The London Bridge Experience

The London Bridge Experience

London Bridge was originally the only crossing for the Thames. As London grew, so more bridges were added, although these were all built to the west of London Bridge, since the area east of London Bridge had become a busy port. In the 19th century, the East End of London became so densely populated that public need mounted for a new bridge to the east of London Bridge, as journeys for pedestrians and vehicles were being delayed by hours. Finally in 1876, the City of London Corporation, responsible for that part of the Thames, decided the problem could be delayed no longer.

It took 8 years, 5 major contractors and the relentless labour of 432 construction workers to build Tower Bridge. Two massive piers were sunk into the river bed to support the construction and over 11,000 tons of steel provided the framework for the Towers and Walkways. This framework was clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone to protect the underlying steelwork and to give the Bridge a more pleasing appearance.

Competing with the London Eye for the capitals most vertiginous experience, Tower Bridge offers one of the best vantage points in the city from its spectacular high walkways, elevated 140ft above the Thames. The East Walkway boasts fantastic views of the Docklands and the elegant Canary Wharf, while from the West Walkway you can compare the mixed architectural styles of City Hall, the Tower Of London, St Paul's Cathedral, the City, Big Ben and the London Eye. Now galleried, these walkways were originally built to transport pedestrians across the Thames when the bridge was being lifted to let tall ships sail past. Entering via the North Tower, visitors are whisked smoothly and seamlessly by lift to the top (47 metres above the Thames) where they have a unique opportunity to see the Bridges spectacular steel skeleton from within. A series of short films document the fascinating history of the Bridge, while interactive computerised kiosks and graphic panels explain the significance of the incredible views. Each tour ends with a dramatic descent into the historical Victorian Engine Rooms. Installed for the completion of the bridge in 1894, these huge and beautifully maintained, coal-driven engines were used to power the thousands of bridge lifts. Experiment with models demonstrating the technology behind the Bridge, while viewing an intriguing collection of photographs charting the life story of this world famous construction, before being taken smoothly back down to solid ground. Inside the Tower Bridge Exhibition you will learn all about how the World's most famous bridge works and the history behind its creation.


VISITORS INFORMATION:

Opening Times:
   Summer: Tue to Sat 9am-6pm, Sun to Mon 10am-6pm
   Winter: Tue to Sat 9am-5pm, Sun to Mon 10am-5pm
   NOTE: Tower Bridge Exhibition is closed 24 - 26 December and open from 12.00 on the 1 January.

Admission Prices for Tower Bridge Exhibition:

NOTE: Prices valid until 31 March 2011. Children aged 15 years or under must be accompanied by an adult.

Travel:
Underground Stations
    London Bridge Tube (10 minutes)
    Bermondsey Tube (15 minutes)
Railway Stations
    London Bridge Railway Station (10 minutes)
    Elephant & Castle Railway Station (27 minutes)
Car Parks
    Q-Park Butlers Wharf (2 minutes)
    Snowsfields NCP (13 minutes)

Address:   
Tower Bridge
London
SE1 2UP