Tower Bridge is one of the highlights of my City of London and All in One Walking Tours.
I revel in being able to take my guests to the best vantage point for perfect photographs.
And a lot of people on my tours are surprised when I tell them that it is completely free to walk across this iconic landmark.
That's why I've decided to write this post as a guide to planning a visit to London's Tower Bridge.
I definitely recommend a visit to the Bridge!
First and foremost, it's a beautiful bridge that is just begging for your camera to capture it day and night.
It's instantly obvious why it's a great seller for postcards.
Second, it is a working bridge and you can use it to get across the Thames.
I recommend a walk across the Bridge to Borough Market for a bite to eat when my tours are over.
You can also time your walk to coincide with the lifting of the drawbridge.
And if you want more of Tower Bridge, you can also walk across the upper-level walkway of Tower Bridge, part of the Tower Bridge Museum.
This last option comes with a cost, but offers the visitor wonderful views of London 42m (130 feet) above the river (check out the video below).
It also offers the opportunity to learn all about the bridge itself and how it works - including a visit to the Victorian Engine Rooms which is always the highlight of my visit.
If you're not able to join me on a tour, you can visit the bridge from you own home by watching the video below.
Sinead, a tour guide with us, London Tours by Foot, takes you on a virtual tour across the bridge.
So, without further ado, on with the post!
How to Get to London Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is located on the River Thames between the Square Mile and the Tower of London and the Southbank and old City Hall.
It's also a short walk from London Bridge itself, and London Bridge station.
The walk to Tower Bridge from London Bridge station includes a stroll through Hay's Galleria which is one of my favourite places for a coffee.
You can reach Tower Bridge via the London Underground stations of Tower Hill, Monument, and London Bridge.
Or the DLR line from Tower Gateway - which is useful if I am coming in from the Docklands in the East.
I recommend using this Google map for directions to Tower Bridge.
The closest Tube station is Tower Hill, which is serviced by both the Circle and District lines and is just a few minutes walk around the Tower of London to Tower Bridge.
London Bridge Tube station, which is serviced by both the Jubilee and Northern lines is approximately a 12-minute walk to the foot of the bridge.
But, it gives you the option of that visit to Hays Galleria as well as an amazing view.
One of my favourite views of Tower Bridge is actually from the top of London Bridge.
Constructed in 1894, Tower Bridge is a suspension bridge and a world heritage site.
It measures 244m (801 feet) long and 65m (264 feet) high and provides a roadway across the Thames for over 40,000 people yearly both on foot and on wheels.
It's free to walk across the bridge and to witness its opening and closing, but you will need to buy a ticket for the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
And I know, from experience, that many of you might be surprised to realise that Tower Bridge and London Bridge are two different things!
I go into more detail on this common confusion in a blogpost you might find helpful.
A lot of guests on my tour are surprised when I point out the real London Bridge - mostly because it's...well....
I'll be kind and use the word 'underwhelming' instead of 'ugly,' but you can be the judge!
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Although you can visit this popular landmark year-round, it can get pretty crowded during popular seasons - especially on sunny days.
I know the stereotype about London weather but, I promise you, it does get warm here!
And in the height of summer, on a sunny day, Tower Bridge gets PACKED.
On a regular day, it takes me about 5 minuets to have a casual walk across the bridge.
On a lovely day in peak season, it can take double or even triple that.
It blows my mind every time just how many people manage to fit onto it to get their photographs.
So my recommendation is to consider a trip during far less popular times.
And I also tell people not to underestimate the appeal of a night time visit!
When I am conducting our London in a Day Tour in the winter, it is usually dark by the time we get to the Bridge and people love how it looks all lit up at night.
Obviously, it's more crowded on the weekends.
I also notice that it gets busy during lunch time as a lot of city workers move about on their break (especially toward the restaurants on the south side) so keep that in mind.
I've also noticed that lately visitors have started turning up specifically when the Bridge is going to raise.
As a result, it can get pretty crowded while visiting during this event.
Although I want to point out that you can't stand on the Bridge while it's lifting.
(you'd think that would be obvious but I'm here to tell you I've been asked more than once).
If I want a good view of the Bridge while it's lifting, I stand next to the Tower of London our outside Billingsgate on the north bank of the Thames.
And most people congregate on the south side so, with my recommendation, you'll get a clearer view.
THE TOWER BRIDGE MUSEUM
Pedestrian access to the Tower Bridge is available just about any time, but admission to the Tower Bridge Museum will cost extra.
This service allows you to enter the actual bridge itself, see the engines that are used to operate the attraction, and even watch the pedestrians below from glass floors above.
Prices for the Tower Bridge:
- Adult: £13.40
- Child: £6.70
- Concession: £10.10
- Under 5: FREE
A lot of my visitors will also ask me if it is worth the money to go into the Tower Bridge Museum.
I truthfully think it depends what you're after.
If you love history and/or mechanics then I'd say it's worth it to visit (especially because those Victorian Engine rooms impress me every time I go).
But if you only want to come for the glass floor photographs you've seen on social media, you may be disappointed.
Every time I've gone it has been absolutely packed with people dancing on and laying on the glass to get selfies.
For more details, make sure to read my post covering how to get tickets and what to expect from the Tower Bridge Experience.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE OR AFTER YOUR VISIT
Of course, my top recommendation is for you to take our City of London Tour or our All-in-One Tour, which both end at the Tower of London, near the entrance to the bridge.
We are good at what we do. Just check out the reviews!
Once you've finished your tour, my next recommendation would be a visit the Tower of London.
Out of all the 'touristy' things to do in London, the Tower is my top choice.
It's pricey (although I do have some tips for you to save money), but I think it's worth it as it's so many things in one: A museum, an armoury, a palace, a castle, a place of worship, an execution site, the home of the Crown Jewels, etc.
It's one of my favourite places in the city. And don't forget to look for the Ravens - they are always the highlight of my (many, many) visits.
There's also the HMS Belfast, a WWII Cruiser that is permanent moored in the Thames.
I like to give it a little shout out as it is definitely not as popular as some London locations, but is nevertheless fascinating.
What I like most about visiting is the ticket comes with an Audio guide and once I'm onboard I am free to roam around!
It's really cool to wander through the ship and see what life was like for the naval men who worked on board.
Also, I always head to the bow of the ship as it offers some completely unique, and unbeatable, views of the River Thames.
And, of course, it's also right next to The Shard.
If you're looking for a place to eat nearby I strongly recommend a visit to Borough Market.
Turst me when I tell you there is NO bad food there!
Bread Ahead Bakery is my favourite spot but there's something for every one.
And I hate to give away my secrets, but I also love hiding away from the crowds at St. Katharine Docks.
It's a little treasure trove just on the northern edge of Tower Bridge and is undiscovered by most tourists.
My favourite place to go there is Traders Wine Bar but you'll find plenty of other places to eat and drink.
Or sometimes I just like to have a wander through and I'd encourage you to do the same.
You can let Sinead show you around on this virtual tour of St. Katharine Docks.
