Tower Bridge is the one with the two towers and the lifting roadway. London Bridge is the boring concrete one next to it that tourists photograph by mistake. This confusion is so common that there’s a theory Arizona bought the wrong bridge in 1968 (they didn’t – but the story persists).
Both bridges sit next to the Tower of London, which makes this corner of the city one of the most visited spots in the capital. Here’s how to see them properly.
Tower Bridge
The Glass Floor Walkway
The high-level walkways between the towers were built so pedestrians could cross when the bridge was raised for ships. They closed in 1910 because people preferred to wait at street level rather than climb 200 steps. Now they’re the main visitor attraction.
The glass floor panels were added in 2014. Standing on them 42 metres above the Thames while traffic passes below is genuinely unnerving – even knowing the glass is perfectly safe. When the bridge lifts while you’re up there, you can watch the road split apart beneath your feet.
What you get:
- Views across London from the walkways
- Glass floor panels overlooking the road and river
- Exhibition on the bridge’s construction and history
- Access to the Victorian Engine Rooms
The Victorian Engine Rooms
The original steam engines that powered the bridge until 1976 are preserved on the south side. They’re massive – the kind of Victorian engineering that makes you wonder how they built anything before computers. Even if you’re not into machinery, the scale is impressive.
Watching the Bridge Lift
The bridge still lifts around 800 times a year to let tall ships through. It’s not scheduled randomly – there’s a published timetable on the Tower Bridge website. If you’re visiting anyway, time it right and watch from the walkway above.
Practical info:
- Hours: 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm)
- Tickets: £12.30 adults, £5.30 children (book online for 10% off)
- Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
- Nearest tube: Tower Hill (Circle/District lines)
Tower of London
The Tower is one of London’s must-see attractions, but it’s expensive and crowded. Whether that’s worth it depends on your interest in history. If medieval England, royal intrigue, and Crown Jewels appeal, it’s unmissable. If you’re doing London on a budget, the exterior views are free.
What’s Actually Inside
The Crown Jewels: The main draw for most visitors. The collection includes crowns, sceptres, and orbs used in coronations. You view them from a moving walkway to keep crowds flowing – on busy days this means a quick glimpse rather than lingering study. The Imperial State Crown (worn by the monarch for the State Opening of Parliament) is genuinely impressive up close.
The White Tower: The original Norman keep, built by William the Conqueror starting in 1078. Inside is a collection of royal armour and weapons, including Henry VIII’s personal armour (which grew larger as he did). The Chapel of St John on the upper floor is one of the best-preserved Romanesque church interiors in England.
Bloody Tower & Prisoner History: The Tower’s reputation as a prison and execution site is played up heavily. You can see cells where famous prisoners were held, including Sir Walter Raleigh and Guy Fawkes. The Bloody Tower focuses on the disappearance of the princes in 1483.
Beauchamp Tower: Prisoners carved their names and coats of arms into the walls. Some are remarkably elaborate – they had time on their hands.
The Ravens: Seven ravens live at the Tower, supposedly to fulfil a prophecy that Britain will fall if they ever leave. Their wings are clipped to ensure they stay. They’re fed raw meat daily and have their own Ravenmaster.
Yeoman Warder Tours
The Beefeaters (Yeoman Warders) give free guided tours every 30 minutes from the main entrance. They’re retired military personnel who live on-site, and the tours are entertaining – heavy on execution stories and dark humour. Even if you explore independently, catch part of one.
Practical info:
- Hours: 10am-5:30pm (summer), 10am-4:30pm (winter), closed Mondays in winter
- Tickets: £34.80 adults, £17.40 children (book online, prices change)
- Time needed: 2-3 hours minimum
- Nearest tube: Tower Hill
Tips for the Tower
Book ahead. Timed tickets reduce queuing but the Tower still gets crowded. Weekday mornings are best.
Go early for the Crown Jewels. The queue builds throughout the day. Get there at opening and head straight to the Jewel House.
The Ceremony of the Keys. Every night at 9:53pm, the Tower is locked in a ceremony dating back 700 years. Free tickets are available but book months ahead.
London Bridge Experience
If you want something different, the London Bridge Experience is a theatrical attraction in the vaults beneath London Bridge. It combines history (the 2,000-year story of the bridge) with a “scare attraction” section called the London Tombs.
The historical part is genuinely informative – plague, fire, and medieval London come alive through actors and sets. The horror section is a walk-through haunted house that varies in scariness depending on your tolerance.
Not for young children – it’s designed to frighten.
Practical info:
- Hours: 10am-5pm (varies seasonally)
- Tickets: £28 adults, £22 children
- Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
- Nearest tube: London Bridge
Combining the Attractions
All three attractions are within walking distance. A practical approach:
- Start at Tower of London when it opens (beat the Crown Jewels queue)
- Walk to Tower Bridge (5 minutes)
- Optional: London Bridge Experience if you have time/interest
Budget at least 4 hours for Tower + Tower Bridge. Add 1.5 hours for London Bridge Experience.
Nearby
- Borough Market (10-minute walk) – London’s best food market, excellent for lunch
- HMS Belfast (visible from Tower Bridge) – WWII warship museum
- The Shard (15-minute walk) – viewing platform for London panoramas
- St Katharine Docks (5-minute walk) – marina with restaurants, quieter than the tourist spots
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Tower Bridge and London Bridge?
Tower Bridge is the iconic Victorian bridge with two towers and a lifting bascule design, built in 1894. London Bridge is the plain concrete bridge next to it, rebuilt in 1973. Tower Bridge is the tourist attraction; London Bridge is mainly functional. They’re often confused but are completely different structures.
How much does it cost to visit Tower Bridge?
Tower Bridge Exhibition tickets cost approximately £12.30 for adults and £5.30 for children. Booking online gives you a 10% discount. This includes access to the high-level walkways with glass floors, the Victorian Engine Rooms, and exhibitions about the bridge’s history.
Can you walk across Tower Bridge for free?
Yes, walking across Tower Bridge at street level is completely free. You only pay if you want to visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which includes the high-level walkways, glass floor, and engine rooms. The street-level crossing offers good views and photo opportunities.
How often does Tower Bridge open?
Tower Bridge lifts approximately 800 times per year to allow tall ships to pass through. The lifting schedule is published on the Tower Bridge website, so you can plan your visit to watch this impressive operation. Bridge lifts are not randomly scheduled.
How long does it take to visit the Tower of London?
Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours at the Tower of London to see the main highlights including the Crown Jewels, White Tower, and a Yeoman Warder tour. If you want to explore thoroughly, you could easily spend 4-5 hours or even a full day.
Should I book Tower of London tickets in advance?
Yes, booking tickets online in advance is strongly recommended. This saves money, guarantees entry at your preferred time, and reduces queuing. The Tower gets very crowded, especially during peak tourist season and school holidays.
