The Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and is known throughout the world for its unique design and engineering marvel. Located on the River Thames, the bridge has been a symbol of London since it was completed in 1894. The bridge consists of two towers tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways.The Tower Bridge is close to the Tower of London, from which it takes its name. It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, with plenty of things to see and do in and around the area.
History
The bridge passes over the River Thames, connecting the City of London and Southwark, in central London. The idea for a new bridge over the River Thames came about in the 1870s due to the increasing traffic on the river. The City of London Corporation launched a design competition, and in 1884, Sir Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry’s design was chosen. Construction began in 1886 and took eight years to complete. It took 8 years, 5 major contractors and the relentless labour of 432 construction workers to build Tower Bridge. The bridge was completed in 1894, taking 11,000 tons of steel to build this 265 meter bridge.
Tower Bridge Facts
The bridge is 800 feet (244 m) in length with two towers each 213 feet (65m) high, built on piers. The central span of 200 feet (61m) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves, which can be raised to an angle of 83 degrees to allow river traffic to pass. The Tower Bridge is a combination of a suspension bridge and a bascule bridge. The suspension part of the bridge is made up of two towers, which are connected by high-level walkways for pedestrians. The bascule part of the bridge has two massive lifting arms that can be raised to allow tall ships to pass through the bridge.
Design and Features
The Tower Bridge is a masterpiece of engineering, with some unique features that set it apart from other bridges. The bridge is 244 meters (800 feet) long and has a width of 34 meters (110 feet). The bascule arms weigh around 1,100 tons each and can be raised in just 90 seconds to allow ships to pass through. The bridge has two high-level walkways that offer stunning views of the city. The walkways are located 42 meters (138 feet) above the river and are accessible by stairs or by lift. Visitors can see many of London’s most famous landmarks from the walkways, including the Tower of London, the Shard, and the City of London.
he Tower Bridge Exhibition
The Tower Bridge is also home to the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which is located inside the bridge’s towers. The exhibition tells the story of the bridge’s history, design, and construction, and includes interactive displays, photographs, and videos. Visitors can also see the original steam engines that used to power the bridge’s lifting mechanism.
views of London
The Tower Bridge provides stunning views of London. from the high level walkways and continue your journey to the Victorian Engine Rooms to learn about the inner workings of the Most Famous Bridge in the World. Visitors can also book a guided tour of the bridge, which includes a visit to the exhibition and a walk across the high-level walkways. The guided tours are led by expert guides who can provide detailed information about the bridge’s history and design.
Tickets and Hours
The Tower Bridge Exhibition is open daily, with varying hours depending on the time of year. During peak season (April-September), the attraction is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. During off-peak season (October-March), the attraction is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. Tickets for the Tower Bridge Exhibition can be purchased online or at the attraction’s ticket office. Prices vary depending on the type of ticket purchased, with adult tickets starting at £10.60 and children’s tickets starting at £5.30. Group discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more.
Tips for Visitors
Individual tickets for the Tower Bridge Exhibition can be purchased online from their secure online booking system at http://www.towerbridge.org.uk . Group, family and joint tickets can be purchased at the Tower Bridge ticket office only. You can also visit the inside of the bridge, where you will be able to get magnificent views of London from the walkway between the two bridges
- Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long queues.
- Consider booking a guided tour of the bridge to learn more about its history and design.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the city from the high-level walkways.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as there are stairs to climb to reach the walkways.
- The Tower Bridge is wheelchair accessible, with lifts available to reach the high-level walkways.
- Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn more about the bridge’s history and see the original steam engines.
- Combine a visit to the Tower Bridge with a visit to other nearby attractions, such as the Tower of London or the HMS Belfast.
- Consider taking a Thames river cruise to see the Tower
