Tower Bridge is London's iconic combined bascule and suspension bridge, built between 1886 and 1894. Its distinctive Victorian Gothic towers and blue suspension cables are recognized worldwide. The Tower Bridge Exhibition allows visitors to walk across the glass-floored walkways 42 meters above the Thames, explore the original Victorian steam engines, and learn about the bridge's history. The bridge still opens around 800 times per year for tall ships.
Exhibition and glass walkway 12.30 GBP. Walking across bridge FREE. Combo ticket with Monument available. Book online
Early morning (9:30) or late afternoon (after 3:30pm) for fewer crowds. Check bridge lift times online - exciting to watch the bridge open for ships
Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (8-min walk). London Bridge station (train) 10 min. Bus routes 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1. Exhibition entrance at North Tower.
Enter the North Tower, take a lift to the high-level walkways with glass floor sections offering vertigo-inducing views of the river below. Walk across to the South Tower, then descend to see the original Victorian steam engines that once powered the bridge. Total visit ~1 hour.
Last entry 17:00, ticket sales close 16:00. Closed December 24-26. Exhibition includes: glass walkways 42m above the Thames, Victorian Engine Rooms, panoramic views. Free audio guide in multiple languages via app. Time slot booking required! Allow 1-1.5 hours. Best time: early morning or after 15:30
faq.subtitle Tower Bridge
Yes! The bridge lifts around 800 times per year for tall ships. Check the official schedule at towerbridge.org.uk - lifts are published weeks in advance. Watch for free from the riverbank, or time your Exhibition visit to be on the walkways during a lift.
Yes, the roadway and pedestrian walkways at street level are completely free to use 24/7. The paid exhibition gives access to the high-level glass walkways (42m up) and the Victorian Engine Rooms.
Useful tips for visiting Tower Bridge
Book timed entry online. The glass floor walkway offers stunning views straight down to the Thames and traffic below. Download Smartify app for free audio guide in 6 languages. Combine with Tower of London visit. Relaxed opening sessions 2nd Saturday of month for visitors with sensory needs.
Nearest Tube: Tower Hill (8-min walk). London Bridge station (train) 10 min. Bus routes 15, 42, 78, 100, RV1. Exhibition entrance at North Tower
Enter the North Tower, take a lift to the high-level walkways with glass floor sections offering vertigo-inducing views of the river below. Walk across to the South Tower, then descend to see the original Victorian steam engines that once powered the bridge. Total visit ~1 hour.
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