Does London Bridge Open? Spoiler Alert: No, But Its Cooler Cousin Does!
Let's get one thing straight right off the bat: London Bridge is a hard-working fellow, holding its head high and never needing a break. It's a fixed bridge, which basically means it doesn't budge for anyone (or anything) – not even royalty (although they might get a fancy light show).
But hold on to your crumpets! London has another iconic bridge, the magnificent Tower Bridge, and this grand dame loves to put on a show.
Tower Bridge: The Grand Dame of Openings
Tower Bridge is the one you've likely seen in countless films, all majestic and bascules raised. But how often does this theatrical wonder grace us with its opening act?
Drumroll please...
Tower Bridge opens its mighty bascules (those are the drawbridge parts, for the fancy-wordally challenged) around 800 times a year. That's roughly twice a day, allowing all sorts of river royalty – from massive cargo ships to sprightly tugboats – to sail through.
Fun fact: Back in 1894, when Tower Bridge was just a sprightly youngster, it opened a whopping 17 times a day! Seems those days, patience wore thin easier, or maybe there were just a lot more enthusiastic captains.
Planning Your Tower Bridge "Opening Act" Experience
So, you're keen to witness this London marvel in action? Here's the thing: unlike a theatrical performance, Tower Bridge doesn't exactly follow a set schedule. But fear not, intrepid bridge admirer! You can plan your visit around the scheduled opening times [Tower Bridge Lift Times]. These are published in advance, so you can be there with your camera (and maybe a picnic basket) ready to capture the moment.
But remember, life (and the Thames) can be unpredictable. Sometimes, even with the best planning, openings get cancelled. Hey, a rogue tugboat with a wonky engine can't be helped!
FAQ: Your Tower Bridge Opening Act Survival Guide
How to find out when Tower Bridge is opening?
Check the [Tower Bridge Lift Times] for scheduled openings.
How long does a Tower Bridge opening take?
The opening itself takes about a minute, but factor in road closures and admiring the engineering marvel for a more realistic timeframe.
What if a scheduled opening gets cancelled?
Don't fret! There's always the next one. These things happen, and hey, you get to explore more of London!
Is there anything else to see or do near Tower Bridge?
Absolutely! You're right in the heart of London, with sights like the Tower of London and HMS Belfast just a stone's throw away.
Can I make a request for Tower Bridge to open?
Negative. Those decisions are made by the Port of London Authority based on river traffic. But you can always request a starring role in your own bridge-themed play!
