Amazing London Views From Inside Tower Bridge

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Everything You Need To Know About Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. This turreted Victorian-era bridge is situated in the London Bridge and Bankside neighbourhood and connects the north and south banks of the River Thames. If you’ve not had the pleasure of visiting it for yourself, make a plan to go during your stay at Grand Royal Hotel Bayswater. Here is all you need to know about visiting and enjoying the amazing views from inside Tower Bridge.

What is Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge was built between 1886 and 1894. It was initially designed by the architect Sir Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry and Henry Marc Brunel.

This Grade I listed bridge is a fusion of bascule and suspension elements. These bascules were originally operated by hydraulics – using steam to power the immense pumping engines.

In fact, the bascules are still operated by hydraulic power. However, since 1976 oil and electricity replaced the use of steam.

What are the Tower Bridge Walkways?

The East and West Walkways at Tower Bridge were originally conceived as a means of transporting foot passengers over the River Thames during Bridge Lifts.

However, it turned out most people would prefer to wait than use these elevated walkways. They were closed in 1910 and remained out of use until 1982 when they were reopened as a tourist attraction. 

These are 42 metres above the river and 33.5 metres above road level.

The Walkways made headlines and recaptured the nation’s interest in 2014 when they were refurbished with glass floors. 

These glass floors allow visitors to peer down at Tower Bridge Road where walkers and road traffic pass. 

But, they also offer amazing London city views from Tower Bridge. When planning what to do in unison with your Central London hotels special offers, visiting Tower Bridge is highly recommended. 

Amazing London views from Tower Bridge

The spectacle of this unique structure goes behind the architecture and extends to the perspective it gives you of the city. When you visit the Tower Bridge Walkways, you can capture the perfect photograph using the strategically placed windows. 

Signage is available to help you understand the landscape in front of you.

Here is what to expect from the views inside Tower Bridge when you visit the Walkway.

City of London

The City of London is a historic area that houses the Financial District alongside substantial buildings. 

Viewpoints from the Tower Bridge Walkway will enable you to spot the contemporary Walkie Talkie and Gherkin skyscrapers. You will also see the Tower of London, the Monument, and the huge basilica St Paul’s Cathedral. 

As these attractions are close by, you might want to coordinate your visit and tour one of these as well. 

River Thames 

As you hover over London’s primary waterway, you can experience varying perspectives of the River Thames. Gazing westward, you will see London Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and Blackfriars Bridge. 

Boats are in continuous use and you can watch vessels pass below you. Look east to see St Katherine’s Wharf, tucked behind the Tower of London. 

You will spot the HMS Belfast which is docked outside Hay’s Galleria. The former is a World War II warship now used as a floating museum while the latter is a covered shopping and dining complex. 

If you are seeking places to eat during your Central London hotels special offers, this is a wonderful contender. 

South London

The Shard, London’s tallest tower, looms high above the city and is visible from the Tower Bridge Walkway. 

You will also spot City Hall, the office of the London Mayor. This is located within More London where pop-up events, markets, and concerts are frequently held during the summer months. 

Other landmarks 

Looking further afield, you will spot other landmarks and prominent sights of London.

The London Eye stands tall and proud on the South Bank. Further away in the direction of North London you can make out the shape of Wembley Stadium on a clear day.

You can’t quite see as far as the Grand Royal Hotel Bayswater but it’s only a few miles down the river!

Turn to the East Walkway and you will see London’s secondary financial district, the modern development of Canary Wharf. 

How to visit Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge and the Walkways at Tower Bridge are open to the public. You can purchase tickets in advance online (recommended to avoid queuing or disappointment) or in person at the attraction. 

Tickets cost 11.40 GBP and concessions are available. 

The visit is experienced on foot with stairs at either end so do bring comfortable footwear to your accommodation in Hyde Park London. Lifts are available for those who require them.

Your visit will start in the North Tower before you tackle the East Walkway and West Walkway. This is where you will encounter the epic views from Tower Bridge and see the glass floors. Descending from the South Tower you will pass through a gallery that commemorates those responsible for building the bridge. 

Your visit will conclude at the Victorian Engine Rooms where you can see the original pumping engines, accumulators, and boilers.

How long to spend at Tower Bridge?

You should expect to spend around 90 minutes at Tower Bridge. This allows sufficient time to explore the attraction in full and take photos. 

But you will also need to factor in time to take photographs from the ground and walk across the bridge. Eat a full breakfast at Hyde Park restaurants London to prepare for your visit. 

Tower Bridge is open daily, 9.30 am – 6 pm, with the last entry at 5 pm. 

Is Tower Bridge worth visiting?

Considering the scope for history, views, and groundbreaking engineering – Tower Bridge is worth visiting.

The structure is an emblem of the city. 

How to get to Tower Bridge?

Tower Bridge is conveniently located for guests of accommodation in Hyde Park London. The landmark is a short walk from Tower Hill London Underground (Circle and District Line) and London Bridge London Underground (Northern and Jubilee Line).