The Great Thames Crossing Caper: How Many Bridges Can You Dodge in a Double-Decker?
Ah, London! City of fog, fish and chips, and enough bridges to make your head spin (almost as much as a ride on the London Eye). But have you ever stopped to ponder, amidst the hustle and bustle of tourists and black cabs, just how many bridges grace the River Thames?
Well, buckle up, me darlings, because we're about to dive headfirst into this numerical labyrinth!
Counting Those Crossings: A Bridge Too Far?
The answer, like a good cup of tea, depends on how strong you like it. Are we talking central London only, where all the iconic sights like Tower Bridge and Big Ben reside? Then you're looking at a cool 33-35 bridges, depending on who you ask (some folks like to include the two Blackfriars bridges, those cheeky devils).
But cast your net a little wider, up to the entirety of Greater London, and whooping 138 bridges come into play! That's right, more bridges than Boris Johnson has gaffes (allegedly).
Important side note: This doesn't include tunnels, ferries, or that one plucky fellow who tried to swim across on a lilo (let's not talk about that).
Fun Facts That Won't Make You Fall in the Thames (Hopefully)
- Double, Double Toil and Trouble: Apparently, there have been over 300 crossings over the Thames throughout history. Some crumbled, some were replaced, some were probably sacrificed to appease the Thames gods (just a hunch).
- Bridge by Any Other Name: Did you know that the first bridge ever built over the Thames was London Bridge? Shocking, right? It was actually a wooden job back in the day, and housed shops and houses – basically a medieval shopping mall on the river!
- Twister, They Didn't! The Millennium Bridge? The wobbly one? Let's not dwell on its shaky beginnings, but rather appreciate its sleek, modern design.
So, How Many Bridges Are There REALLY?
The answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind (or rather, swirling in the Thames eddy). It depends on how you define a "bridge," and where you draw the line between central London and the greater metropolitan area.
But hey, that's the beauty of London, isn't it? There's always something new to discover, even if it's just another bridge to admire (or get stuck in traffic on).
Thames Bridging FAQ: You Asked, We (Sort of) Answered
How to count the bridges over the Thames?
Grab a boat, some patience, and a good sense of direction. This might take a while.
How to avoid bridge traffic in London?
The Tube (subway) is your best bet, or perhaps invest in some good ol' fashioned roller skates.
How to tell the difference between Tower Bridge and London Bridge?
Tower Bridge has the cool bascules that open up for boats (think giant metal teeter-totters). London Bridge? Doesn't do that (and never has).
How to find the most beautiful bridge in London?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but Vauxhall Bridge at night is a stunner, all lit up like a birthday cake.
How to get across the Thames without a bridge?
There are always the ferries, or you could try swimming (we don't recommend it).
