Total length: 244 m
Distance from London city center:
- 3.0 mi via A3211
- 3.3 mi via Tower Bridge Rd/A100
The Architecture of Tower Bridge
The bridge has a highly composite design. It is a combination of both bascule and suspension design elements. The bridge was commissioned to aid the substantiate traffic between the North and the Southside of the city. Since the river traffic could not be hindered, the bascule design was accepted as the bridge’s leaves could be lifted to make way for larger ships to cross.
The side-spans of the bridge were designed in the suspension style, and the suspension rods were affixed to the abutments and the rods of the higher walkways. The construction was sanctioned by the Parliament, to be in the Gothic style. The bridge carries two-way traffic, with both sides having a fenced walkway to its ends.
The bridge also has a chimney that people often wrongly think to be a lamp-post. It connects to a fireplace of one of the guard-rooms of the tower, that is defunctioning now. Most interestingly, the bridge has separate walkways 44 meters above the river that can be accessed by lifts.
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About Tower Bridge Glass Floor
The Glass Floor installed at the base of the elevated walkways is one of the most well thought out renovations to the tower bridge. It has renewed people’s interest in this iconic bridge. The glass floor of the walkway spans about 11 meters in length and 1.8 meters in width.
A strategically placed mirror over the glass walkway has made the entire expanse a highly sought after spot for selfies. The upper walkways are open from 11 AM to 11 PM, and it costs £9.80 to get admission to the area. The glass floor has, since its inauguration, become a major tourist attraction.
Many come to experience the surreal experience of vehicles crossing through the main bridge, and others love gasping at the ships passing by the river. A yoga class also commences on the glass surface every Wednesday and costs £25. This incredible structure offers visitors the bird’s eye view of the glittering life of London.
Facts about Tower Bridge
The bridge has certainly captured the larger public’s imagination for more than a century now. The following are certain interesting facts about the bridge:
1. McCulloch’s Mistake -
There is a popular urban legend, according to which Robert McCulloch, who bought the old London Bridge transported it to Arizona under the impression that he has bought the tower bridge. This legend stems from the long-known confusion that people tend to have between the two structures, and hence Tower Bridge is also known as London Bridge.
2. Dead Man’s Hole -
Located underneath the Tower Bridge is a mortuary where several Unionists' bodies were dumped. As time passed by, this area began to be popularly referred to as the ‘Dead Man’s Hole.’ Fortunately, there seems to be no use of the mortuary anymore.
3. The Bridge’s own Horses -
When the bridge was initially opened to the public, some were concerned that certain horses would not be able to draw their gigs up the slant Bridge because they were not powerful enough. The bridge, therefore, had its own horses to break the notion of the people.
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Travelers' Tip before Visiting Tower Bridge
There are a few tips that you must follow before visiting Tower Bridge for an incredible experience.
- Book tickets beforehand:
Tickets to the main areas inside the tower or even the lift to the upper walkways aren’t always readily available. It is always recommended that you book your tickets beforehand so you can access all areas of your choice, without much hassle.
- Look up the times for the Bridge Opening:
Regardless of whether you wish to watch the bridge rise and fall from the ground floor or you wish to attend the yoga classes or exhibitions, always lookup for the correct time of the events.
- Always apply a sunblock:
If you’re visiting this iconic landmark in summer, then make sure to carry sunblock and goggles to protect yourself from suntan and heat rashes.
- Carry a camera:
You should always carry a good camera to capture the enthralling moments as a memoir of your trip. The sights from the walkways are some of the best in London, and you should definitely have a snap of it on your camera.
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