Visiting Tower Bridge with children: everything you need to know
Visiting Tower Bridge with children is an exciting adventure that combines history, engineering, and breathtaking views of London. This iconic landmark, with its distinctive blue-painted ironwork and Neo-Gothic towers, offers more than just a river crossing; it’s a gateway to understanding London’s rich past and marveling at its present. Whether your kids are budding engineers, history enthusiasts, or simply love a good view, Tower Bridge provides an unforgettable experience for the whole family. From walking on glass floors high above the Thames to exploring the Victorian engine rooms, there’s something to captivate visitors of all ages. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your family visit to Tower Bridge educational, enjoyable, and stress-free, ensuring it becomes a highlight of your London adventure.
Tower Bridge: the essentials
What is Tower Bridge?
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, a combined bascule and suspension bridge that crosses the River Thames. The bridge is instantly recognisable for its two Neo-Gothic style towers connected by high-level walkways and its distinctive blue colour. The bridge can open for river traffic, a spectacle that still draws crowds today.
Tower Bridge is often confused by tourists with London Bridge, which is located about half a mile upstream. This confusion is so common that it has become something of a running joke among Londoners. The misconception may stem from the nursery rhyme ‘London Bridge is Falling Down’, which many people mistakenly associate with Tower Bridge’s more dramatic appearance. London Bridge, in contrast, is a much more modest structure.
The confusion between these two bridges has led to numerous amusing incidents over the years, including tales of tourists disappointed by the plain appearance of London Bridge, having expected to see the majestic towers and walkways of its more famous neighbour. To avoid confusion, remember: Tower Bridge is the fancy one with the towers and walkways, while London Bridge is the more utilitarian structure upstream. Both are important river crossings, but Tower Bridge is undoubtedly the more photogenic of the two.
Where is Tower Bridge?
Tower Bridge is located in the heart of London, spanning the River Thames between the boroughs of Tower Hamlets on the north bank and Southwark on the south. Its location is both historically significant and conveniently central for visitors.
On the north side of the bridge, you’ll find the Tower of London, the historic castle and fortress that gives the bridge its name. This proximity makes it easy to combine a visit to both attractions in one day. On the south side, the bridge connects to Shad Thames, a charming area known for its converted warehouses and riverside restaurants. It’s also close to the HMS Belfast.
Why visit Tower Bridge?
Visiting Tower Bridge with children offers a unique blend of education and excitement that’s hard to match. The iconic structure provides interactive exhibitions that explain its history and mechanics in kid-friendly ways, while the high-level glass floor walkways offer thrilling views of the Thames below. Children can explore the Victorian Engine Rooms and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of London from the walkways. With its stunning architecture, photography opportunities, and proximity to other family-friendly attractions like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge provides an unforgettable experience for children. Whether your children are fascinated by how things work, love spotting landmarks, or simply enjoy a bit of adventure, Tower Bridge offers something to capture every young imagination.
How old is Tower Bridge?
Building work on Tower Bridge started in 1866 and it opened to the public in 1894.
How much does it cost to go into Tower Bridge?
Entrance fees are as follows (as at July 2024):
Adults – £13.40
Children (age 5-15) – £6.70
Under 5s – Free
Concessions are available.
Do you need tickets for Tower Bridge?
Yes, you will need to a ticket to go inside Tower Bridge. You can either book tickets online in advance or turn up and buy tickets on the day.
When is Tower Bridge open?
Tower Bridge is open daily between 9:30 and 18:00. Last entry is 17:00.
Tower Bridge is closed 24-26 December and opens at 10:00 on 1 January.
On the second Saturday every month, between 9:30 and 11:30, entry to Tower Bridge is reserved for relaxed opening attendees.
Getting to Tower Bridge
What is the nearest tube to Tower Bridge?
The nearest Tube station to Tower Bridge is Tower Hill Station (Circle Line and District Line). Also nearby is DLR station Tower Gateway.
How do you get into Tower Bridge?
The Tower Bridge Ticket Office and entrance is located on the west side of the Bridge, at the foot of the North Tower (the one closest to the Tower of London). There are two queues depending on whether or not you have booked tickets already or need to buy them. From the Ticket Office you then proceed straight into the Tower (after a quick bag check). Either climb the stairs or take the lift to the walkways.
Once you have visited the walkways and towers of Tower Bridge, make sure that you follow the blue line from the South Tower exit to the Engine Rooms. In the Engine Rooms you can discover the steam engines which once powered the Bridge lifts.
How long is the queue for Tower Bridge?
If you do not book in advance, the queue time for Tower Bridge can vary significantly depending on several factors, making it difficult to provide a precise answer that applies to all situations. However, here’s a general overview to help you plan your visit:
Peak Season (June-August and school holidays): During these busy periods, you might expect to queue for anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, with longer waits possible on particularly busy days or weekends.
Off-Peak Season (November-February, excluding holidays): Queue times are generally shorter, often ranging from 5 to 20 minutes.
Booking a ticket in advance for a set time slot is recommended if you want to minimise your time queueing at peak times.
Is there baggage storage at Tower Bridge?
Tower Bridge allow shoulder bags and backpacks with maximum dimensions 45 x 35 x 20 cm. Suitcases, wheeled bags and oversize items will not be allowed in the Bridge. Therefore, if you have larger luggage with you, you should find somewhere to store this before you visit.
Bicycles (including folding bicycles), skateboards, adult scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters are not permitted inside Tower Bridge.
At Tower Bridge
What can you see from Tower Bridge?
Tower Bridge provides views over West and East London along the Thames and on both banks of the river. Here’s what you and your family can expect to see in terms of iconic London landmarks:
- St Paul’s Cathedral;
- The Walkie Talkie;
- The Shard;
- HMS Belfast;
- The Monument;
- The Gherkin;
- The Tower of London; and
- Canary Wharf.
The glass sections of the Walkways also offer a unique perspective on Tower Bridge itself.
What facilities are there for children at Tower Bridge?
Toilets are located in both Towers and in the Engine Rooms. Baby changing facilities are available in the accessible toilets located in the South Tower and the Engine Rooms. Two quiet rooms are located in the South Tower. The rooms have multiple uses, including as a space for nursing mothers.
There are two lifts up to the Walkways, one in the North Tower of the Bridge and one in the South Tower. There is no buggy storage area.
How long can you spend at Tower Bridge?
There doesn’t seem to be any sort of time limit imposed by the terms and conditions of entry. How long you spend there will depend on your children and their interest in seeing the view and learning about those who built the bridge. You should allow for around and hour to an hour and a half to make the most of your visit, plus time for queuing.
Can you eat at Tower Bridge?
There isn’t anywhere to buy food and drink on site. Food and drink (except alcohol) can be consumed inside Tower Bridge and the Engine Rooms. However, no nuts should be consumed within Tower Bridge and the Engine Rooms, due to the possibility of allergic reactions by staff and visitors.
Is there a question you have about visiting Tower Bridge that we haven’t answered here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll do our best to address it.