Situated just outside tower hill, the colossal gothic towers straddling the River Thames are a welcoming sight for locals and visitors alike. Soaring majestically up into the London city skyline, Tower Bridge enables around 40,000 vehicles to cross the River Thames every day.
Originally built to combat heavy traffic coming into the city, the Tower Bridge was one of London’s greatest engineering achievements throughout the 19th Century. Completed in 1894, the towers were obliged according to city law, to conform to the design of the neighbouring Tower of London. Today, both are global landmarks, adored by locals and visitors from around the world.
If you’re feeling energetic, visitors can climb the stairs to the two covered walkways that join the towers and take in the amazing panoramic views from this exhibition space. A lift is also available.
During the heyday of sail and steam power, the bridge was raised more than 50 times a day to accommodate the heavy commercial traffic during the early 19th century. Originally raised via a steam-powered hydraulic system, the bridge is now operated electronically and raised an estimated 1000 times a year.
History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the Tower bridge exhibition. Offering a spectacular insight into the construction and history of the bridge, the exhibition also recounts many of the dare devil stunts performed under and over the bridge in the last century. Visitors can experience a real taste of the Victorian age of steam, down in the reconstructed Engine Rooms.
The closest Underground station to Tower Bridge is Tower Hill. Make sure you have your camera with you before hopping on the tube as this remarkable landmark is particularly beautiful at dawn and dusk. Hundreds of photographers, camera buffs and sightseers often get up early to take early-morning snaps from nearby vantage points.
