain and raise the bridge when it was first built
Tower Bridge Gift Shop
After touring the Engine Room, stop by and grab yourself a souvenir before you leave. Shop for pens, mugs, magnets, toys, clothing items, towels, books, collectibles, and more. Find the perfect gift to add to your travel collection or take home to your favorite person.
Stroll through the gardens with your tour guide and learn about the history of Britian’s favorite beverage, then enjoy British tea, sandwiches, scones and cakes. Prices start at $147.27 per person.
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Favorites for visiting London
Compact umbrella - don’t forget your umbrella, you never know when it might rain in London
Belt bag - easy to carry your credit cards (as most places only take credit cards), keys, Kleenex, ChapStick, and more. I use this everywhere I go!
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The Strength of the Tower Bridge
Learn more fun facts as you tour this magnificent structure while visiting London. Not only will you learn about the amazing history and story behind the beginning days of the Tower Bridge, but you will get to be a part of exploring this iconic piece of London that stands tall above the Thames River.
Visiting the Tower Bridge was one of our favorite tours in London. This iconic landmark provided a historical glimpse of London’s past and provided a close up of the strength this structure has even after surviving bombings and fires throughout London’s history. Enjoy this magnificent structure and be in awe of his Victorian beauty!
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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The Tower of London is an historic fortress in the heart of London with over 1,000 years of British history. Whether you choose to step inside and explore the hallways or simply admire it from the banks of the Thames River, this historic landmark is the perfect place to stop as you tour London.