Tips for visiting Tower Bridge: Your questions answered

Standing guard over the River Thames all day and illuminating it with thousands of lights at night, Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Walk across the bridge for some of the best views in London, explore the historic engine rooms, and feel the thrill of crossing the Glass Floors (whilst you snap a picture in the mirrored ceiling).

If you’re wondering when to visit Tower Bridge and whether an in-depth tour is worthwhile, you’ve come to the right place. Discover useful tips for visiting Tower Bridge and have your questions answered in this guide.

Know before you go to Tower Bridge

1. When is the best time to visit Tower Bridge?

Visiting Tower Bridge is fun all year round, though a tour outside of the peak tourist season might make for a quieter experience. On the same note, come in the early morning to avoid large crowds. And if you’re on a hunt for some romantic things to do in London, how about visiting during the golden hour? The London skyline can be beautiful at this time of day, especially if the skies are clear.

2. What are the opening hours for Tower Bridge?

You’re free to walk across the bridge anytime. The tower interiors, however, do have opening times: Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM. Make sure to check for current information online before your visit.

3. How much time should I spend at Tower Bridge?

If you’re in a hurry and want to quickly tick Tower Bridge off your list, 10-15 minutes are enough to walk across the bridge, take in the views, and move on to the next attraction. If you have more time, though, do consider allocating 1-2 hours to an in-depth tour of the bridge, including the glass Walkways and the engine rooms. Want to see the bridge lift as well? Check online for up-to-date bridge lift times and plan your visit accordingly.

4. How do I get to Tower Bridge?

Located just a 5-minute walk from the Tower of London and a 15-minute walk from The Shard, Tower Bridge is hard to miss. The closest underground stations are Tower Hill Station (District and Circle lines) and London Bridge Station (Northern and Jubilee lines). It only takes 10 minutes to reach the bridge from each station. There are also several bus stops nearby.

5. Should I book Tower Bridge tickets in advance?

It’s recommended to purchase your tickets in advance to get guaranteed entry, especially at peak tourist times (such as during the summer months or on the weekends). It’s also possible to buy tickets on arrival. You can find the Tower Bridge Ticket Office on the west side of the North Tower.

6. Is a tour of Tower Bridge worthwhile?

Is Tower Bridge worth visiting? Well, the bridge is an iconic landmark, and a tour of this tourist attraction will give you an in-depth insight into its history, engineering secrets, and hidden areas, such as the engine rooms. This makes it a worthwhile item on your bucket list, especially if you’re a history enthusiast. Furthermore, the Glass Floors offer some stunning views of London’s iconic buildings, including The Shard or The Gherkin.

7. Is Tower Bridge wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Tower Bridge is wheelchair accessible, with elevators, wheelchair-friendly pathways, and accessible toilets. If you need any special assistance, reach out to a member of staff. If you’d like to explore the attraction in a calm atmosphere, consider visiting Tower Bridge during a Relaxed Opening, which takes place on the second Saturday of every month between 9:30 AM and 11:30 AM. This is when the number of visitors is limited, and the environment is designed to be quiet and welcoming to anyone visiting, including people with neurodiverse needs.

8. Can I visit Tower Bridge for free?

You can walk across the bridge and enjoy the views of the River Thames for free, though the entrance to the tower interiors is ticketed. If you’re on a mission to check all the unmissable London landmarks off your list, though, here’s some good news: Tower Bridge is often included in London city cards, giving you discounted or free admission as part of the package.

Highlights at Tower Bridge

9. What can visitors see at Tower Bridge?

Visitors will climb the North Tower, then cross the famous glass floors before returning via the South Tower. They will finish their visit in the Victorian engine rooms before entering the gift shop. While the high-level Walkways offer panoramic views and a close-up look at the 13 million rivets that hold the steel structure together, the engine rooms give you a glimpse into the past. Consider joining a guided tour of Tower Bridge for a more immersive and educational experience.

10. When do the lights at Tower Bridge turn on?

Tower Bridge features thousands of LED lights that usually illuminate around sunset. The exact time varies with the season and daylight hours. In the summer, the lights tend to come on later, so keep that in mind when planning your trip.

History and facts about Tower Bridge

11. When was Tower Bridge officially opened?

Tower Bridge was officially opened on June 30, 1894, by the Prince and Princess of Wales. The construction of the bridge took eight years, beginning in 1886, and it is said to have cost over £1 million at the time (an equivalent of over £110 million today). The bridge was designed to ease road traffic across the River Thames. Upon its completion, it was the largest bascule bridge of its time.

12. What unusual event occurred at Tower Bridge in 1952?

On December 30, 1952, a bus jumped Tower Bridge, going down in history as an extraordinary — and rather iconic — event. A bus driver, Albert Gunter, was crossing Tower Bridge when the bascules suddenly began to rise. Gunter accelerated and jumped the gap, safely landing on the other side. This quick thinking prevented what could have been a serious accident, and the passengers survived with no major injuries (apart from Mr Gunter, who broke his leg). Surprisingly, the bus made it safe and sound as well.