Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable structures in the world and is one of the greatest architectural marvels in modern day England. Tower Bridge has served as the crossing point of the Thames River since 1894 and is now one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. At Tower Bridge you can enjoy breathtaking views of London and the Thames River, learn all about English history and witness first hand one of the most architecturally stunning structures in England.
History of Tower Bridge
In the late 19th century, the London Bridge was the only crossing over the Thames River. As the city of London continued to grow, the need for a new bridge in east London to act as a crossing point for thousands of vehicles and pedestrians quickly arose. Finally in 1876, the people of England decided that they would begin construction on a truly revolutionary bridge, now know as Tower Bridge. When Tower Bridge was first built, it was the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge in existence. Now days, the bridge is still an architectural marvel, but its main purpose is to accommodate the millions of visitors that flock to it every year.
Visiting the Bridge
When you visit Tower Bridge, especially during the summer months, be prepared to deal with long lines and expensive prices. To help deal with the large amounts of people that visit Tower Bridge, try visiting the bridge on weekdays early in the morning or late at night. Try visiting the bridge in late Spring or early Fall if possible, as this is the time when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists. There are many attractions to see besides the bridge itself, including many museums and shops. Plan your visit according to how much you want to see at the bridge. If you want to experience all that the bridge has to offer, you will want to set aside at least a few hours to be able to have ample time to see everything. Be prepared to pay as well. Prices will range from approximately £2.00 just to see the bridge to approximately £5.50 to be given access to the Tower Bridge Exhibition.
Although you may have to deal with long lines and expensive prices at Tower Bridge, it is well worth it in the end and is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting England.
