Visitors to London have many incredible sights to choose from in this historic city. Two of the most popular are the London Bridge and Tower Bridge. It’s perhaps not surprising that many people often confuse the two bridges, believing that they are the same or not knowing that two separate bridges exist.
For those who are planning a trip to London, here is a brief history of both bridges, their significance, and the many things to see, do, and eat when visiting this part of the city.
London Bridge
This bridge which connects London with Southwark is the latest of the several iterations of the bridge which goes back to Roman times. Finished in 1973, the latest version of the bridge is quite modern in design. It allows a large amount of vehicular and pedestrian traffic to flow across. The bridge itself is several meters upstream from where the previous London Bridge stood and is of the box girder design crafted from steel and concrete.
The first London Bridge was constructed around 55AD by the Romans to help consolidate their holdings in England. The location for the bridge was arguably chosen because it was shallow and often used as a ford for many centuries. The original bridge only lasted for around five years as it was destroyed during a revolt. But it has been rebuilt many times since.
The most famous of the London bridges lasted from 1209 to 1831 and took 33 years to fully construct. It had a drawbridge to allow for sailing ships to pass and gatehouses for protection. Up to 200 buildings were constructed on the bridge which helped make it a fire hazard. Until 1729, London Bridge was the only road-crossing of the river downstream of the Kingston upon the Thames.
The bridge itself has been famously depicted in literature and art, but arguably its greatest claim to fame is a nursery rhyme, “London Bridge is Falling Down”.
Tower Bridge
Built between 1886 to 1894, the Tower Bridge is the more recognizable of the two bridges thanks to its iconic towers. So striking is the bridge that it is often mistakenly called the London Bridge which is less than half a mile upstream. Interestingly enough, the Tower Bridge does not connect London itself to the Southward Bank. But instead connects the bank to the Tower Hamlets.
Although the appearance of the bridge make it seem from the medieval era, it was constructed during Victorian times. Inside the towers are engines that allow the central span to be raised, allowing river traffic to flow through unimpeded. The bridge’s two towers are tied together near the top by two walkways which help the bridge remain stable.
If you plan to visit the bridge, keep in mind that the deck is free and accessible to both vehicles and pedestrians. If you want to visit the high-level walkways, along with the Tower Bridge Exhibition which includes Victorian engine rooms, then you will be charged an admission fee.
London Bridge vs. Tower Bridge
There is little doubt that the history of London Bridge makes it the more famous of the two, yet the Tower Bridge is the most iconic thanks to its remarkable towers which have come to symbolize the city. In terms of a tourist attraction, while the current London Bridge draws in the visitors, it is no match for the Tower Bridge.
Sadly, none of the previous versions of the London Bridge still exist, of which the Old London Bridge which lasted from 1209 to 1831 before being dismantled was arguably even more striking than the Tower Bridge. However, this is not to say that the current London Bridge is not recognizable. It has been part of art, literature, television, and movies. Arguably most notably for a famous scene with actor Hugh Grant crossing the bridge during rush hour in the film About a Boy. The bridge is used by residents and tourists alike to get a stunning view of London and the Thames.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit London is the months of March, April, and May. This is a time when the temperatures are mild, the parks are green, and the flowers are blooming which makes it an unforgettable experience. However, spring is also the busiest months of the year and prime tourist season. So, expect to pay more for hotels and transportation if you visit during this time.
You can also try for the early fall months of September and October which also offer warm weather, but far fewer crowds. While the green of London’s parks may fade to brown during this time, you will have greater access to the many tourist attractions.
For even fewer crowds, be sure to visit during the middle of the week and avoid weekends. This is when most people in the city work, so you should have greater access to must-see places such as the bridges, the Tower of London, and other attractions. Just be mindful that schools often schedule field trips for their students during this time.
Best Places to See
Given that both bridges are so close together, you can make a day of traveling through London on foot. This means crossing one bridge, visiting the locations on one side of the Thames as walk to the next bridge and cross back. While the most obvious places to see are the bridges themselves, there are several other attractions that will catch your eye.
HMS Belfast: The most important British warship remaining from the World War II era, the HMS Belfast offers an unforgettable trip to the past when Britain ruled the ocean. The cruiser spent much of her career guarding convoys across the Atlantic and is now one of the best museums in the city.
More London: Located along the River Thames, City Hall is a must-see location that offers great views of both bridges and provides a resting place before moving on to see the rest of the city.
Southwark Cathedral: Built in 1220, this is the oldest Gothic church in all of London. A spectacular structure, it offers a great place to gather and marvel at its construction.
The View from The Shard: The tallest building in London offers a spectacular view of the city, nearly 40 miles on a clear day. You can visit the location and take the elevator or lift up to the 72nd floor for a spectacular view.
Tower of London: Probably the most iconic part of London apart from Buckingham Palace, the tower is a short walk from the London Bridge and makes the perfect destination.
There are many other places to see and visit when strolling between the bridges. Just be sure to allocate enough time to take in the sights that you want and to enjoy the many local establishments for the food and beverages that they offer.
What to Eat
No day spent about both the Tower and London Bridges would be complete with getting a bite to eat and sampling the food and beverages that are sold in the area.
Aqua: This celebrated wine bar located near London Bridge offers a fabulous view and an incredible, modern atmosphere inside. The tall ceilings and sleek décor reveal that this is an expensive place to order wine and you better book ahead. But few wine bars are as stunning as this one.
Borough Market: If you are looking for the best place to shop for fresh produce, then the Borough Market is for you. Arguably the most renowned in all of London and located near the London Bridge, the market has existed for at least a thousand years, selling fresh produce and many other items to customers who traveled to and from London across the famous bridge.
Today, you can find all sorts of great produce and other foods that you will want to try when in London. At the very least, the Borough Market is an iconic part of the London area that is a must-visit location.
Elliot’s: One of the more celebrated restaurants, you can dine on a wide range of choices for a modest price. If you are undecided about what type of food you want, then Elliot’s is definitely the place to go not only for the selection but for the history of the restaurant itself.
Padella: This little Italian restaurant offers delicious pasta all for low prices. This makes Padella a budget-friendly choice when you are near London Bridge. If you have room for dessert, all the better as it can top off your visit to the bridges.
When it comes to London Bridge vs. Tower Bridge, the winning choice is to visit both and see the many marvelous sights that can be found in the area as well. From the famed Borough Market to the Tower of London and so much more, your visit to London Bridge and the Tower Bridge will make an unforgettable trip to one of the most historic cities in the world.
I will be there very soon, London is a great city for me and love it so much