I mentioned in my post yesterday Cheers, Madame! how much we love the Tower Bridge.
Last week we decided to take a much closer look at the beautiful bridge by visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
It was fascinating and you should add it to your London To See List.
After getting our tickets, (only £8 for adults/£3.40 for children) an elevator took us right up to the top level. We watched a short video, it was time to explore the two walkways.
There are exhibits in each but the real highlight is the views. The Shard and the London Eye are great for views but this is a terrific option for much less money.
I'm very freaked out by heights so I was concerned that the East and West walkways were open air as they were originally. But they are now completely enclosed with little windows that open for getting the perfect shot of those London views.
I still can't get over the fact... that is the Tower of London. THE Tower of London! Amazing.
This feat of Victorian Engineering opened to the public in 1892. It's built of 11,000 tons of steel. The stone and granite is just for looks. It's so interesting to see how it was made. It took 400 workers eight years to build the bridge.
Your visit will only take an hour or so, depending on how long you want to linger over those views. It's great value for money and it's going on my list of things to do when we have visitors.
There is something so beautiful about this steel structure. I love the steel beams and rivets and the power behind it. But yet, it's just so pretty and graceful. One of my favorite features is the blue with red and white accents. The bridge was originally green and only painted with these festive colors in 1977 for Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee.
The final stop is the Engine Rooms. This suspension/bascule bridge is the only one on the Thames that opens to let ships pass. It was originally powered by steam and converted to electricity in the 70's. The bridge is still raised about 1,000 times a year. You can check the bridge lift times and coordinate your visit to see this amazing bridge in action.
That 2nd link has my very favorite picture, can you guess which one?
I just love her, don't you?
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*I received two complimentary tickets to Tower Bridge Exhibit for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.
*I received two complimentary tickets to Tower Bridge Exhibit for the purposes of review.
All photos, writing and opinions are my own.
As always, I promise to be open, honest and transparent with my readers.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
You can find this review and many others in my
London Attraction Guide.
Thanks for the tip! I had never thought of touring the Tower Bridge, but it sounds perfect. It will make a great stop when we are spending the day in London!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I love the bridge and it gives me tiny goosebumps each time I see it, I really wasn't very impressed with the tour. I was disappointed that the walkways were enclosed (I had never thought about it before visiting), so I felt the views were obstructed by the beams. And I more enjoyed looking at the pictures that were displayed of other famous bridges than anything else. I'm glad I got the experience, don't get me wrong, but if a future visitor wants to tour, I will choose to sit it out. Maybe it was an off day for me??
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you commented. I'm sorry you didn't enjoy the tour. I was so relieved that the walkways were enclosed! lol I actually bustled across to the other side and let Matthew wander through the exhibit. I don't think it's the best London has to offer, but I do appreciate that the price was reasonable. And I just loved the steel beams. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! I'd hate for someone to go on my recommendation and then hate it. But we really enjoyed it. (PS Thanks so much for the email! I'm working on a response.)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it, Tanya. It's not on the level with some of the over the top attractions that London has to offer. But we really quite enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteI love Tower Bridge! Looks like you went on a clear, beautiful day. I think I will take my friend when she visits in December :)
ReplyDeleteI've seen the gorgeous Tower Bridge from outside many times, but never the Exhibition, thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem. Always happy to talk about my favorite London attraction. I think you'll enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteI've never been inside the Tower Bridge!! I wasn't even aware that was an option - so cool!!
ReplyDeleteLove this! I love one of the first pictures you have of the views, the mix of old and new in London is what makes me want to go there so badly!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jenn. That is definitely on of the things that makes London so special. There is history all around you. You hit it spot on.
ReplyDeleteI'm really glad that we did it. I'd love to be up top when it opened!
ReplyDeleteI actually had no idea you could go inside!!! So cool!
ReplyDeleteIt's pretty amazing how it works actually!
ReplyDeleteIt's a really good exhibit I think. My son loves this tour - we've been twice and I'm sure we'll go again. Once we even saw the drawbridge go up which made his day.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great suggestion! That view of the Tower is spectacular (just went for a visit last week...don't think I will ever get tired of the history that site - they have statues of the animals that used to inhabit the Tower up all over the place right now which was an extra treat. Nothing like seeing an elephant or a baboon during your Tower tour.) Adding the Bridge to my list of things to do in the coming weeks!
ReplyDeleteFantastic view too - I've pinned this on my 'London to do' board.
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think!
ReplyDeleteI need to get back to the Tower of London. Was the ice skating ring open?
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