How long does the visit to Tower Bridge last?

It will take about 1 hour to explore Tower Bridge in its entirety.

Is entry time different for guided tours vs. standard tickets?

All standard and guided tickets require booking a specific time slot within the official Tower Bridge hours. Arriving early for guided tours is recommended, but the entry process is the same as for standard tickets.

How long should I allocate to explore the exhibition?

The self-guided tour through the North Tower, Glass Walkway, and Engine Rooms typically takes about 60 to 90 mins to explore in its entirety.

What is the latest entry time available?

The last admission is at 5pm. You must arrive before this time, even if you have a pre-booked ticket, to ensure you can complete the tour.

Will public transportation be available if I visit in the evening?

Yes, London's public transport (Tube and bus) operates well into the late evening and night, so you will have no issue getting home if you visit Tower Bridge during its final Tower Bridge opening times.

What time does the gift shop close?

The gift shop closes concurrently with the exhibition at 6pm. You should ensure you leave adequate time during your visit to browse the shop before closing.

Is Tower Bridge open on public holidays like Christmas Day?

Tower Bridge is typically closed only on December 24, 25, and 26. It generally remains open on other UK public holidays, but checking the official Tower Bridge opening times is always advised. However, you can check out Tower Bridge's <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="" id="2r97GTyY" shortCodeType="link" relationTo="pages" documentId="68347317d3daac3297d3957e" text="Winter by the River Christmas Market" uid="www.london-tickets.co.uk.tower-bridge.christmas" lang="en" />.

What is the "Relaxed Opening" session, and when is it held?

The Relaxed Opening is a specific session with lower visitor numbers and reduced sensory input. It is usually held on the second Saturday of every month, providing calm Tower Bridge hours for visitors with sensory needs.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, or can I buy them on arrival?

It is strongly recommended to book tickets in advance online. This secures your entry time within the busy Tower Bridge hours and guarantees access, especially during peak tourist season.

What time does the ticket office close?

The ticket office closes at 5pm, which is the same time as the last admission. You must arrive before this time to purchase a ticket to visit Tower Bridge.

Can the bridge lift schedule affect the exhibition hours?

No, the bridge lifting (bascule operation) does not typically affect the exhibition's set Tower Bridge opening times or its general hours, as the exhibition is located in the towers and walkways.

Tower Bridge Opening Times & Hours 2025

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	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 (Today)	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.

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Tower Bridge and Engine Rooms Entry Tickets

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

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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.
Note: Entry during this time slot is exclusively reserved for Relaxed Opening ticket holders. The exhibition reopens to the general public at 11:30am, but Relaxed Opening visitors are welcome to stay for as long as they like.

Key features:

Limited crowds: Visitor numbers are strictly controlled to ensure a serene atmosphere.
Controlled noise: Hand dryers are turned off, and loud soundscapes or video volumes throughout the Towers and Engine Rooms are significantly reduced.
Staff support: All staff members working during this time receive specialised disability awareness training.
Planning tools: Access a Visual Story to help prepare for and navigate the tour before your arrival.
Sensory assistance: Access Toolkits containing sensory items are available for use by visitors who may feel overwhelmed by the new environment.

How long should I spend at Tower Bridge?

Standard visit

Recommended duration: 60–90 mins

This allows enough time to fully experience the Tower Bridge Exhibition: ascend the North Tower, walk across the Glass Walkway, and explore the Victorian Engine Rooms. Ideal for visitors focusing on the main highlights.

Comprehensive visit

Recommended duration: 1.5–2 hours

Allocate this extra time if you wish to read all the historical displays in the Towers, fully explore the exhibits, and follow the Blue Line plaques in detail.

With the bridge lift

Recommended duration: 2+ hours

If you plan to witness the bascules rising from the walkways (check the schedule), you must factor in the waiting time. The full event adds significantly to your total time at the Tower Bridge.

Plan your visit to Tower Bridge

Frequently asked questions about Tower Bridge opening times

The least crowded times to visit Tower Bridge are generally right after the Tower Bridge opening times at 9:30am or in the late afternoon (after 3:30pm). This is when the tourist rush subsides.