Science & nature · Evidence-backed
Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge spans the Thames immediately west of the Tower of London and is one of London’s most visited riverside attractions. The structure combines Victorian engineering with a modern visitor experience.
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed bascule and suspension bridge over the River Thames in London, built between 1886 and 1894. It connects Tower Hamlets and Southwark, offers high-level walkways with glass floors and engine rooms to visitors, and remains one of the city’s defining landmarks.
Grade I listed bascule and suspension bridge
Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule, suspension and, until 1960, cantilever bridge in London. It is described as one of London’s most iconic landmarks and a defining landmark of the city. The bridge carries the London Inner Ring Road across the River Thames and is maintained as a heritage structure.
Built 1886 to 1894 by Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry
Construction started on 22 April 1886 and ended on 30 June 1894. The bridge was designed by architect Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with the help of Henry Marc Brunel. It was built between 1886 and 1894 as a major Thames crossing.
Spans the River Thames between Tower Hamlets and Southwark
The bridge crosses the River Thames with its north side in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and its south side in the London Borough of Southwark. It sits in the City of London area and forms part of the riverside route linking east and south London.
Named for the Tower of London
Tower Bridge is named for the Tower of London, the historic fortress located immediately to the west. The name reflects its proximity to the landmark and its role as a gateway to the Tower precinct on the north bank of the Thames.
Maintained by City Bridge Foundation and City of London Corporation
Maintenance responsibility lies with the City Bridge Foundation and the City of London Corporation. The bridge is presented as a major attraction in the City of London and is managed as part of the city’s heritage estate.
Length 290 m and height 65 m
The total length of Tower Bridge is 940 ft, about 290 m, with a height of 213 ft, about 65 m. These dimensions accommodate road traffic on the upper level and the bascule spans that lift for river traffic.
Glass-floor walkways are a signature visitor feature
Visitors can discover London’s defining landmark and its glass-floor walkways. The City of London promotes the bridge as one of its most loved attractions, highlighting the walkways as a key experience.
High-level Walkways offer panoramic Thames views
Inside Tower Bridge visitors can take in panoramic views from the High-level Walkways and Glass Floors. The experience is marketed as exploring the interior of the landmark with views over the Thames.
Engine Rooms and hidden stories tour
The visitor route follows the footsteps of the unsung heroes to the Engine Rooms and uncovers many hidden stories of London’s Defining Landmark. The Engine Rooms showcase the original hydraulic machinery.
Opening hours in 2026
In 2026 the bridge is open daily 9.30am to 6pm, last entry 5pm. It is closed 24 to 26 December and opens at 10am on 1 January. Hours are set for general entry to the exhibition and walkways.
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