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Tower Bridge Guided Tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Tower Bridge in London at sunset, viewed from under an archway.
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A guided tour of Tower Bridge is…

✔️ Led by a certified local expert

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.

✔️ Engineered for efficiency and speed

Gain priority entrance to the Tower Bridge Exhibition, allowing you to bypass ticket queues and begin your visit immediately. This convenience saves you valuable time, ensuring a smooth transition straight to the high-level Walkways and Glass Floor.

✔️ A comprehensive 3-part experience

In a dedicated session, you'll explore the Walkways, stand over the city on the Glass Floor, and descend into the historic Victorian Engine Rooms. The experience culminates with a scenic Thames River cruise, offering unparalleled views of the bridge and London skyline from the water.

✔️ Enriching and interactive storytelling

The guide doesn't just present facts; they facilitate an engaging experience, welcoming all questions and discussions. By the end, you won't just see the bridge; you'll gain a richer appreciation for the complex Victorian engineering.

What to expect on a Tower Bridge tour

Tower Bridge in London at sunset, viewed from under an archway.
Visitors walking on the glass walkway inside Tower Bridge, London.
Tower Bridge engine room with green machinery and visitors exploring.
Dinner cruise boat on the Thames with Big Ben and Houses of Parliament in the background, London.
Tower Bridge in London lifting for passing boats.
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Begin at the Towers

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.

Walk the high-level Walkways & Glass Floors

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.

Discover the Victorian Engine Rooms

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.

Thames River cruise

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.

Exclusive sightings (Bridge Lifts)

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.

Highlights covered on the tour

Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames in London, with blue sky background.

Iconic architecture

Admire the Neo-Gothic facade and engineering marvel that hides the massive steel framework beneath the stone cladding.

Visitors walking on the glass walkway inside Tower Bridge, London.
View of London skyline and Thames River from Tower Bridge.
Victorian steam engines in the Tower Bridge Engine Rooms, London, with informational displays.
Tower Bridge in London with its bascules raised for a passing boat.

Things to keep in mind when you go on your Tower Bridge tour

Visitors walking on the glass walkway inside Tower Bridge, London.
  • Cloakroom: Oversized luggage and bags larger than 45cm x 35cm x 20cm are not allowed. There are no left luggage facilities on-site, so plan to store large items elsewhere before arrival. Small bags and rucksacks are subject to search.
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms, including baby changing facilities, are available in the South Tower and the Victorian Engine Rooms.
  • Accessibility: The Tower Bridge Exhibition is generally wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. Lifts service the high-level walkways (one in the North Tower, one in the South Tower), and an external lift provides access to the Engine Rooms.
  • Gift shop: Located after the Engine Rooms exit, perfect for souvenirs of your London visit.
  • Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available on the high-level walkways.
Tower Bridge spanning the River Thames in London, featuring its iconic twin towers.
  • No large bags or alcohol: Bags must be under 45cm x 35cm x 20cm. Alcohol is prohibited in the exhibition and engine rooms.
  • Photography is permitted, but keep it for non-commercial purposes. The use of tripods, monopods, or selfie sticks is strictly prohibited inside the Towers and Engine Rooms for security and safety reasons.
  • Keep your distance: Do not touch the historic Victorian machinery. You may be asked to follow a clearly marked blue line from the South Tower to the Engine Rooms.
  • Follow staff instructions: The River Thames is an active, tidal waterway. Always obey instructions from the boat crew and pier staff for your safety, especially during boarding and disembarking.
  • Onboard purchases only: Most cruise operators have a fully licensed bar/café. You cannot bring and consume your own food or alcoholic beverages on board (small water/soft drinks usually excluded).
Young woman on a boat viewing Tower Bridge in London.
  • Tower Bridge: There is no strict formal dress code, but appropriate attire (e.g., shirt/top, trousers/skirt, and shoes) is required. Be aware that the attraction's staff reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone wearing attire deemed offensive.
  • Thames River cruise: Dress for the weather, keeping in mind that the wind on the river can make it feel cooler. There are heated indoor salons for comfort in colder months.
  • Etiquette: The bridge and boats can be crowded. Please be patient, keep noise levels low, and be mindful of other visitors' photos, especially on the glass floor section of the Tower Bridge tour.
Glass walkway inside Tower Bridge, London, overlooking road and red bus below.
  • Time your visit to the Bridge Lift: Check the Tower Bridge website for the official lift times (bascule openings). While not guaranteed, timing your entrance to be on the high-level walkway during a lift offers a spectacular, rare view.
  • Engage with the Glass Floor: The glass floor on the West Walkway is a highlight. Look down 138 feet to the traffic and river below. If you're nervous, there is a solid path running along the edges.
  • Listen to the live commentary: River cruises offer live English commentary or a multi-language audioguide. This is key to identifying landmarks and understanding their historical context along the Thames.
  • Best visiting times: The Tower Bridge tour is generally busiest mid-day. Try to visit early (right after opening at 9:30am) or later in the afternoon for a more relaxed pace.

Frequently asked questions about Tower Bridge tours

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.