Tower Bridge, London

The Tower Bridge and the Tower of London are frequently confused in the tourist’s mind.

Same confusion happens with London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

Let’s have a look at Tower Bridge…even take a walk across it…so you will never be confused again.

This is Tower Bridge.

(or, more accurately, one of the pillars of the Tower Bridge)

 This is the Tower of London.

Completely different, aren’t they.

However, they are very close together…hence the bridge next to the Tower (of London).

Aside: I am not sure if that is how it got its name, but it makes sense to me!

You can walk across the Tower Bridge.

You can drive a car or ride a bus over the Tower Bridge.

And…you can a walk over the top of Tower Bridge. Truly you can!

Buy a ticket (or use your London Pass), take a special elevator up one of the “pillars” (not sure what the technical name is!) and take in the Tower Bridge Exhibition (not to be confused with the London Bridge Experience which is a totally different type of experience at a different bridge.)

At the very top there are two pedestrian walkways connecting the two pillars.You will see the Victorian Engine Rooms which operated (operates?) the drawbridge beneath you. While we were up at the top, fog horn type blasts of sound were heard. An attendant told us that meant the drawbridge was about to open and showed us where to stand to get a good view.

You will see workers busy constructing the bridge.

What!

They actually are models of workmen who constructed the bridge so many years ago..but they are very realistic! You learn a lot of construction history on the self guided tour.

From the windows of the walkway you have wonderful views up and down the Thames and the buildings along the river banks.

Since our visit the second pedestrian walkway has been opened …with a glass floor!

Now that would be quite the experience would it not! Check out details at the official website

http://www.towerbridge.org.uk/

Since we took this photo, The Shard has opened.

Can you spot the Shard under construction in the background?

Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it.

Let’s continue out visit to London

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