Tower Bridge spans the Thames in London, a Grade I listed structure of two Gothic towers, high-level walkways and bascule road sections that lift for ships. It was designed by Horace Jones and John Wolfe Barry and finished in 1894.
Why it is worth the trip
Inside, you climb to the High-Level Walkways 42 metres above the water, with views east along the Pool of London and west toward the City. The North Tower tells the story of the architects and engineers; the South Tower covers the maintenance crews who have kept the bridge running since 1894. Down in the Victorian Engine Rooms the original hydraulic machinery that powered the lifts for over 80 years is on display. Watching a lift from inside the attraction shows you the machinery and chambers rather than just the deck rising from the bank.
The best time to go
Go early in the day, since that generally beats the crowds at any popular landmark. The bridge opens for river traffic around twice a day, and a lift seen from inside the attraction is a different experience from watching it from the bank. Behind-the-Scenes Tours are limited to autumn and winter.
How long to allow
Give yourself a morning: the Tower of London first, then the bridge, then the riverbank. Allow extra time if you join the 90-minute guided tour inside the bridge.
Getting there
Arrive at Tower Hill, where you step out of the Underground and the bridge stands ahead of you. The bridge sits beside the Tower of London, and London Bridge is about a kilometre upstream, so do not confuse the two.
What to book ahead
Standard tickets are bookable up to eight weeks in advance, and group visits for 15 or more can be pre-booked up to six months ahead. The bridge deck itself is freely accessible at all times; you only need a ticket for the towers, walkways and Engine Rooms.
Nearby
The Tower of London, William the Conqueror's fortress built in the 1070s and now a World Heritage site, is a short walk away. St Paul's Cathedral, Christopher Wren's dome, is a short Tube ride or a pleasant walk west.