Historically, the River Thames was the lifeblood of London. When the Tower Bridge was constructed (1886–1894), the Pool of London was one of the busiest ports in the world, handling vital trade cargo like tea, sugar, and cotton. A crossing was needed, but it could not obstruct large ships. This need led to the revolutionary design featuring bascules (opening roadways).
Today, although most traffic on this stretch consists of tourist and leisure vessels, river traffic still has priority.
Watching the vessels pass from the high-level walkways is the most sought-after experience at the Tower Bridge exhibition.
There are no fixed times for the Tower Bridge lifts. Lifts are scheduled based on requests from large vessels. To catch this famous phenomenon, you must check the official schedule, which is published a few days in advance.
Pro-tip: If you want to witness the lift from the walkways, you must book a ticket for the Tower Bridge Exhibition. Check the Lift Schedule before you purchase your timed-entry tickets to maximise your chances of seeing the action!
On average, the Tower Bridge opens its bascules about 8o0 times a year. This is far less than the 6,194 times it lifted in its inaugural year (1894)! This change reflects the shift in London’s primary shipping routes. Today, vessels must request a lift at least 24 hours in advance, in writing.
No, it is entirely free to request a lift for any large vessel. This has been the case since 1894, upholding the priority of river traffic.
The entire operation and maintenance, including the funding for the Tower Bridge lifts, are paid for by the Bridge House Estates, a 700-year-old charitable body that funds the upkeep of five central London bridges: Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Blackfriars Bridge, and Millennium Bridge
Requirement: To book a lift, your vessel must be more than 9m (30ft) tall. You must provide at least 24 hours' notice in writing. Any changes in arrival or sailing times must also be informed at the earliest.
The Tower Bridge has been central to major historical events and some notorious incidents:
Tower Bridge and Engine Rooms Entry Tickets
Combo: Tower of London + Tower Bridge Tickets
The only way to ensure you see the Tower Bridge lifts is to check the official published schedule online and book your timed admission ticket for a slot that overlaps with the lifting time.
Yes. While lifts are scheduled 24 hours in advance, slight changes (up to 10-15 mins) can occur due to tide changes or unexpected river traffic issues. Always plan for extra time.
Yes. Although rare, a lift can be cancelled if the vessel's arrival time changes significantly, if there are unforeseen mechanical issues, or due to extreme weather conditions affecting safe navigation.
No, the bridge must operate precisely on time for river navigation. If your tour group has a ticket slot that coincides with a lift, they must proceed. If you are late, the group (and the lift) will not wait.
Yes, if your vessel meets the height requirement (over 9m/30ft), you can formally request a lift by providing a written notice at least 24 hours in advance to the Bridge Master's office.
The first vessel to pass through the newly opened Tower Bridge was Daisy, the Harbour Master's schooner, which passed through in 1894.
