About us

Royal Yacht Brittania sailing through Tower Bridge. Credit: Topfoto

London's defining landmark

Tower Bridge was built in 1894, to ease road traffic while maintaining river access to the busy Pool of London docks.

Built with giant movable roadways that lift up for passing ships, it is to this day considered an engineering marvel and beyond being one of London’s favourite icons.

It is one of the most famous and instantly recognisable structures in the entire world.

Tower Bridge's history

See inside

Since 1982, visitors have been able to see inside Tower Bridge and discover the history of the Bridge and the people who built it.

Visitors can experience the exciting Glass Floors and spectacular panoramic views from the high-level Walkways, as well as the Victorian Engine Rooms, which house the beautiful steam engines that once powered the Bridge lifts.

This must-see attraction is the only way to explore London's defining landmark.

Tower Bridge is accredited with Visit England's Gold Accolade and has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence.

See inside Tower Bridge

The Götheborg of Sweden by Edward Hasler

The working bridge

Under the Corporation of London (Tower Bridge) Act 1885, the City of London Corporation is required to raise the Bridge to provide access to and egress from the Upper Pool of London for registered vessels with a mast or superstructure of 30 feet or more.

The service is provided free of charge subject to 24 hours’ notice and is available any time, day or night, 365 days per year. The Bridge is raised around 850 times each year.

Bridge lift times

City Bridge Foundation

Opened on 30 June 1894, Tower Bridge was built by and is owned and managed by the charity City Bridge Foundation - historically known as Bridge House Estates.

City Bridge Foundation

City Bridge Foundation was founded around 900 years ago to maintain the old London Bridge, using income from bridge tolls, rents and bequests. Today, it owns and maintains Tower Bridge and London, Southwark, Millennium and Blackfriars bridges - at no cost to the taxpayer.

As well as being a world class bridge owner, City Bridge Foundation is also London's largest independent charity funder, using surplus from the bridge fund to support organisations working to make London a fairer, more equitable place. It awards over £30 million in grants every year to charities across the capital.

As part of City Bridge Foundation, any profit generated by Tower Bridge is invested directly into the capital in the form of charitable grant making funds so by visiting Tower Bridge, visitors will help to support worthy causes across London.

City Bridge Foundation history

City of London Corporation

The sole trustee of City Bridge Foundation is the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the 'Square Mile' - the historic heart of London since Roman times.

The City of London Corporation is older than Parliament and its experience and tradition underpin its modern role as the provider of key services. Elected Members, headed by the Lord Mayor, operate on a non-party political basis.

Tower Bridge adheres to its relevant plans and polices including:

Safeguarding policy

Modern slavery statement

More City of London policies

The Monument surrounded by buildings with a blue, cloudy sky.

What else can I see and do in the City?

Find out what's open in the Square Mile by visiting the City of London website.

Or view our list of attractions which are all provided by the City of London, including Guildhall Art Gallery and The Monument to the Great Fire of London:

Explore the City