Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic and enduring landmarks, instantly visible on the city skyline. A visit offers far more than just a crossing—it’s an immersive experience into Victorian engineering and panoramic city views. Walk across the high-level glass-floored walkways, suspended 42 metres above the Thames, and take in breathtaking vistas stretching from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canary Wharf. Look down and watch traffic and pedestrians move beneath your feet—and if you time it right, you might witness the bridge lifts from above as boats pass through below. Inside, the Victorian Engine Rooms showcase the beautifully preserved coal-powered machinery that once operated the bridge. A fascinating guided tour brings the whole experience to life, combining history, architecture, and unbeatable views into one unforgettable visit.
Built in 1894, Tower Bridge marked its 125th anniversary in 2019 and remains a testament to Victorian engineering and London’s maritime past. In its early years, the bridge was frequently raised and lowered to allow sail and steam ships to access the Pool of London, completing their long voyages from across the British Empire—particularly from Asia—by unloading goods in the heart of the capital. Before the installation of the modern walkways, pedestrians had to climb over 200 steps inside the towers to cross the river when the bridge was lifted. Today, Tower Bridge is not just a vital river crossing but one of London’s top tourist attractions, drawing over 2 million visitors annually who come to admire its architecture, history, and spectacular views.
The Tower Bridge Engine Rooms
Step inside the Tower Bridge Exhibition and uncover the stories of the unsung heroes who kept this iconic structure moving for over a century. Explore the original steam engines, coal-fired boilers, and accumulators that once powered the bridge lifts, and delve into the lives of the engineers, stokers, and cooks who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. At its peak, the bridge required a team of around 80 people to operate and maintain it, and during its early days, it was raised an astonishing 20 to 30 times a day. The exhibition is rich in atmosphere, blending history with innovation through interactive displays, rare archival photographs, and specially commissioned films. Thoughtfully curated, it offers a compelling glimpse into the bridge’s working past and the dynamic workplace that once thrived within its walls. It’s an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, combining industrial heritage with human stories.
Address
Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP
How to get there
The main entrance and ticket office is located at the North West Tower of the Bridge. The entrance to the Victorian Engine Rooms is located on the south side of the Bridge on Shad Thames.
By underground:
Tower Hill station (District and Circle lines) to the north side of the Bridge.
London Bridge station (Northern and Jubilee lines) to the south bank of the River Thames a short walk away.
By bus:
The following bus routes will take you to Tower Bridge: 15, 42, 78,100, 343
By train:
Reach Tower Bridge from London Bridge, Fenchurch Street or Tower Gateway DLR Station.
By boat:
Just a short walk from Tower Bridge riverboats stop at St Katherine Pier and Tower Pier on the north bank and at London Bridge City Pier on the south bank.
By bicycle:
Cycle hire docking points available nearby. See docking station map >
Accessibility
The bridge is an accessible venue. Please click here for full details of accessibility before setting off.
Accommodation nearby
Some of the most luxurious apartments overlook London’s tower – imagine enjoying lovely views from your own terrace as the glowing evening sun sets over the River…. See short stay apartments and hotels nearby.
