Your Tower Bridge tour is led by a Licensed Blue Badge Guide—London's highest guiding qualification. This expert provides historical context and engineering insights, turning the impressive structure and its inner workings into a captivating story.
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Your Tower Bridge tour experience begins near the North Tower. After meeting your group, you'll proceed through the entry process and take the lift up to the first floor (or ascend the beautiful Victorian staircases). This section immediately transports you back to the late 19th century, exploring the history and necessity of the bridge through engaging displays that detail the competition to choose the final design.
The highlight of the upper section is crossing the famous high-level Walkways, situated 42 meters (138 feet) above the River Thames. Here, you'll see historic photographs and videos that showcase the bridge's past. The most thrilling part is stepping onto the Glass Floors, installed in 2014, which give you a dramatic, direct view of the road traffic and pedestrians crossing below, as well as the bascules lifting for river traffic.
After descending, you'll head to the south side to visit the preserved Engine Rooms. This is where the magic of the bascule bridge lifting mechanism originated. You’ll see the original steam pumping engines, coal-fired boilers, and the machinery that originally generated the hydraulic power to lift the bridge until 1976. The exhibition also explains the transition to the modern electro-hydraulic system currently in use. Look out for the life-size models of the workers who kept the machinery running.
The final component is the Thames River Cruise, departing from Tower Pier. This cruise offers a unique perspective, allowing you to see the bridge and the surrounding landmarks from the water, just as the original vessels would have. Your cruise will take you past major sights like the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and St. Paul's Cathedral.
A truly special expectation is witnessing a bridge lift. While not guaranteed, the schedule for bridge lifts is publicly available. If your tour coincides with a scheduled lift, your guide may pause to watch the bascules raise to allow tall ships to pass through. Seeing the engineering in action is an unforgettable part of any Tower Bridge tour.
Admire the Neo-Gothic facade and engineering marvel that hides the massive steel framework beneath the stone cladding.
The Tower Bridge tour must start on time, as groups have specific timed entry slots for the Bridge. If you are late, the group cannot wait, and you may forfeit your spot. It’s best to check in at least 15 mins before your scheduled time.
Yes, the exciting history, Victorian Engine Rooms, and Glass Floors make this Tower Bridge tour fantastic for families. Guides often share engaging stories, but please be mindful that the full experience lasts about 3 hours, including the river cruise.
The Tower Bridge tour involves moderate walking, including climbing stairs within the towers, though lifts are available if needed. The Thames cruise provides a seated break. Overall, expect to be actively walking or standing for around 90 mins.
Absolutely! This comprehensive Tower Bridge tour includes full access to both the historic Victorian Engine Rooms and the high-level walkways with the famous Glass Floors. The scenic River Thames Cruise is also included.
All guides leading the Tower Bridge tour are highly experienced, licensed London professionals, often accredited as Blue Badge guides. They specialise in local history, engineering, and storytelling.
Since the experience concludes with a scenic Thames River Cruise, the guided portion ends when you board the boat near the Tower. You are free to explore the Engine Rooms and Walkways until the guide directs you to the cruise departure.
The standard Tower Bridge tour package typically does not include food. However, snacks and beverages are usually available for purchase on board the Thames River cruise boat.
While the guided tour gives you priority entry into the Towers, access to the Glass Walkway itself is self-regulated. Your guide will ensure you have time for photos and viewing from the best spots.
The historical sites, like the Walkways and Engine Rooms, are largely indoors. The Thames River cruise boats are fully covered, ensuring the Tower Bridge tour is an enjoyable experience even if the weather is poor.
Group Tower Bridge tours follow a fixed, optimised itinerary to manage time slots. Customisation is generally only possible if you book a premium private tour option.
Experience Tower Bridge like never before with a guided tour, then unwind with a scenic cruise on the Thames.
Inclusions Tower Bridge
Timed entry tickets to Tower Bridge
Guided tour of Tower Bridge
English-speaking guide
Access to the Engine Rooms
Thames River Cruise
Thames River cruise from Tower Bridge to Westminster
Boarding from Tower Pier
Exclusions Tower Bridge + Thames River Cruise
Transport
Hotel transfers
Gratuities
What’s not allowed
Accessibility
Additional information
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.