You Wouldn't Believe Where You Might Find London Bridge (Spoiler Alert: It's Not Always in London!)
Ah, London Bridge. A nursery rhyme icon. A symbol of the mighty Thames. But where exactly is this famous bridge? Buckle up, history buffs and trivia aficionados, because the answer might surprise you.
The OG London Bridge: A Right Proper Londoner
Let's start with the classic. The London Bridge you're probably picturing now is, of course, in London! Specifically, it sits pretty over the River Thames, connecting the City of London with Southwark. This particular bridge has been around the block a few times (we're talking centuries!), with the current version being a sturdy concrete and steel fellow built in the 1970s.
Fun Fact: The previous London Bridge, a grand old stone structure, was actually dismantled and shipped across the pond to... wait for it... Lake Havasu City, Arizona! Yes, you read that right. There's a little piece of London in the American desert.
So, London Bridge is in... Arizona?
Hold on your horses (or should we say rattlesnakes?). The bridge in Lake Havasu City is a transplant, an imposter! It might look like the old London Bridge, but it's technically a glorified tourist attraction.
Why Arizona, you ask? Well, the story goes that a wealthy businessman bought the bridge in the 1960s and had it shipped over, hoping to boost tourism in his lakeside town. Crazy? Maybe. Successful? Absolutely!
So, Where's the Real London Bridge Then?
Back in London, of course! The current bridge is a workhorse, carrying vehicles and pedestrians across the Thames faithfully. It's not the fanciest bridge, perhaps, but it gets the job done – and hey, it's the real deal!
Top Tip for Tourists: If you're visiting London, don't be fooled by fancy travel brochures featuring a bridge and a desert backdrop. The true London Bridge awaits you in central London!
London Bridge: Frequently Asked Questions
How to get to London Bridge (the one in London): Tube! The Monument or London Bridge stations will get you there in a jiffy.
How to tell the difference between the two London Bridges: One's in London, overlooking the Thames. The other is chilling in a lake in Arizona. Easy peasy!
How long has there been a bridge in London? A very long time! Since Roman times, actually, with various bridges gracing the Thames over the centuries.
How many times has London Bridge been rebuilt? Several times! The current bridge is just the latest in a long line of London Bridge iterations.
How much does it cost to visit the London Bridge in Arizona? It's free to admire the bridge from the lakeside! There's even a bridge festival every year if you're feeling adventurous.
