The Thames: A River So Nice, They Built a Bunch of Stuff to Get Over It
The River Thames! London's liquid highway, a historical landmark, and apparently, a bit of an obstacle. Because let's face it, you can't very well just hop across it (not unless you're a particularly enthusiastic otter). So, what's a bustling metropolis to do? Build bridges, of course! But how many bridges are we talking about here? Buckle up, bridge enthusiasts, because we're diving into the deep (well, not that deep) end of the Thames' crossings.
More Bridges Than Your Nan's Got China!
There's no single, definitive answer to this question, and that's because it all depends on how you define a "bridge" and how much respect you show to a river's little side channels. But fear not, intrepid investigator, we've got you covered on the two main approaches:
The "Just the Big Boys" Count: Sticking to the grand, majestic bridges that span the main flow of the Thames, we're looking at a cool 35 bridges. That's right, 35! From the iconic Tower Bridge (you know, the one that goes all "hokey cokey" every now and then) to the Blackfriars Bridge (not to be confused with its railway bridge neighbor, which adds a whole other layer of confusion), these bridges are the workhorses of the London commute.
The "Every Little Crossing Counts" Tally: If you consider every single bridge over every little offshoot of the Thames, including bridges to tiny islands and those quirky pedestrian walkways, then the number jumps to a whopping over 300. That's a lot of bridges! Basically, you're never more than a hop, skip, and a jump (or a short ferry ride) from getting across the Thames somewhere in London.
So, How Many Bridges Do You Really Need to Know About?
Honestly, for the average tourist or even the everyday Londoner, the "Big Boys" count (35) is probably the most useful. These are the bridges you'll see on postcards, the ones you'll get stuck in traffic on, and the ones that feature in those charming black and white detective movies.
But hey, if you're ever feeling particularly bridge-obsessed, feel free to go on a quest to conquer all 300+ Thames crossings. Just be prepared to explain to your mates why you're so interested in that tiny bridge over to Duck Island (turns out, there's actually a Duck Island in London, who knew?).
Thames Bridging FAQ: You Asked, We Answered (Briefly)
Alright, alright, so the bridge business might have gotten a little out of hand. But fear not, we've got some quick answers to your most burning Thames-crossing inquiries:
How to get across the Thames? Bridges, ferries, or the Thames Cable Car (if you're feeling fancy).
How to avoid all the bridges? The Tube (London Underground) has several lines that run under the river. Just don't get claustrophobic!
How to tell the difference between all the bridges? Tower Bridge has the cool bascules (the drawbridge parts), Blackfriars Bridge has those fancy dolphin statues, and all the others...well, they just kind of exist.
How to impress your friends with your Thames bridge knowledge? Did you know there used to be a bridge specifically for bulls? It was demolished in the 1860s because, well, cars were kind of the new hotness.
How to make the most of the Thames bridges? Pack a picnic, grab some mates, and find a nice bridge with a view. Just watch out for rogue pigeons!
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