Tower Bridge, often confused with London Bridge to the west, is one of the capital’s iconic landmarks, known all over the world. It was built between 1886 and 1894 and connects Southwark on the south bank of the Thames with Tower Hamlets on the north, on the eastern edge of the City of London close by the Tower of London. This part of the Thames was known as the Pool of London in the Victorian era and was the busiest port in the world. The bridge is characterised by is Gothic towers opening roadways, or bascules. It is a sight worth seeing when the bascules open and a ship passes through. That happens about 800 times a year, roughly twice a day.
It’s easy enough to walk across Tower Bridge for free, but visitors can also pay to tour the Victorian engine rooms, see an exhibition of the bridge’s history and even cross a glass walkway 138 feet (42 metres) above the river. Private tours are also available.