tower bridge video tour

London's Tower Bridge: The Complete Guide

Tower bridge.

London's iconic Tower Bridge is the city's most famous bridge, often mistakenly called "London Bridge." Built over 120 years ago, the bridge initially was constructed to ease road traffic. The roadways on the bridge have the ability to lift up, allowing ships to pass underneath, and the bridge has been a landmark of London for over a century. Today visitors can see Tower Bridge and its inner workings up close and personal, or elect to snap a photo of the impressive bridge from a nearby viewpoint. Many tourists pair Tower Bridge with a visit to the nearby Tower of London.

History and Background

Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894 across the River Thames. It was selected from over 50 designs and ultimately created by Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry. At the time, Tower Bridge was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever built and the bascules continue to be operated by hydraulic power even today. In 1977, the bridge was painted red, white and blue for Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, but it was restored to its original blue and white color scheme in 2017.

The interior of the bridge officially opened to the public in 1982, featuring a permanent exhibition inside called The Tower Bridge Experience. Cars and pedestrians can access the bridge's main deck anytime, however the towers, upper walkways, and engine rooms are now part of the exhibition and only available with a ticket.

How to Get There

The best way to get to Tower Bridge is via public transportation. The closest Tube station is Tower Hill, accessible by the District and Circle lines. Visitors can also use London Bridge station, which is served by the Northern and Jubilee lines. Trains will bring you in to London Bridge, Fenchurch Street, or Tower Gateway DLR Stations, while numerous buses stop directly by the bridge. These include routes 15, 42, 78,100, and RV1.

A fun alternative is to take a riverboat service along the Thames to Tower Bridge. Boats stop at St. Katherine Pier and Tower Pier on the north side and London Bridge City Pier on the south side. Because of the busy location it's not recommended to drive to Tower Bridge, but if you do have a car the nearest parking garage is Tower Hill Coach and Car Park on Lower Thames Street.

How to Visit the Bridge

Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. (with the exception of Dec. 24 through 26, when the exhibition is closed). Visitors will get to go inside the two bridge towers, visit the Glass Floor—a viewpoint 138 feet (42 meters) above the River Thames—, and learn about the history of the site. The visit includes a peek into the Engine Rooms, where you can see steam engines, coal burners, and accumulators that used to power the bascules. 

Purchase tickets online in advance to take advantage of lower prices. There are various group discounts and family ticket prices if you're traveling in a larger group, and children under 5 are free. It's recommended to go at less busy times, like weekday mornings, and avoid weekends or holidays.

For bonus information, book into one of the Behind the Scenes guided tours. The tours last two hours and include access to areas of the bridge, towers and Engine Room not seen by regular guests. The tours don't run every day, so it's best to check the available times and dates online and book in advance when planning a trip.

Best Views of the Bridge

The best view of Tower Bridge may not actually be from the bridge itself. To snap a great photo of the iconic site, head to one side of the Thames, either in front of the Tower of London on the north bank or in front of City Hall and Potters Fields Park alongside the south bank. Those visiting the HMS Belfast, another ticketed attraction, can also score amazing views from the upper deck. For a straight-on look at Tower Bridge walk along the pedestrian sidewalk at London Bridge, where you can catch an uninterrupted glimpse from right in the center.

Things to Know

Tower Bridge is fully accessible for guests needing special access. A lift is available to all levels, including in the towers and to the Engine Room exhibition, and there are also accessible toilets available. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome in all areas and not restricted.

It's important to note that all bags will be searched upon entry to Tower Bridge and guests should not bring any glass items, including glass bottles, to the walkway area. Dogs are permitted, in case you want to bring along your furry friend.

Tower Bridge is a working bridge and it does raise the platforms regularly (about 850 times per year) to allow ships to pass through. The bridge lift times are listed online, so check ahead if you want to see the bascules in action.

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Glass Floors and Amazing Views: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Tower Bridge

L ondon is a museum nerd’s version of heaven, but you can’t possibly spend all the time you have in the English capital indoors. Take a break from the British Museum and get outside among the crowds of Londoners going about their day. One way to both mix with the locals and sightsee all at once is to head over to Tower Bridge, one of most iconic landmarks in the city, alongside Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral , and the royal residence , Buckingham Palace. And much like other London landmarks, Tower Bridge is worth knowing better before you go and check it out a little closer.

• Where is Tower bridge located?
• How do you get to Tower bridge?

Who designed and built Tower Bridge and when?

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Photo: r.classen /Shutterstock

Tower Bridge spans the river Thames to link two London boroughs: Tower Hamlets (north bank of the river) and Southwark (south bank of the river). On the north bank of the Thames, Tower Bridge is next door to The Tower of London, another London must-see. The visitors’ entrance to the bridge is located on the north bank of the Thames.

