Tower Bridge

Competing with the London Eye for the capitals most vertiginous experience, Tower Bridge offers one of the best vantage points in the city from its spectacular high walkways, elevated 140ft above the Thames. The East Walkway boasts fantastic views of the Docklands and the elegant Canary Wharf, while from the West Walkway you can compare the mixed architectural styles of City Hall, the Tower Of London, St Paul's Cathedral, the City, Big Ben and the London Eye. Now galleried, these walkways were originally built to transport pedestrians across the Thames when the bridge was being lifted to let tall ships sail past. Entering via the North Tower, visitors are whisked smoothly and seamlessly by lift to the top (47 metres above the Thames) where they have a unique opportunity to see the Bridges spectacular steel skeleton from within. A series of short films document the fascinating history of the Bridge, while interactive computerised kiosks and graphic panels explain the significance of the incredible views. Each tour ends with a dramatic descent into the historical Victorian Engine Rooms. Installed for the completion of the bridge in 1894, these huge and beautifully maintained, coal-driven engines were used to power the thousands of bridge lifts. Experiment with models demonstrating the technology behind the Bridge, while viewing an intriguing collection of photographs charting the life story of this world famous construction, before being taken smoothly back down to solid ground.

Best for:
Elevated walkways over city waterways, vantage points and engines.