Tower Bridge

About

Explore inside Tower Bridge and discover the stories behind the architecture, the engineering, and the people, that built London’s defining landmark.

Visual story

Tower Bridge has two parts to the visit - the Bridge itself and the Victorian Engine Rooms - both are step-free. 

A visual story is available to download here. This document is a visual guide through Tower Bridge. The document can be used by any visitor including those with additional needs, who may wish to plan their visit in more detail prior to arrival.

Relaxed Opening

Once a month on a Saturday, we host Relaxed Opening for anyone who would like to explore the Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, including people with autism and any other needs, as well as their siblings, families and carers. Visit the Relaxed Opening page for more information.

Talk to a BSL interpreter

Tower Bridge has partnered with SignVideo to facilitate the visit of deaf and hard of hearing people who use British Sign Language (BSL).

Guided Tours with BSL interpreter

Guided tours with British Sign Language interpretation take place on selected dates. More information about BSL tours can be found here.

Animals

Assistance dogs and pets are welcome.

Find out more about dogs at Tower Bridge.

Welcome Hosts in blue uniforms are available for information and guidance at each key stage of the visit.

Please talk to a member of staff at the Ticket Office entrance if you have a disability that means you are unable to queue - they can arrange priority entry for you.

Free plans of Tower Bridge's layout are available at the Ticket Office and Engine Rooms entrances; these show the location of lifts and the accessible toilets.

Step free access

There are two lifts up to the Walkways, one in the North Tower of the Bridge and one in the South Tower.

There’s an external lift to access the Engine Rooms entrance and the Tower Bridge Gift Shop from bridge level to the Thames footpath level. It is located on the southeast side of the Bridge.

Safety and security

Please note that all bags will be searched when entering Tower Bridge. Find out more about safety and security at Tower Bridge. 

In case of an evacuation, a visual and audible alarm will alert visitors and staff will assist by providing instructions and directions.

Borrow a wheelchair

Wheelchairs are available at both Ticket Office and Engine Rooms entrances to borrow for your visit.

Induction Loop

Fixed induction loops are available at the Ticket Office, North Tower, at the Engine Rooms entrance and in the gift shop. To use the loop, you will need to switch your hearing aid to the ‘T’ position.

Braille and high-contrast books

They are available to be borrowed for the duration of the visit from the Ticket Office and Engine Room entrances. These Braille booklets can also be downloaded and printed by following the links below:

Download the Tower Bridge Braille Book

Download the Engine Rooms Braille Book

Access tool kits

Three access tools kits are available within Tower Bridge and Engine Rooms buildings. They contain sensory items that can help to assist visitors who may be suffering due to the busy environment, in pain or from overwhelming situations. The kits may be useful for visitors who are autistic, anxious or suffering from panic attacks in particular.

All visitors are welcome and encouraged to use the kits if it will assist them in dealing with any difficult situations due to their visit to the bridge. Staff are available for support and to offer alternative if required.

Inside the attraction

Toilets and baby changing facilities

Toilets are located in both Towers and in the Engine Rooms.

Please note that the accessible toilet and baby changing facilities in the South Tower are being refurbished from 9 August to 22 September 2023. During this time, the only accessible toilet and baby changing facilities are located in the Engine Rooms, which is at the end of your visit.

Changing place toilets

The nearest changing places toilets are located

• inside Tower of London attraction

• inside London Bridge Train Station

All Changing Places locations can be found here.

Eating / Drinking

Eating and drinking is allowed inside the Bridge however, please refrain from consuming nuts or alcohol.

Light and lighting

Due to the historical nature of the attraction there are changes in lighting conditions throughout the experience. The Ticket Office, Walkways and journey to the Engine Rooms from the South Tower (outside) are lit by natural light. Other areas have atmospheric electric lighting and can be darker in places.

Seating

Benches are located in the Towers, Walkways and in the Engine Rooms. Stools are available to be borrowed in both the Bridge and Engine Rooms.

Touching and object handling

Normally, visitors are encouraged to touch the walls, the rivets and all the elements that are part of the structure. 

Glass Floors

The Glass Floors are situated inside the high-level Walkways.

The glass floors are very strong and can take the combined weight of two black cabs and an elephant. Should you feel uneasy stepping onto the glass floor, there is a solid wooden floor either side of the glass walkway and handrails.

Staff are also available for support and to offer alternative if required.

Quiet rooms

Two quiet rooms are located in the South Tower. The rooms have multiple uses: as a prayer & meditation room; a space for nursing mothers; or as a chill out space. The rooms are equipped with a sink, soap, paper towels and a couple of seats and the lights can be dimmed.