How to get to Tower Bridge

The easiest way to get to Tower Bridge is by taking the subway (AKA “the tube”). On the north bank of the Thames, the Circle and District Lines (depicted in yellow and green on subway maps ) will get you straight to the station Tower Hill that is a nine-minute walk to the visitors’ entrance of the bridge.

On the south bank of the Thames, the Jubilee Line (depicted in grey on subway maps ) will get you to the London Bridge station. From there, you can connect with a thames clipper boat that will take you across the river to the visitors’ entrance of the bridge. Alternatively, you can take a 20-minute walk from the London Bridge station to Tower Bridge and cross the bridge on foot to arrive get to the visitors’ entrance that is located on the north bank of the Thames.

Tower bridge was designed by renowned English architect Sir Horace Jones, and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry in 1884. Construction started in 1886 and the project was completed in 1894. The construction of the bridge was meant to help Londoners go from one side of the city to the other more easily without interfering with the traffic on the river Thames.

Photo: prochasson frederic /Shutterstock

Tower Bridge is a combined suspension and bascule bridge.

The deck of the bridge is suspended by cables attached to high towers, making it a suspension bridge.

The fact that the deck is made of two separate leaves (AKA bascules) that lift vertically and let the river traffic pass when needed makes it a bascule bridge.

Tower Bridge is made of steel, Cornish granite, and Portland stone.

Tower Bridge and London Bridge are not the same, but they are located next to each other on the river Thames. The current iteration of London Bridge opened in 1973 and links the City of London (a borough on the north bank) to Southwark (a borough on the south bank). On foot, London Bridge is a 15-minute walk from Tower Bridge.

• Tower Bridge is 200-foot tall, 800-foot long, and 250-foot wide.
• Building Tower Bridge required the labour of 432 construction workers every day for eight years, from April 22, 1886 to June 30, 1894.
• Around 40,000 people use Tower Bridge every day.
• On December 30, 1952, the driver of bus 78 jumped the bridge while the leaves (AKA bascules) of the deck were lifting up to allow river traffic to pass.
• The bridge’s two high-level walkaways were closed to the public from 1910 to 1982.
• Tower Bridge lifts twice a day, i.e. about 800 times a year.

You can walk across the bridge for free using the pedestrian walkways on each side. It takes about five minutes to cross the bridge on foot.

Photo: cowardlion /Shutterstock

Purchase a ticket and you’ll get to go in the two towers, walk the high-level walkaways that link both towers (part of the walkways are made of glass so you can see the traffic and the river 138 feet below), and visit the historic engine rooms that used to power the bascules of the bridge.

While there are stairs to go up the towers and to go inside the engine rooms, there are also elevators for people with limited mobility.

The bridge is open all day, every day, for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. For those who want to go inside, Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM.

To visit the inside of the bridge, adults pay $13.90 (£11.40); children between the ages of five and 15 pay $6.95 (£5.70); children under the age of five enter for free; local residents pay $1.20 (£1). Other discounts may apply; please check the website to see if you can benefit from them.

It is highly recommended that you purchase your ticket online in advance on Tower Bridge’s official website .

We hope you love the spaces and stays we recommend in London! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

A three-minute walk to Tower Bridge, the Lalit is a luxury property with stunning traditional decor and great views of the city. The boutique hotel is located in a beautiful Victorian listed building, adding a touch of historical charm to your London visit. There are two restaurants and two bars on site, as well as a spa and fitness center. The hotel is on the south bank of the river Thames.

The Tower Hotel

Like its name indicates, the Tower Hotel is very close to Tower Bridge, so close, in fact, that it feels like you can almost touch the iconic structure from your room’s window (if you request and pay for a room with a bridge view, that is). The four-star establishment, located on the north bank of the river Thames, has a restaurant and a bar with incredible views of the bridge and the Shard in case you did not manage to book one of the special aforementioned rooms. The hotel is only an eight-minute walk to the Tower Hill subway station and a five-minute walk to the Tower of London.

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Skydivers fly through London's Tower Bridge – video

The Austrian skydivers Marco Fürst and Marco Waltenspiel have become the first people to successfully navigate a wingsuit flight through London's Tower Bridge. The duo leapt from a helicopter at 3,000ft and flew across the River Thames, reaching a top speed of 246km per hour during the jump. The stunt came after extensive training in Oxfordshire, which involved the use of cranes to simulate the Tower Bridge dimensions.

Source: Red Bull

Tue 14 May 2024 10.38 BST Last modified on Tue 14 May 2024 14.58 BST

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Book your tickets to Tower Bridge

• General entry tickets
• Discounts for families and local residents

• For people who prefer quiet spaces
• Perfect for those with neurodiverse needs, their families and carers

• 90min Guided Tours
• Led by an experienced Guide

Led by expert Deaf Guide, John Wilson. 

