How early should I arrive before my ticket time?

Arriving around 10–15 minutes before your scheduled entry slot is recommended. This allows enough time for ticket checks and security screening.

Can I enter Tower Bridge before my booked time slot?

Entry is generally managed according to your selected timeslot. During busy periods, early admission may not be possible.

What happens if I arrive late for my entry time?

Late arrivals may be accommodated depending on visitor capacity and operational requirements. However, entry cannot be guaranteed, so arriving on time is strongly advised.

Can I stay inside Tower Bridge until closing?

Yes. Once admitted, visitors may remain inside until the exhibition closes, provided they entered before the final admission time.

How long does the average Tower Bridge visit take?

Most visitors spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the exhibition, including the towers, Glass Walkways, and Engine Rooms.

Can I leave and re-enter Tower Bridge?

No. Tickets are generally valid for a single entry only, and re-entry is not permitted once you have exited the exhibition.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Advance booking is recommended, especially during weekends, school holidays, and summer months when visitor demand is highest.

Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?

Same-day tickets may be available, but popular timeslots can sell out. Booking in advance provides the best chance of securing your preferred entry time.

Does the bridge lift schedule affect exhibition opening hours?

No. Scheduled bridge lifts do not usually affect access to the exhibition. Visitors can often watch the bridge lift from the walkways if the timing aligns with their visit.

Is Tower Bridge open in bad weather?

Yes. The exhibition operates in most weather conditions, and much of the visitor route is indoors.

Is Tower Bridge open on public holidays?

Tower Bridge is generally open on most UK public holidays. The attraction is typically closed only on 24, 25, and 26 December.

Can I visit Tower Bridge after the exhibition closes?

While the exhibition closes in the evening, the exterior bridge and surrounding riverside areas remain accessible and are popular for nighttime photography.

What is the Relaxed Opening session?

Relaxed Opening sessions provide a quieter, low-sensory experience with reduced visitor numbers and lower noise levels. These sessions are usually held on the second Saturday of each month.

Tower Bridge Opening Times & Hours 2026

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is open daily from 9:30am to 6pm, with the final admission at 5pm.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday (Today)	09:30–18:00	17:00
Tuesday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Wednesday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Thursday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Friday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Saturday	09:30–18:00	17:00
Sunday	09:30–18:00	17:00

Ticket sales close one hour before the final entry time (5pm). Online booking is strongly advised.
Closed: Tower Bridge is closed annually on December 24, 25, and 26.
Relaxed Opening: On the second Saturday of every month, from 9:30am to 11:30am, the Tower Bridge opening times are reserved exclusively for Relaxed Opening attendees.
Bridge Lift schedule: The Tower Bridge hours for bascule lifts vary and are announced up to 48 hours in advance; check the official bridge lift schedule before your visit.
Special events: Check the official calendar for any temporary closures or early access related to private or royal events.

Best time to visit the Tower Bridge

Weekday vs Weekend

Best days: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday see the lightest crowds. The best days to visit if you prefer space on the Glass Walkway.
Days to avoid: Saturday and Sunday are the busiest, especially between 11am and 3pm. Also, avoid public bank holidays.
Best time of day: At opening (9:30am) or after 4pm. The mid-day rush, fueled by tour groups and lunch breaks, has the highest footfall.
Check the official website for Tower Bridge opening times and the lift schedule. If you want to see the bascules rise from the Glass Walkway, book an early time slot corresponding to the lift time.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Closed

Peak season vs low season

Peak season (Jun–Aug): Warm, long daylight hours. Crowds: High. Expect outdoor queues up to 45–60 mins between 10am and 3pm. Arrive 30 mins before the bridge opens (9:30am).
Shoulder season (Apr, May, Sep, Oct): Mild and pleasant weather. Crowds: Moderate. Queues last 15–25 mins. Book a mid-afternoon slot (after 3pm) for the shortest lines.
Low season (Nov–Mar): Cooler weather, shorter days (can be rainy). Crowds: Low. Queues are minimal (0–15 mins). Crowds surge during Christmas and New Year.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

Tower Bridge's Relaxed Opening

Tower Bridge offers special relaxed opening sessions designed to create a calm, low-sensory environment for visitors with anxiety, autism, or other sensory processing needs.

When to visit

Time: Every second Saturday of the month from 9:30am to 11:30am.

Please note: Entry during this period is reserved exclusively for Relaxed Opening ticket holders. The exhibition reopens to all visitors at 11:30am, but guests attending the Relaxed Opening may remain inside for as long as they wish.

Key features

Limited visitor numbers: Attendance is carefully controlled to create a quieter and more comfortable environment.
Reduced noise levels: Hand dryers are switched off and sound effects throughout the exhibition are lowered wherever possible.
Specially trained staff: Team members receive disability awareness training and are available to provide additional support.
Visual planning resources: Visitors can access a Visual Story before arrival to help familiarise themselves with the experience.
Sensory toolkits: Sensory aids are available for visitors who may need support while exploring the exhibition.

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Things to know before you visit Tower Bridge

Arrive early: Plan to arrive 10–15 minutes before your entry slot to allow time for ticket checks and security screening.
Last admission: Entry closes one hour before the attraction shuts, so late arrivals may not have enough time to complete visits.
Visit duration: Most visitors spend between 60 and 90 minutes exploring the towers, walkways, exhibitions, and Victorian Engine Rooms.
Book ahead: Advance booking is recommended during weekends, school holidays, and summer periods when visitor demand is typically highest.
Check lift times: Review the bridge lift schedule beforehand if you'd like the chance to watch the bascules rise during visits.

How long should I spend at Tower Bridge?

Quick visit

Recommended duration: 45–60 minutes

Suitable for visitors who want to enjoy the Glass Floors, take in the views from the walkways, and see the Victorian Engine Rooms without spending time on every exhibit panel.

Standard visit

Recommended duration: 60–90 minutes

The ideal duration for most visitors. This allows enough time to explore the exhibition route, enjoy the Glass Walkways, and learn about the bridge's history and engineering.

In-depth visit

Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours

Recommended for visitors who wish to read the exhibition displays in detail, explore the interactive exhibits, and fully appreciate the story behind the bridge's construction and operation.

Visit including a bridge lift

Recommended duration: 2+ hours

If you plan to watch a scheduled bridge lift from the walkways, allow additional time before or after your visit depending on the lift schedule.

Plan your visit to Tower Bridge

Things that can affect your visit duration

Security checks: Security screening takes place before entry and queues can become longer during busy periods, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Peak crowds: Visitor numbers are highest during weekends, school breaks, and summer months, which can slow movement through popular exhibition areas.
Exhibition displays: Taking time to read the historical panels, engineering exhibits, and interactive displays can add considerably to your overall visit.
Photography stops: Many visitors spend extra time capturing photos on the Glass Floors and enjoying views of the Thames and skyline.
Bridge lifts: If a scheduled bridge lift coincides with your visit, you may choose to wait and watch the bascules in action.