Self-guided visits for schools

Bring your class to enjoy Tower Bridge at a time and date that suits you. A self-guided visit allows you to visit on your own accord.

We recommend preparing in advance so you can get the most of the Towers, high-level Walkways and Victorian Engine Rooms with your students whilst discovering the fascinating heritage behind the Bridge along the way.

Self-guided visits cost £5.36 per child. Accompanying adults within the recommended ratios are free of charge (one free adult per six children in KS1 and one free adult per ten children in KS2). Additional adults outside these ratios cost £10.72 per adult. These rates apply to UK schools, bringing children aged 5 - 16 years old (under 5s visit for free).

To book your visit, please email bookings@towerbridge.org.uk.

Your school may also be eligible to claim funds towards the cost of your trip from the City School Visits Fund.

School Visits Fund

The School Visits Fund may be able to support your visit to Tower Bridge.

This fund provides grants of up to £300 towards the cost of admission, transport and teacher cover.

School Visits Fund website

What will my class see on a self-guided visit?

Start at the Ticket Office then climb the steps to the top of the North Tower (a lift is also available for an accessible visit, more information is available on our Access page). Here, you will see archive footage of Victorian London just after Tower Bridge was completed in 1894. Take in the bricks and metal frames that form the main structure of the landmark – a stark contrast to the ornate stonework you see outside.

Tower Bridge has two Walkways that cross the Thames – one facing east and one facing west – with unrivalled views across London. See which famous buildings you can spot before having fun on the Glass Floors together.

After visiting the Walkways, pause for a moment in the South Tower to watch a short film about iconic moments in Tower Bridge’s history. Next, descend to ground level and follow the blue line to the Engine Rooms, where you will discover the impressive machines used to open the Bridge during Victorian times and beyond.

How long will a self-guided visit take?

We recommend allowing 90 minutes for your self-guided visit to Tower Bridge.

Your pupils will then have plenty of time to enjoy themselves whilst learning all about the history of this iconic feat of Victorian engineering.

Are there any resources to help with a self-guided visit?

Before your visit, download and print out our free self-guided visit resources. These packs contain background information for teachers about the history of Tower Bridge and its heritage, including a suggested trail, key facts about notable places on the Bridge, an explanation about the scientific processes used in the Engine Rooms and discussion prompts to use on the day.

The pack also contains four worksheets for your pupils to fill in during their visit (pages 10 to 13) – along with the answers to each one (page 9).

Curriculum links: History, STEM, English

Topics: Bridges, Rivers, London, the Victorians

Download KS1 self-guided visit PDF here

Download KS2 self-guided visit PDF here

Our free learning resources for KS1 and KS2 pupils are a fantastic way to consolidate learning after a visit to Tower Bridge. Download them here.

Where do I need to go on the day?

Bring your group and booking documents to the Ticket Office, located at the base of the North West Tower, at the time and date stated on your tickets. (See the map on your booking document/E-ticket.)

Tower Bridge can be accessed via public transport on a variety of different routes. See the Transport for London Journey Planner to find your quickest way here.

Children on school trip inside Tower Bridge

What do I need to do before my self-guided visit?

We recommend that teachers visit Tower Bridge in advance of their trip to familiarise themselves with the attraction’s layout and to conduct a risk assessment. To book a complimentary pre-visit ticket, please email learning@towerbridge.org.uk.

You may also want to download this Visual Story to help pupils plan their trip in more detail prior to arrival.

Is Tower Bridge accessible?

Yes. Tower Bridge is accessible with two lifts up to the Walkways, in the North and South Towers.

We also have a range of facilities to assist visitors on the day of their trip.

Please be aware that due to unforeseen circumstances, lifts may be out of order at short notice. We advise you to contact our bookings team via email at bookings@towerbridge.org.uk or by calling 020 7407 9191 between Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Acess for all

Is there anywhere to eat lunch?

We don’t have a dedicated lunch space or café inside Tower Bridge.

However, you can enjoy a packed lunch and wonderful views across the Thames from Potters Fields Park, which is right next door.

Frequently asked questions

What's not included on a self-guided visit?

The following are not included on a self-guided visit:

A guided tour detailing the fascinating history of Tower Bridge led by one of our expert guides.
A workshop facilitated by a member of our Learning team.

Find out more about our range of facilitated school workshops, including Raise Tower Bridge, Bridge Builders and The Victorian Thames. These engaging, hands-on sessions are suitable for KS1, KS2 and KS3 learners.