A British Sign Language-signed Tour without spoken translation. 

90min Guided Tour. 

Led by an experienced Guide accompanies by live British Sign Language interpretation throughout. 

Groups and Schools

• Groups of 15 or more people
• Group Guided Tours
• FAQs for Groups

• Self-Guided School Visits
• Workshops and Tours with our Learning Team
• Virtual Workshops

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Which of the Tower Bridge guided tours is for you?

Things to do in London London Attractions Landmarks in London Tower Bridge Tower Bridge Tours

Standing tall and proud above River Thames and a significant part of the twinkling London skyline is the Tower Bridge, one of London's most popular attractions.

With state-of-the-art bascules and engines, the Tower Bridge is one of the city’s most defining landmarks, and it invites thousands of visitors every day. A visit to the bridge will transport you back in time to Victorian London. Get a close look at the Victorian engine rooms, the glass floors, and stunning panoramic views of the city.

There’s much to marvel at and learn on your visit to Tower Bridge and the best way to have a wholesome experience is through a guided tour. Find out about the bridge’s long past, its historic significance, how it operates, and other interesting facts from an expert local guide. We’ve put together everything you need to know about choosing a Tower Bridge guided tour. Let's begin!

Advantages of A Tower Bridge Guided Tour?

Expert guidance on your tour.

Every landmark in London has a rich history within its walls - or in this case, its bascules. Hear all about the Tower Bridge from your guide, including interesting tidbits and historical anecdotes as you explore its hidden areas.

Access to exclusive behind-the-scenes areas

Although pedestrians are allowed to walk across the bridge, certain parts are accessible only through private tours. Get a close look at the Victorian engine rooms, glass floors, and more inside the Tower Bridge.

Tailor-made tours to suit your interests

Depending on who you’re traveling with, you can choose from a range of tours: normal guided tours to private ones, exclusive family tours to British Sign Language tours, and then some.

Leave the planning to someone else

When you sign up for a guided tour, all you have to do is show up. Leave the planning and organising to your guide, so you can relax and enjoy the sights.

Make new friends in a new city

This is your chance to meet other tourists and get familiar with the local culture. Strike up an interesting conversation with your fellow tour mates and explore a new angle of touring London.

The Best Tower Bridge Tickets

The Tower Bridge in London is a world-famous bridge that spans over the River Thames and offers spectacular views of the cityscape. Visitors can explore the Victorian engine rooms, walk along the glass floor, or even take a boat ride underneath the bridge. Heading out to the bridge and soaking in the views by your self is the best way one can explore this beautiful structure.

Here are some of the best tickets you can find for the Tower Bridge in London.

Self-exploration Trip

Best Bridges in the World

Tower bridge guided tour.

While the best way to explore the Tower Bridge is to take a stroll by yourself and walk around, there are some guided tours that you can make use of as well.

1 Quintessential Guided Tour

Enjoy a 90-minute tour led by an expert guide taking you through all the hidden areas inside the bridge. Explore the Walkways, Towers, and Engine Rooms as you learn about the history of the bridge and the people who built it. You can also choose a private tour if you’re looking for something more exclusive.

Image Courtesy: Towerbridge.org.uk

2 Family Tours

Tower Bridge guided tours have created the perfect tour tailor-made for families. Explore the Victorian Engine Rooms, Glass Walkways, and Towers in an interactive tour with your whole family. Make the most out of your visit to Tower Bridge with an expert guide telling you fun facts and stories about the history of the bridge.

3 British Sign Language (BSL) Tours

Experience a guided tour of Tower Bridge with a local guide along with a British Sign Language accredited interpreter. Dive into the history of this iconic structure with interesting facts and stories to keep you entertained. Enjoy all that the bridge has to offer including parts that are not accessible to the public.

4 Behind-The-Scenes Tours

Gear up for an exclusive extended behind-the-scenes tour of hidden areas that are usually out of bounds to the general public. Explore the unseen areas of Tower Bridge on a rare 2 hour guided tour led by an expert guide. During your visit, you’ll also have the opportunity to interact with your guide and ask questions.

Tower Bridge Tours Deconstructed - A Typical Guided Tour Experience

A Deep Dive Into British History

Discover the history of the Tower Bridge and those who built it as you enter the Tower Bridge. You’ll find pictures, interesting stories, and factual information about the bridge as you walk through it.

The Stunning Glass Walkways

You will then be directed to the Glass Walkways where you can marvel at everything below you. The bridge is built 42 metres above the River Thames with stunning Neo-gothic architecture and design - specific to the Victorian era. As you walk across the glass floor, look across for unforgettable views of London including iconic landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, and more.

