Don't Get Your Bridges in a Twist: The Ultimate Guide to London's Thames Crossings (Because Let's Face It, Tourists Get Confused)
Ah, London. City of fog, fish and chips, and... two very famous bridges that tourists keep mistaking for each other. Fear not, fellow traveler! This definitive guide will have you navigating the Thames like a pro, and chuckling at those poor souls who think London Bridge is where they raise the drawbridge (spoiler alert: it's not!).
The Grand Dame: Tower Bridge (The One You Actually Want to See)
Tower Bridge is the rockstar of London bridges. With its iconic gothic towers, sky walkways, and bascules that raise up like a mechanical metal eyebrow, it's the bridge that graces postcards and makes your grandma ooh and ahh. Built in the late 19th century, it's a marvel of Victorian engineering and a testament to the city's rich maritime history. You can even walk across the top walkways for panoramic views of the Thames that will have your social media followers green with envy.
Bonus Fun Fact: Tower Bridge used to be powered by a hydraulic system that ran on something very similar to bathwater. No wonder they switched to electricity eventually!
The Workhorse: London Bridge (The Other One)
Look, London Bridge isn't ugly by any means. It's just... a bit more reserved. Less "gothic fantasy" and more "reliable commuter workhorse." This bridge has actually been around for centuries, going through various incarnations from wooden walkways to a stone-laden medieval giant. The current version, built in the 1970s, is a sleek concrete and steel structure that efficiently carries vehicles and pedestrians across the Thames.
Important Note: There were no houses on this bridge, despite what that old nursery rhyme might lead you to believe.
So, Which is Which? (A Handy Tourist Recap)
Tower Bridge: The fancy one with the raising bascules, near the Tower of London. Look for the gothic towers, and you're golden.
London Bridge: The more modern one, a bit further upstream. Think "reliable functionality" over "medieval charm."
Top Tip: If all else fails, just ask a friendly local. We're used to tourists getting these two mixed up (and secretly find it a bit amusing).
FAQ: Mastering the Majesty of the Thames Bridges
How to Get to Tower Bridge? Tower Bridge is easily accessible by underground (Tower Hill station) or bus (route 78).
How to Walk Across Tower Bridge? There's a pedestrian walkway open all the time, and the Tower Bridge Exhibition lets you walk across the top walkways for a fee.
How to See the Tower Bridge Open? The bascules raise around 1,000 times a year to let tall ships pass through. Check the Tower Bridge website for live timings: https://www.towerbridge.org.uk/
How to Get to London Bridge? London Bridge is also well-served by public transport, with London Bridge station offering underground (Jubilee and Northern lines) and national rail connections.
How to Not Get Confused Between London Bridge and Tower Bridge? Read this guide again, my friend!
