Tower Bridge is world-famous for many reasons: its iconic architecture; its location in the heart of London; and that it opens for vessels. In fact, around 800 vessels still pass through the bascules each year. 

The types of boats, barges and ships that visit continue to change, from cargo vessels and paddle steamers to pleasure cruises and royal yachts. We’ve taken a look through our archives to find some of the most interesting and iconic boats and ships that have passed through Tower Bridge and present ten of the best Bridge Lifts below.

The British seaside getaway is an iconic part of the country’s history. Ice cream, arcades, beaches and piers; what’s not to love.

In 1932 the Royal Eagle was one of the biggest, fastest, luxury paddle steamers, ferrying passengers between London and several seaside destinations including Southend-on-sea, Ramsgate and Margate. Between 1932 and 1938, it’s estimated it carried more than three million passengers – that’s half a million passengers every summer.

The Royal Eagle would take day trippers through Tower Bridge and along the Thames towards Ramsgate and Clacton. Guests were treated to fine dining and relaxing lounges. Passengers snooze on deck, and, as was the fashion of the day, almost everyone wore a hat.

You can still take this journey on either pleasure Steamers Waverley & Balmoral, which depart from Tower Pier. You can sail back in time aboard these wonderful historic passenger ships to the Kent and Essex coasts and to the historic Thames Forts.

On the morning of 15 May 2004, the STS Lord Nelson set off along the Thames towards Tower Bridge and the Pool of London, expecting the Bridge to lift. The impressive three-mast vessel, along with the SV Tenacious, were the only wheelchair accessible tall ships in the world, built so that both disabled and non-disabled people could sail as crew.

As the vessel approached Tower Bridge, they radioed ahead, as is normal procedure, but received no response. As the Nelson got closer and closer to the the Bridge, further attempts to contact were met with silence and the Bridge didn’t look like it was ready to open. Finally, through Woolwich Radio, the crew had made contact with the staff at Tower Bridge and it was ascertained that no Bridge Lift had been booked! The experienced crew set to action to turn the boat around in time… but it was too late.

Due to the current, and the proximity to other vessels the Lord Nelson struck the south pier of Tower Bridge just after 10am. Fortunately, no one was injured and there was very little damage to the ship.

A later enquiry vindicated Tower Bridge authorities, after it established that no notice for a Bridge Lift had been sent or received.

The Lord Nelson was decommissioned in 2019 but the SV Tenacious still sails today.