The Victorian Engine Rooms

Uncover the Victorian engine rooms that were once used to lift the bridge. Get a close look at what high-powered engines looked like centuries ago. Complete your tour by stopping at the gift shop and choosing a souvenir to remember your visit to Tower Bridge.

Are London's Tour Bridge Tours Worth The Hype?

London is filled with many historical landmarks, each with a unique story and a rich past - Tower Bridge being one of them. Listening to an expert guide talk you through its history and significance while you marvel at it in person, is something you don’t want to compromise on.

The Tower Bridge guided tours are definitely worth exploring. You not only get to stand on one of the world’s most stunning bridges but also learn about its history as you take a stroll across its glass floor and peak into its engine rooms. A guided tour of Tower Bridge will leave you with so much to take away, giving you a more meaningful experience.

Tower Bridge Practical Information

Opening hours.

Open daily from 9:30 AM - 6 PM (last admission at 5 PM). Timings are subject to change. We recommend you check the timings on the official website on the day you head out.

Getting to the Tower Bridge

• By Bus: Bus routes 15, 42, 78, 100, and 343 will take you to Tower Bridge.
• By Car: The nearest car parks are Tower Hill Coach and Car Park, The Circle Car Park, Minories, and NCP car parks. All are within walking distance to Tower Bridge.
• By Tube: The closest station is Tower Hill, which is a 7-minute walk from Tower Bridge. Tubes to this station can be caught on both the District and Circle lines.
• By Taxi: You can call a local taxi or Uber and get off at Tower Bridge.

Tower Bridge Tours: Travel Tips

Here are some handy tips to keep in mind while booking your Acropolis tour:

• If you want to avoid large crowds, get there as soon as it opens or just before the last admission.
• Traveling with the kids? Choose the exclusive family tour for a more intimate experience.
• Make a day out of your visit and head to the nearby attractions after your Tower Bridge guided tour. You can visit the Tower of London, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe, and many other popular attractions.
• If you have the time, take a walk along the River Thames to get to Tower Bridge. Enjoy picturesque views as you stroll down the side of the river and stop to take some pictures along the way.
• Tours are also available in British Sign Language (BSL) for those who may need it with live interpretation throughout the tour.

Smrithi Jacob

Is an avid reader, writer, and dreamer. She is constantly in pursuit of portals to travel to interesting places afar and likes to experience new cultures through her writing. Give her a city unheard of and a giant mug of coffee, and she’s good to go!

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Breaking news, astonishing video shows skydivers in wingsuits tear through london’s tower bridge at over 150mph.

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Heart-pounding video shows two skydivers in wingsuits soaring through London’s iconic Tower Bridge landmark at more than 150 mph in a world-first stunt.

Austrian daredevils Marco Fürst and Marco Waltenspiel, both pro skydivers for Red Bull, jumped early Sunday from a helicopter hovering roughly 3,000 ft above the UK capital.

The 45-second flight saw the pair reach max speeds of 154 mph as they plunged towards the River Thames for a complex maneuver dubbed the “flare.”

Breathtaking video showed the pair tearing through the middle of the bridge before flying upwards again and releasing their parachutes.

“It’s just insane to get this opportunity to fly through such a unique landmark,” Waltenspiel said in the aftermath.

“You see stunts like this in films, but to actually do it ourselves is amazing. It gives me goosebumps just talking about it.”

The pair, who have completed 22,000 jumps between them, had been training for the Tower Bridge stunt since 2022.

“I just feel amazing. The jump was beautiful and everything worked out really well,” Fürst added.

“In the last two and a half years we planned everything through and had the best preparation and training. I really enjoyed the journey and I’m really grateful to work with Marco and such a good team to bring our dream to life.”

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Watch a wingsuit world-first through Tower Bridge

Red bull wings through tower bridge.

See Marco Fürst and Marco Waltenspiel of the Red Bull Skydive Team became the first wingsuiters ever to pass through Tower Bridge, one of London's most iconic landmarks.

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See Marco Fürst and Marco Waltenspiel become the first wingsuiters ever to pass through Tower Bridge.

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Skydivers complete first wingsuit flight through London's Tower Bridge

Marco Furst and Marco Waltenspiel jumped from a helicopter hovering 3,000 feet above London, reaching a speed of 153mph (246km/h).

Monday 13 May 2024 07:44, UK

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Red Bull skydivers fly through London’s Tower Bridge

Two professional skydivers have completed the first wingsuit flight through London's Tower Bridge.

Red Bull Sky Divers Marco Furst and Marco Waltenspiel leapt from a helicopter hovering at 3,000 feet.

The Austrian skydivers' flight lasted a grand total of 45 seconds.