Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is a Grade I listed combined bascule and suspension bridge crossing the River Thames near the Tower of London. Built between 1886 and 1894, it was designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with Henry Marc Brunel. The bridge spans 940 feet and features two 213-foot towers connected by upper-level walkways, plus a central pair of bascules that open to allow shipping. Originally hydraulically powered, the mechanism was converted to an electro-hydraulic system in 1972. The bridge deck is freely accessible to vehicles and pedestrians and remains a busy traffic route with 40,000 crossings daily. Visitors can explore the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which includes the twin towers, high-level walkways with views over London, and the Victorian engine rooms showcasing the original hydraulic machinery. The bridge is owned by the City Bridge Foundation and is part of the London Inner Ring Road. It is a recognisable landmark, often confused with London Bridge upstream, but offers a unique experience of London's engineering and history. The exhibition provides an indoor attraction suitable for various interests.