Blackfriars Bridge

The Basics

Not to be confused with Blackfriars Railway Bridge to the east, Blackfriars Bridge is a major London bridge with history dating back centuries. Named for the Dominican monastery that once stood at its northern end, the bridge links the City of London with the South Bank. The original bridge was constructed in 1769 and demolished in 1860; today's version dates to 1869.

Admire the bridge's painted iron arches and its stone sculptures, which include pulpit-shaped pillars and carvings of swans and sea birds, as you walk or drive across, or from a Thames river cruise. The landmark also features on various walking tour itineraries of London, including lively pub crawls.

Things to Know Before You Go

• As Blackfriars Bridge is 922 feet (281 meters) across; it takes only a few minutes to walk the landmark.

• At the northern end of the bridge, look for a memorial statue of Queen Victoria.

• Blackfriars Bridge is one of the many London bridges that cross the Thames.

How to Get There

Blackfriars Station is steps from Blackfriars Bridge and is served by the Central and District Underground lines, as well as Thameslink and Southeastern rail services. Blackfriars Pier is also nearby, for those traveling by boat. The bridge can additionally be reached on foot, by bike, or by car.

When to Get There

Blackfriars Bridge is open daily, except during rare special occasions (including New Year’s Eve and the Lord Mayor’s Show). Time your stroll with late afternoon or early evening to admire views of the London skyline lit up during the golden hour.

Moments in History and Popular Culture

Written about by Harold Pinter and Neil Gaiman and featured in films ranging from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix to The Avengers, Blackfriars Bridge has long held a place in popular culture. The landmark also has certain macabre associations due to the death of Roberto Calvi, an Italian banker who was murdered by the mafia and found hanging from the bridge in 1982.

Ways to explore

Not to be confused with Blackfriars Railway Bridge to the east, Blackfriars Bridge is a major London bridge named for a Dominican monastery that once stood nearby. It’s now the widest of London’s bridges over the Thames—and one of the nine lit up at night as part of the long-term Illuminated River art installation.

Admire the bridge’s painted iron arches and its stone sculptures as you walk or drive across, or from a Thames river cruise. The landmark also features on various walking tour itineraries of London.

Accessibility

The Blackfriars Underground and train stations are wheelchair accessible. Access to South Bank’s Queen’s Walk from the southern end of Blackfriars Bridge has some steps.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Foldable umbrella, reusable drink bottle

What to wear

Comfy shoes, season-appropriate coat or jacket, sun or warm hat (depending on the season)

Not allowed

Dropping anything from the bridge is prohibited.

Amenities

Head to the Blackfriars station on the northern side of the river to find public restrooms.

Address

Blackfriars Bridge links the City of London in the north with the South Bank in the south, and is west of the pedestrianized Millennium Bridge. Cross the bridge on foot, by bike, by bus, or by car.

Driving

While it’s difficult and expensive to drive through central London, driving across the bridge is one of the most direct ways of getting from St. Paul’s Cathedral to the Tate Modern or Shakespeare’s Globe.

Public transportation

Blackfriars Station is steps from Blackfriars Bridge and is served by the Underground, Thameslink, and Southeastern rail services. Buses cross the bridge and stop at either end, and a River Bus stops weekdays at nearby Blackfriars Pier.

Best times to visit

Time your stroll with late afternoon or early evening to admire views of the London skyline lit up during the golden hour.

Best days to visit

Blackfriars Bridge is open daily. It may be less congested with traffic on the weekends.

Best months to visit

London is a year-round destination, but it tends to be busiest with tourists between May and August. Come during alternate seasons for a less crowded experience.

Special events

Although Blackfriars Bridge is open almost every day, it does close during some major events and festivals, such as on New Year’s Eve.