Tower Bridge, with its impressive 19th-century architecture, stands as an iconic symbol of London. The bridge, adorned with its towering structures, also features a drawbridge that opens several times a day to allow ships to pass through. Unlike a regular schedule, the opening times vary based on demand.
When Tower Bridge was first constructed, it served a critical role. Located to the west was a bustling port that required a bridge capable of allowing tall ships to navigate the waters. This function remains important today, though the surroundings of the bridge have transformed significantly.
To the west of Tower Bridge now lies the vibrant South Bank area, known for its cultural landmarks and attractions. On the eastern side, visitors can explore the regenerated Butler's Wharf area, home to a selection of shops and charming riverside restaurants that offer delightful views of the Thames.
A visit to Tower Bridge wouldn't be complete without taking the lift to the top level. From there, visitors can enjoy stunning vistas of the city. For those who dare, glass floors provide a unique perspective of the bridge and the river below.
The bridge also houses a museum that details its fascinating history and engineering feats. Additionally, photographic exhibitions on the walkways between the towers offer a visual journey through time, showcasing the bridge's significance and evolution over the years.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_Bridge
Three large auditoriums, the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Cottesloe. The Olivier theatre is the largest with an open stage and a fan shaped auditorium around it. This ensures that all seats provide a good view. Most of the more 'popular' productions are put on here as the space provided is much larger than most theatres. The Lyttelton theatre is more traditional with a proscenium arc with good views from most seats. The Cottesloe is a small studio theatre, seating around 400. Some tickets will be available on the day, either day seats (arrive before 9:30AM and queue) or standby (arrive before 6PM and queue), or you can buy online. Popular shows, especially those around Christmas in the Olivier sell out months in advance. Tickets to The National Theatre are generally better value than most other theatres. There is also the '£15 Travelex' season in the summer (as of 2019) that provides a large number (over 100,000 seats a year) at £10. Booking in advance is required for these. There is also an exhibition space in the Lyttelton theatre foyer that frequently holds popular photographic exhibitions. Free jazz is often played in the evening in the ground floor foyer. During summer there is a free daily outdoor festival of performance, music, comedy and cabaret known as Watch This Space. Deckchairs (and artificial grass) are provided to watch on. Free exhibitions. Backstage tours £5.
Fine stone bridge linking Twickenham/St Margarets with Richmond. It is the oldest surviving Thames bridge in London, dating from 1777.
This park used to be the grounds of Lambeth Palace but has been a public park since 1901. In addition to the green space it provides, it contains a range of sports facilities (booking required, except for the cricket nets) and a playground.
Worth a quick visit if you are passing. The brick and stone neo-Byzantine Catholic Cathedral (not to be confused with the much more famous Westminster Abbey) is near Victoria Station, just off Victoria Street. Construction started in 1895, and some of the interior is still unfinished. The Treasures of Westminster Cathedral exhibition is inexpensive and worthwhile for learning the history of the cathedral, there are interesting exhibits including a 1:28 wooden scale model uses by the architects. Has a café and gift shop.
Eccentric Gothic home of 18th-century poet and author, Horace Walpole, son of England's first prime minister.
A royal residence which is still used by Prince William, Kate and their young family. Much of it is however open to the public and it is a very popular tourist attraction perhaps due as much to its association with Princess Diana as anything else. The King's Gallery here is a magnificent Regency period court drawing room and contains some impressive paintings including a Van Dyke. Also a nice restaurant on site called The Orangery.