When you’re standing on the south bank of the Thames in London, looking up at the unmistakable silhouette of Tower Bridge, it’s hard not to wonder what’s inside. Is it just a tourist trap? Or is there something real beneath the chrome and glass? The answer, for anyone who’s walked through the Tower Bridge Exhibition, is yes - and it’s more than just a view.
What’s Actually Inside the Tower Bridge Exhibition?
The Tower Bridge Exhibition isn’t just a ticket to walk across the bridge. It’s a layered experience that starts with the Victorian engine rooms, dives into the bridge’s mechanical heart, and ends with glass-floored walkways 42 metres above the Thames. You don’t just see London from above - you feel how it works.
The exhibition is split into three main zones: the high-level walkways, the Victorian engine rooms, and the interactive displays. The walkways are the star. Made of reinforced glass panels, they let you look straight down at the river and the traffic below. It’s not for the faint of heart - but if you’ve ever stood on the Shard’s viewing gallery or crossed the Millennium Bridge at rush hour, you’ll know this is London’s version of a thrilling but safe thrill.
Below, the original 1894 steam engines still sit in their brick-and-iron home. These weren’t just fancy decorations - they powered the bridge’s lifting mechanism until 1976. You can see the massive boilers, the hydraulic accumulators, and even the original hand-cranked control panel. It’s a time capsule of British engineering, and it’s still working. On rare occasions, the bridge still lifts for tall ships - something you can check live on the official website before you go.
Why This Matters to Londoners
If you live in London, you’ve probably driven over Tower Bridge a hundred times without thinking twice. But the exhibition turns that routine into reverence. It’s not just about the bridge - it’s about the city’s identity. Tower Bridge was built because the Port of London was choking under trade. By 1880, ships were backed up for miles. The solution? A bridge that could open for tall vessels without stopping road traffic. It was bold. It was expensive. And it worked.
Today, it’s one of the few landmarks in London that still does its original job. Unlike the London Eye, which replaced a forgotten railway station, or the Gherkin, which sits on a cleared industrial site, Tower Bridge still serves the river. It’s a living piece of infrastructure, not a museum piece.
For locals, that’s worth remembering. When the bridge lifts - whether for a tall yacht from the Thames sailing club or a cargo barge from Tilbury - you’re witnessing something that hasn’t changed in 130 years. That’s rare in a city that’s constantly rebuilding.
What You’ll See and Do
Here’s what you actually get with your ticket:
- Access to both high-level walkways - north and south - with panoramic views of the City, Canary Wharf, and the Tower of London.
- Interactive screens that show how the bridge lifts, with real-time data on how often it happens (around 800 times a year).
- The original steam engines and hydraulic systems, complete with audio clips from the last engineer who operated them.
- A short film in the exhibition centre that traces the bridge’s construction, including how 11,000 tons of steel were assembled without modern cranes.
- A glass-bottomed section on the south walkway - yes, you can see the river through your shoes.
There’s also a small gift shop with British-made souvenirs - not just plastic keychains, but things like hand-forged iron bookmarks from Sheffield, Thames-themed prints from local artists, and tea blends named after the bridge’s engineers.
Practical Tips for Londoners and Visitors
If you’re planning a visit, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Go early or late. The busiest times are 11am-3pm. Arrive at opening (10am) or after 4pm to avoid crowds. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Check the lift schedule. If you want to see the bridge open, visit between 11am and 4pm on a weekday. Lifts happen on the hour, but only if a ship has booked passage. The website shows real-time updates.
- Combine it with the Tower of London. The two are 5 minutes apart on foot. Buy a combined ticket - it saves £5 and gives you access to the Crown Jewels without another queue.
- Don’t skip the engine rooms. Most tourists head straight for the walkways. But the real magic is down below - the smell of oil, the clank of gears, the sound of the old steam whistle.
- Bring a jacket. Even in summer, the walkways are windy. And the engine rooms are cool and damp. London weather doesn’t care if you’re inside a landmark.
How It Compares to Other London Attractions
Tower Bridge isn’t the biggest attraction in London. It doesn’t have the scale of the British Museum or the buzz of Camden Market. But it’s one of the few that’s both functional and deeply historical. Compare it to the London Eye: it’s a ride. Tower Bridge is a machine that still works.
It’s also more authentic than the Shard’s viewing gallery. At the Shard, you’re in a glass box on a skyscraper. At Tower Bridge, you’re standing on a 19th-century engineering marvel, with the river below you and the city’s skyline stretching out. The difference? One feels like a theme park. The other feels like home.
And unlike the Globe Theatre, which is a reconstruction, Tower Bridge is the real thing - original steel, original rivets, original steam. It’s not a replica. It’s a relic that still performs.
Who Should Go?
If you’re a Londoner who’s never been inside, you should go. Not because it’s touristy - but because you’ve walked over it without knowing what holds it up. You owe yourself that.
If you’re visiting from abroad, it’s one of the few London landmarks that doesn’t feel like a postcard. You don’t need to know anything about history to feel the weight of it. The clank of the old gears, the rush of air on the walkway, the sudden rumble of the bridge lifting - it’s visceral.
And if you’re here for business? Take a client here after a meeting in the City. It’s impressive without being flashy. It says, ‘I know this city’s soul.’
Final Thoughts
The Tower Bridge Exhibition doesn’t try to be everything. It doesn’t have VR headsets or holograms. It doesn’t need to. It shows you how London solved a problem in the 1800s - and how that solution still works today. That’s the real story.
It’s not just a bridge. It’s a symbol of what happens when you build something to last - not to impress, but to serve. And in a city that’s always changing, that’s worth remembering.
Is the Tower Bridge Exhibition worth visiting if I’ve already seen the Tower of London?
Yes. The Tower of London tells you about kings, queens, and executions. Tower Bridge tells you about engineers, steam, and how London kept moving. They’re two sides of the same city - one is about power, the other about practicality. Visit both to understand the full picture.
Can I see the bridge lift without buying a ticket?
Absolutely. You can watch the bridge lift for free from the south bank near City Hall or from the north bank near Tower Hill. The lift takes about five minutes, and you’ll hear the steam whistle before it starts. But you won’t see the inner workings - that’s only inside the exhibition.
Are the glass walkways safe for kids?
Yes. The glass panels are over 2 inches thick and tested to hold 5 tonnes. Kids love them - they’re the highlight for most families. Just keep an eye on them near the edges. There are railings, but the view can be dizzying for small children.
Is there a good place to eat nearby after the exhibition?
Head to Borough Market, a 10-minute walk south. It’s open daily (except Sundays) and has everything from oysters at the Fishmongers’ Hall to pies from Pies & Pints. Or try The Anchor Bankside - a historic pub right on the river with views of the bridge and a solid pint of Fuller’s London Pride.
How long does the exhibition take?
Most people spend 1.5 to 2 hours. If you’re into history or engineering, you could easily spend 3. The film, engine rooms, and walkways are all self-paced, so you can linger where you like.