Westminster Bridge

The Basics

Many city tours cross Westminster Bridge on their way between the South Bank and the Palace of Westminster. Open-top hop-on hop-off buses offer a unique vantage point of several Thameside landmarks, while bike or walking tours allow time to admire the bridge’s decorative features and pose for pictures against the scenic backdrop. Cruise tours often pass beneath, providing panoramic vistas of both banks, as well as an intimate glimpse of the iconic structure itself.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Film and TV buffs may recognise the landmark from Doctor Who, James Bond, or 28 Days Later.

• The V&A–crested lamps and neo-Gothic features are popular with architectural enthusiasts.

• The bridge’s flat, wide paths are wheelchair-accessible.

How to Get There

Westminster is the closest Underground station, within a minute of the bridge, while Waterloo is the closest mainline station. River-bus tours stop at Westminster pier, and the bridge is also served by many local and sightseeing-bus services.

When to Get There

Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy some of the best sunset views across the Thames. Visitors to the capital around New Year can purchase tickets ahead of time to watch the annual firework show from the bridge.

The Green Arches

As you explore, notice the green coloring of the Grade II–listed bridge, which corresponds to the green leather seats in the House of Commons. The next bridge south, Lambeth Bridge, is painted red, to match the red leather seats in the House of Lords. It’s possible to see these, and learn more about the unusual structure of British parliament, on a tour of Westminster Palace itself.

Ways to explore

If you’re sightseeing in central London, then it’s highly likely you’ll come across Westminster Bridge, thanks to its proximity to many landmarks. The bridge is open to both pedestrians and cars, and anyone can stroll across and capture photos of the skyline.

Many city tours cross this Victorian structure; open-top hop-on hop-off buses offer a unique vantage point of several riverside landmarks, while bike or walking tours allow time to admire the bridge’s decorative features and pose for pictures against the scenic backdrop. Cruise tours often pass beneath, providing panoramic vistas of both banks, as well as an intimate glimpse of the structure itself.

Accessibility

The bridge is fully accessible with wide pedestrian paths on both sides, and there’s step-free access at both ends.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, weather protection (umbrella/sunscreen depending on season), and a map or smartphone for navigation

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, layers

Not allowed

Cycling on the pedestrian paths, drones

Amenities

No amenities on the bridge itself, but public toilets are available at nearby underground stations, and there are plenty of cafés, shops, and restaurants close to both ends.

Address

Westminster Bridge is right in the thick of things, within walking distance of many London attractions. It’s accessible in several ways, though walking and public transportation are the most popular.

Driving

While you could drive to Westminster Bridge, navigating central London isn’t recommended due to congestion charges, limited parking, and heavy traffic. If necessary, approach via the A302 from Parliament Square or the A3212 from Victoria.

Public transportation

Westminster Bridge is best reached via the tube. Take the Jubilee, Circle, or District lines to Westminster station on the north side, or the Jubilee, Northern, or Bakerloo lines to Waterloo on the south side. Multiple bus routes serve both areas, and River Bus services stop at nearby Westminster Pier, too.

Best times to visit

Early morning offers a more peaceful experience and photography without the crowds, while sunset boasts spectacular golden hour views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Come late evening to see the illuminated cityscape.

Best days to visit

Tuesday through Thursday typically have fewer tourists than weekends. Avoid Saturday afternoons when tourist numbers peak.

Best months to visit

April, May, and early June offer pleasant weather, longer daylight hours, and smaller crowds than July and August. September has warm days with fewer tourists than summer, and December is magical with Christmas lights and the city’s holiday atmosphere.

Special events

New Year’s Eve fireworks (December 31); London Marathon when runners cross the bridge (April); Thames Festival (September); Totally Thames (September); Lord Mayor’s Show with river pageantry (November); Chinese New Year water processions (January/February depending on lunar calendar).