What is inside Tower Bridge?

The Tower Bridge is a distinctive attraction that matches the Tower of London in terms of aesthetics. Built in 1894, the bridge measures roughly 240 meters (800 feet) in length and has a 76-meter-wide aperture. Its twin towers soar to a height of 61 meters (200 feet) above the River Thames. A pair of glass-covered walkways run between the towers and are popular with tourists. It is an engineering wonder, consisting of massive mobile highways that rise up to allow ships to pass. The Tower Bridge was powered by steam-driven hydraulic pumps until 1976 when electric motors were installed.

Inside Tower Bridge

Exhibitions inside Tower Bridge

In 1982, the walkways were reopened after being closed for almost 72 years, as part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition. You will find a display in the bridge's twin towers, the high-level walkways, and the Victorian engine rooms that aim to educate people about the history of the Tower Bridge. Films, photos, and interactive displays, as well as a trip down memory lane through the room that houses the original steam engines that once powered the bridge bascules, awaits visitors inside the Tower Bridge.

North Tower

The North Tower of the Tower Bridge can be accessed by the grand Victorian staircase or the fully accessible lift, boasting the old-world charm of the 19th century. Here, visitors get to explore the immersive history of the Tower Bridge, everything from its fine design, construction, and maintenance to the place it held in former times and today. The North Tower also has a North Tower Lounge, a beautifully decorated, intimate space that is open to hosting weddings, dinners, receptions, or civil ceremonies. This striking room has original floor-to-ceiling windows, and iconic and original architecture, and shows off exhilarating views of Tower Bridge and the River Thames.

Walkway

The high-level glass walkway of Tower Bridge awaits the experience of a lifetime. Visitors get to live the moments of walking over the spectacular Glass Floor situated here. This permanent structure offers an unmatched birds-eye view of London life, from 42 meters above the River Thames, and 33.5 meters above road level. Intimating as it sounds, don't worry, because the Glass Floor can hold the weight of four London black cabs and has a non-slip surface. If looking down scares you, enjoy the panoramic views of St Paul's Cathedral, the BT Tower, The Monument, and other iconic London attractions instead.

Lives of a Landmark

In 2020, the Tower Bridge exhibition launched a new campaign called Lives of a Landmark to document the stories of the people working behind the scenes here. At this exhibition inside Tower Bridge's Engine Room, many of today's staff engineers and visitors will help you connect with the people who made the Tower Bridge the iconic landmark it is today. Visitors who are inspired by or connect with and have fond memories of the Tower Bridge can also send in their stories, videos, or image submissions and this will be displayed in real-time at the tower.

South Tower

You cross the high-level walkway to reach the South Tower of Tower Bridge. Nestled underneath this tower is its main attraction, the Engine Rooms. Once the heart of this structure, the Engine Room houses Victorian steam engines, coal-fired boilers, drivetrains, and accumulators. Check out the interactive displays and information panels to learn about the power of steam and the out-of-the-box hydraulic technology that lifted Tower Bridge's 1,000-tonne bascules till the 1970s. Visitors can also enjoy films about the people who worked there and its history.

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Tower Bridge and Engine Room Entry Tickets

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Combo: Tower of London + Tower Bridge Tickets

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Combo (Save 14%): Tower Bridge Tickets + Flexible Thames River Cruise

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Combo (Save 5%): Tower Bridge + London Eye Tickets

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Combo (Save 5%): Tower Bridge and Engine Room Entry + The View from The Shard Tickets

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Westminster 3-hour Small-Group Guided Walking Tour & Tower Bridge Entry Tickets

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Visitor tips

Try to visit the bridge when it is being raised, so you can catch a view through the Glass Door.
There are access guides for the exhibition and a map of the tower. Unfortunately, there are no descriptive tours or audio guides available.
Plan by booking online tickets to the Tower Bridge in advance to avoid crowds and guarantee entry on time.
Access to the exhibition is included in the standard price of admission. Joint tickets are also available to help you save a few extra bucks.
To learn more about this spot, download the free Tower Bridge app.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Tower Bridge exhibition

Where do you find the exhibition inside Tower Bridge?

In the North Tower, you will find an exhibition about Tower Bridge and the people behind it, and in the South Tower, you will find the Engine Rooms, plaques commemorating the people who worked at Tower Bridge, and the Lives of a Landmark exhibition.

What is the exhibition about?

The Tower Bridge exhibition is about celebrating the history and the people behind this iconic structure.

Do I need separate tickets to view the exhibition?

No, access to the exhibitions at Tower Bridge is covered by your entry tickets to Tower Bridge.

What can I see in the North Tower?

Apart from the grand Victorian staircase that you would use to make your way to the top, you will find interactive displays that provide information about the fascinating history of Tower Bridge.

What can I see on the Glass Walkways?

On the Glass Walkways, you will experience the Glass Floor and see right through directly down onto the bridge, and the River Thames. The walkways also offer panoramic views of famous London landmarks, like St Paul’s Cathedral, The Monument, and St. Katharine’s Docks.

What exhibitions are held in the South Tower?

The Lives of a Landmark, the popular Tower Bridge exhibition is held in the South Tower. You can also view the Engine Room, which was once the backbone of the bridge here.

Are there guides for those who are visually impaired?

Visually impaired visitors can make use of the Braille and high contrast booklets, available at the Ticket Office and Engine Room entrances.

Is Tower Bridge wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Tower Bridge is fully accessible. There is a lift that will take visitors to all levels of the Towers and Engine Rooms. Accessible toilets are also available inside.