Passing through the capital of the United Kingdom, one of the largest cities in Europe? Here’s how to visit the London Bridge, one of its emblematic monuments!
London's bridge over the Thames, in the heart of the British metropolis, connects Southwark and Newington. It is located right next to the Tower Bridge and is often taken for it. This bridge, which is almost 2000 years old, has in its modern version only forty years of existence. However, its 263 meters long are part of the city’s must-sees, and visitors come from far to admire it.
Apart from traditional guided tours and exciting historical explanations, you can easily access nearby attractions and monuments. The Shard , Borough Market or the unusual Wait for you!
London is a very unique and unforgettable city, and it would be a shame to come without a tour at the London Bridge. If you want to spend a few hours of your stay, you are in the right place. Prepared by Wanderlix, here are some tips to visit the London Bridge in all relaxation. Let’s go!
History of the London Bridge
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Milan Gonda
It is important to know that instead of the current London Bridge, a modest wooden bridge already existed during the Roman occupation. Yes, in the year 50 of our era! It was replaced in the 12th century, modernization requires a more robust stone bridge. It was gradually strengthened by successive governments and held a rather macabre role from the eighteenth century. Indeed, we used the majestic door on the south shore to display the... heads of death row inmates.
The London Bridge was then the exemplary support of London justice! In 1831, it was decided to rebuild it in granite, a rare and expensive material, to highlight the power and wealth of the Victorian regime. But the work, which was at risk of collapse, was dismantled in 1969... the current bridge, designed by architect Harold King, was installed in 1973.
Our tips to visit the London Bridge
Best times of the year
When you want to visit the London Bridge, you must obviously think about the right time to go there. London, a great European metropolis, is one of the most touristic cities in the world. So much to tell you that going there during the summer season can be difficult or discouraging... it is necessary to book attractions and wellness accommodation in advance to benefit from the sun of summer (yes, it is often in London!).
The ideal is to visit the London Bridge at the Spring or during the Indian if you can. The good weather will normally be the part and the influx of tourists will be less likely.
The best way to discover the London Bridge
Visiting the London Bridge can be done in a multitude of ways. The ideal is to walk it, but you can also take advantage of the bike, which democratizes in London. Electric scooters are, they are, banned although tolerated... unless you commit an offence, which will be heavily punished. Prefer to pass!
What about the Brexit?
You may not have escaped: London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is no longer a European city from 31 January 2020. But since the United Kingdom was not a member of the Schengen area, a passport or identity card was already needed to get there.
At the moment, status quo: the conditions of access to the country do not change. Your European health insurance card is also valid for the moment. Negotiations continue to determine what will change concretely for the traveller from the European Union.
Do not hesitate to consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website beforehand to avoid any disappointment.
What to see and what to do at the London Bridge?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – blazg
You can enjoy a pretty walk Simple when you come to visit the London Bridge, of course. The area, very touristy, offers many restaurants and shops are present on both shores... Ideal for having fun or bringing a souvenir to his friends.
Moreover, this area is full of tourist attractions. The famous Tower Bridge – with which it should not be mistaken – is only 800 metres away! This swing bridge is an emblematic monument in London, and many tourist tours stop there. You can also discover the famous HMS Belfast a British cruiser of the Second World War. Amarré all prepared, this legendary ship welcomes a large number of tourists who come to learn more about the country’s military history.
Des guided tours or cruises are organized all year round around. But they focus mainly on the Tower Bridge, much more renowned than the London Bridge.
That's it! Do you know him? London Bridge Experience ? This fun and educational attraction is one of the most important in the city, for sure! It all starts with a guided tour showing the history of the bridge in any detail. Then you will sink into the very structure of the London Bridge, transformed into catacombs, where actors disguised as zombies will ensure the show. Amusing and quite short (45 minutes), this activity is one of the few organized within the bridge itself. And it costs only 30 euros: enjoy it!
How much does a London Bridge ticket cost?
Good news for who would like to visit the London Bridge: the monument is accessible anytime, and free! Of course, if you opt for a guided tour in the area, you will have to agree to pay a few pounds. Although some are free or included in tourist formulas like the London Pass.
How do I book a London Bridge ticket online?
Photo credit: Facebook – The London Bridge Experience & London Tombs
Visiting the London Bridge is totally free and does not request an entry ticket. It is therefore unnecessary to seek to buy a ticket.
For guided tours or the London Bridge Experience it may be convenient to book before you leave. Depending on the season, you can quickly face a tourist saturation making places little available!
How do I access the London Bridge?
The advantage, when you visit the London Bridge, is that this exceptional monument is located precisely... in London. This is undoubtedly one of the best cities served by public transport in Europe! You have the embarrassment to go to the London Bridge.
You can therefore go to the London Bridge:
- By metro, The Jubilee and Northern lines will lead you to London Bridge Station and the Circle and District lines at the nearby Monument Station.
- By bus, many lines stop at the London Bridge. Here are the lines 17, 40, 43, 48, 133, 141, 521, N21, N35, or N133...there are many! The route is very well served by the famous London buses. This can give you the opportunity to try this charming way of transport, which has become a real art of living in London over the decades.
- River shuttles are also an interesting, pleasant and rather original option. The famous Thames clippers, the tourist boats sailing on the Thames, stop at the London Bridge City Pier, a nearby shipyard.
If you opted for ease and move walking or cycling , it’s even easier... the London Bridge is located close to the Tower Bridge or the Tower of London . These are two of the most famous monuments in London. All you have to do is get there and get back to the river, west side: you have arrived!
Where to stay near the London Bridge?
When you want to visit the London Bridge, you need to be interested in the area of Southwark and Newington . On site you will find several types of accommodation to choose according to your wishes, and your budget. The neighbourhoods have an advantage: very touristic, it houses a lot of hotel and type housing Airbnb .
For hotels, we recommend the simplicity of the Citizen M or the sleek London Bridge Hotel. This four-star hotel faces the famous bridge. Whatever your choice, think about using a Compare hotels to find the best prices.
Just take your luggage to London! Have a nice trip!
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