London Bridge

The basics

Many visitors see the bridge on a tour of London, whether it be a guided evening cycling excursion, a cruise down the River Thames, or a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Some travelers also traverse the famous bridge on a walking tour or on their way to the London Bridge Experience and London Tombs, top attractions in the area (and included in the London Pass scheme). However you plan to explore, get your London Bridge tickets early, as tours in this area are usually well-attended.

The London Bridge Experience, situated within the still-standing vaults of the old 19th-century bridge, brings visitors on an interactive tour through time, with costumed actors enacting episodes from the bridge's two-millennia-long history. As part of the experience, the London Tombs tour guides take travelers to a former plague pit to relive some gruesome incidents from centuries past.

Things to know before you go

• Bring a camera to take photos of the HMS Belfast, the Tower of London and Tower Hill, and the City of London's skyscrapers—the bridge offers views of these top attractions in London.

• Visit at night to see the shimmering lights of London reflected on the River Thames.

• Bring a raincoat to protect yourself from London's frequent downpours.

How to get there

If you plan to visit the London landmark, take the tube to Monument station (via the District or Circle line) at the north end of the bridge or to London Bridge station (via the Northern or Jubilee line) at the south end. London Bridge also serves as a rail station, with routes running across greater London and beyond.

When to get there

There are no opening times to worry about at London Bridge—it's always accessible to pedestrians and traffic. It's best to avoid visiting during the morning and evening rush hours, when commuting city workers crowd the sidewalks. Mid-mornings and mid-afternoons are quieter.

The sale of London Bridge

Perhaps the most famous story associated with this icon is one of mistaken identity. In the 1960s, the crumbling 1831-built London Bridge was purchased for a tidy sum by American businessman Robert P. McCulloch, who—according to rumor—believed he had secured the much more magnificent Tower Bridge. Either way, McCulloch had the last laugh, relocating the 19th-century bridge to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, where it's now a major tourist draw.

Is London Bridge worth visiting?

Even though it's often confused with the iconic Tower Bridge, London Bridge is worth visiting. From the bridge, you can enjoy views of top London landmarks, and the food hotspot of Borough Market is just a few minutes' walk away. It's also close to the family-friendly London Bridge Experience.

Can you visit London Bridge on a tour?

Yes, you can visit London Bridge on a tour. Hop-on, hop-off buses travel over the bridge and stop on either side, while London sightseeing tours nearly always cover the area–home to a wealth of cultural and historical attractions such as Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral.

How long does it take to walk across London Bridge?

It takes around 10–15 minutes to walk across London Bridge. This doesn't include time to stop to snap photos of major London landmarks such as The Shard, The Gherkin, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. From London Bridge station, the start of the bridge is a 10-minute walk.

Is London Bridge accessible?

London Bridge is fully accessible, with well-paved roads ideal for wheelchairs and strollers. London Bridge station is also a category A station for accessibility, meaning there’s step-free access between the overground and underground train lines. Rush hour crowds in the pre- and post-work hours may hinder accessibility somewhat, so try to visit outside those times.

How much time should I spend at London Bridge?

You should spend around 2-3 hours exploring the London Bridge area. This allows you to walk across the bridge and snap photos of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament; visit the London Bridge Experience; and feast your taste buds on the artisan offerings of Borough Market, which is just a 5-minute walk from London Bridge itself.

Can you see London Bridge on a bus tour?

Yes, London bus tours typically travel over London Bridge and stop at either side of the famous structure. They also tend to travel over other central London bridges—such as Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge—from which you can enjoy great views of London Bridge.

Ways to explore

Many visitors see London Bridge on a tour of London, whether it’s a guided bike ride, a cruise down the River Thames, or a hop-on hop-off bus. Some travelers also traverse the famous bridge on a walking tour or en route to the London Bridge Experience and London Tombs (included in the London Pass scheme). As well as general sightseeing tours, you may pass the bridge on themed excursions, such as food crawls, trips to Harry Potter locations, or spooky ghost walks.

Accessibility

Many sightseeing tours that pass London Bridge are accessible to wheelchair users, such as sightseeing bus tours with ramps.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Many guided sightseeing buses offer headphones, so you don’t need to bring your own, but it’s a good idea to bring bottled water and snacks.

What to wear

Layers for London’s unpredictable weather, comfortable shoes

Not allowed

While the rules differ per tour, most don’t allow large suitcases, bikes, or drones.

Amenities

There are restroom facilities in London Bridge station and many restaurants nearby.

Address

London Bridge is in central London, linking the City of London with Southwark across the Thames. It’s easy to reach by public transport, and many walking tours stop here to explore the area.

Driving

Driving to London Bridge from central areas via the A3200 can take around 30 minutes, depending on traffic and starting point. Parking near the bridge is limited, and public transport is more convenient.

Public transportation

Public transport is the easiest way to reach London Bridge. Take the tube to Monument station (District or Circle line) for the north end, or London Bridge station (Northern or Jubilee line) for the south.

Best times to visit

There are no specific opening times for London Bridge—it’s always accessible to pedestrians and traffic. It’s best to avoid rush hours, so mid–morning or mid–afternoon is ideal.

Best days to visit

There isn’t really a best day to see the bridge itself, although weekdays are quieter if you plan to visit some of the nearby attractions.

Best months to visit

London Bridge is an outdoor attraction, so it’s best to visit during the milder months, such as spring or summer, from May through September.

Special events

There aren’t any specific events on the bridge itself, but the Totally Thames Festival—typically in September—celebrates London’s famous river with a jam-packed schedule of events and education programmes.