Tower Bridge is one of the main symbols of London and an important transport hub connecting the banks of the Thames. This landmark is distinguished by its unique design, because the bridge is simultaneously a suspension and a drawbridge.
More than 40,000 cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists use Tower Bridge every year. And to protect it from destruction, the speed of any transport should not exceed 32 km / h. Now the bridge is pulled apart much less often, since the intensity of the passage of ships has changed, but they still have priority over land transport.
Sights history
Tower Bridge was built in the neo-Gothic style, it got its name from its proximity to the Tower. The need for its construction appeared at the end of the 19th century, when England was actively expanding international economic and political relations. In 1884, a construction project was approved that did not spoil the view of London and was in harmony with the Tower. On June 21, 1886, construction began, and 8 years later, a new transport hub was opened. The construction of the bridge spent 1, 184 million pounds. To breed it, a control system was created, powered by hydraulics and pumping motors. Despite the complexity and heaviness of the structure, parts of the bridge could be lifted in 5 minutes.
The bridge was brown for a long time, but in 1977 it was painted blue, white and red to celebrate the Queen's jubilee.
Features of Tower Bridge
The total length of this structure is 244 meters. It consists of two towers 65 meters high, the distance between them is 61 meters. An upper gallery is located above the main bridge, which allows walking on the structure even if the lower part is pulled apart. The height distance between the main part and the gallery is 42 meters.
The bridge towers are made of steel, Portland stone and Cornish granite. Inside these elements there are 2 lifts, each with a capacity of up to 30 people. The opening of the bridge takes place 5-7 times a week, but any vessel with a height of 9-42 meters can apply to pass under it. This procedure is carried out free of charge for the owner of the vessel, it is paid by a charity organization in London.
Tourists, going to Tower Bridge, can not only admire this structure, but also enjoy the breathtaking views from the gallery. To the east are St. Catherine's Docks and the Greenwich Observatory, to the west of the City with the skyscraper and The Shard.
Excursions, address and how to get there
There is a museum on the territory of the Tower Bridge, its opening hours are as follows: from April to September it receives tourists from 10.00 to 18.00, from October to March - from 09.30 to 17.30. The ticket price has been reduced for children from 5 to 15 years old, students and pensioners over 60 years old. For children under 5 years old, disabled people and their attendants, admission is free. Weekends in the gallery only from December 24 to 26, January 1 it is open from 12.00. There is also an exhibition "The Tower Bridge Experience", which consists of several parts. First, tourists are shown a film about the attraction, then they are invited to the pedestrian walkways to enjoy views of London, and the event ends with a visit to the Victorian engine room.
The exact address of the attraction is London, Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP, UK. You can get to Tower Bridge by taxi, buses 42 and 15, or by metro. In the latter case, you need to get to Tower Hill or London Bridge station.
