Tower Bridge (often mistakenly referred to as London Bridge) is one of the most prominent landmarks in London. Connecting the north and south banks, the structure combines elements of a bascule and suspension bridge to produce a unique feat of engineering. During your stay at the Central Park Hotel, we highly recommend that you pay a visit to the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
What is the Tower Bridge Exhibition?
The Tower Bridge Exhibition consists of three attractions:
- The North and South Towers guide you through the monument’s history and including how it was built
- The Walkways supply panoramic views of London and feature the Glass Floor
- The Victorian Engine Rooms uncover the mechanics of the drawbridge and those that operated it
Admission tickets are inclusive of all areas of the Tower Bridge Exhibition. These are self-guided tours although you can upgrade to a guided tour exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Tower Bridge Exhibition is one of the best things to do with kids while staying in family hotels in London. Combination tickets make it a wallet-friendly activity for families on a budget.
What can you see from the Tower Bridge Walkways?
The Walkways were devised as a means of transporting foot passengers over the river during bridge lifts. However, they proved unpopular with Londoners who opted to wait until the drawbridge was lowered. After closing in 1910, they remained out of use until they were reimagined as a tourist attraction in the 1980s.
Thirty-three metres over Tower Bridge Road, the elevated passageways grant views of the river, the City of London (the oldest part of the capital, now the primary Financial District), and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Gazing to the west, you will spy the London Eye – another of London’s legendary icons. On the eastern horizon, you can catch a glimpse of Canary Wharf. If you look closely you might even spot some of the famous hotels in London.
The Walkways were refurbished in 2014 with glass floors. As you walk over the glass, you will be able to peer down at pedestrians and vehicles travelling over the bridge.
Exploring the Tower Bridge Engine Rooms
The Engine Rooms showcase the original machinery that powered bridge lifts during the Victorian era. A workforce of 80 were needed to operate the steam engines and it was a demanding job. In fact, it took as little as 60 seconds for these engines and their operators to raise the bascules. It wasn’t until 1976 that the Tower Bridge transitioned from steam power to electricity.
Visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition
The Tower Bridge Exhibition is open daily (excluding 24 – 26 December). Tickets are available on the spot at the ticket office although purchasing them online in advance guarantees entry. Note, you must adhere to the date and time slot selected at the time of purchase. The front desk at your chosen Central Park Hotel can assist with buying tickets in advance.
Anticipate spending around 90 minutes at the exhibition. Your visit will commence in the North Tower and culminate in the Engine Rooms.
