I just got back from a 4-day trip to London with my 9-year-old and another family. We had an amazing time, and one of the highlights of our trip was touring the Tower Bridge.
Like most places in London, the Tower Bridge experience is so well set up for kids that you don’t even really need to keep reading, but if you do want to know what you’re getting into, I’m happy to share our experience!
Where is the Tower Bridge in London?
The Tower Bridge is smack in the center of London – one bridge east of the London Bridge, and just south of the Tower of London (castle). If you’re planning on visiting, know that it’s in a convenient spot for visiting other popular London destinations before and after – like the Tower of London and the HMS Belfast – and some lesser-known gems like the Maltby Street Market.
Is a Visit to the Tower Bridge Right for Your Family?
Who Will Enjoy Visiting the Tower Bridge
If you and your kids like climbs, sweeping views, machinery, learning about the history of monuments, and being adventurous (like walking across a glass floor on a bridge), then the Tower Bridge is a great match for you!
Who Should Steer Clear of the Tower Bridge
If your kids need to run around, know that there’s not much room on the bridge or going up and down the stairs. Also, if you or your kids don’t like being up high, you may not enjoy the Tower Bridge – especially the part with the glass floor.
Buying Tickets for the Tower Bridge
We bought our tickets in advance, directly through the Tower Bridge official website. The process was simple and the tickets were sent to my email. I also printed them out, just in case my phone died or was having problems.
You can buy your tickets the day of, but the line may be long (it was when we were there), and it’s possible the tickets will be sold out.
Helpful Tip: If your visiting date is flexible, check the website before you book – there are sometimes family activities available (focused on 6-10 year olds).
Preparing Your Kids for a Visit to the Tower Bridge
My one regret for our visit was not doing a little extra prep work, even though there are many excellent signs and info panels during the visit.
I recommend watching videos on YouTube and exploring the Tower Bridge website before you go. I ended up showing my kids a couple of videos while we were up there, and we watched many of the videos in the displays on the walkways.
It’s also a good idea to talk about walking over the glass floor on the walkways (you can even look at a video of it), explain that you’ll be climbing stairs (unless you decide to use the elevators), and remind your kids that they’ll be in a small space with others (stay quiet, watch where they’re walking, etc.).
Visiting the Tower Bridge with Kids – Day Of Your Visit
Closest Tube Stop – The Tower Hill tube stop is the closest, but we chose another nearby tube stop – London Bridge. We walked past the HMS Belfast on the way and took photos of the bridge.
Enter at the Northwest Tower – Walk up a short set of stairs and make your way to the northwest tower of the bridge.
Wait in Line Outside – We had to wait in a short line outside. At entrance, our backpacks were checked.
Exchange Tickets – After the bag check, you exchange your tickets for smaller ‘official tickets’ (or buy them if you don’t have them). Then, take the elevator up, or walk outside to the entrance to the stairs to climb up.
Helpful Tip: Grab a kids’ scavenger hunt booklet. Your children can read the trivia and collect stamps along the tour.
Good To Know: There is an audioguide available (it’s called the Highlights Tour, and you can download it from the Tower Bridge website), but I find my kids don’t yet have the focus to listen to an entire audio tour. Instead, they love looking at the info panels, watching the videos, and hearing little tidbits and facts I throw out along the way.
Helpful Tip: Once your tickets are checked, put them away in a handy place. You’ll need them again to enter the engine rooms at the base of the bridge.
Start Walking Up the Stairs – Our kids enjoyed counting the steps on the way up – there are 406 of them. Take your time and read the panels. When you get to the top, there are more info panels and a video.
Good To Know: The men’s toilet is on the climb up.
Cross the Western Walkway – You’ll walk across to the south part of the bridge. Enjoy the displays, videos, and of course, the glass panels! If you or your kids are nervous about the panels, know that there is a small section next to the wall that’s not glass. I saw many people walking on it and looking straight ahead (vs down at the glass). And, you can always walk back and take the stairs or elevator down the way you came up.
Helpful Tip: Don’t try taking your photos of London through the windows. Look for the small openings – you can stick your camera out for a clear shot of the city!
Fun Fact: Boats must give 24 hours notice if they need to pass through. You can watch a video of a cruise ship passing through here.
Walk the Eastern Walkway – Don’t skip this! There are different panels, and another glass walkway. It’s a fun place to take photos because there’s a mirrored ceiling. This is also the walkway with info on Bus #78 (my son’s favorite part of the visit, besides the glass floors).
Return to the South Part of the Bridge – From here, you can take the stairs or the elevator down to the base of the bridge. If you take the stairs down, you’ll pass the women’s toilet and the family toilet. There are changing tables inside.
Visit the Engine Rooms – To get to them, you’ll need to walk to the southwest corner of the bridge. The entrance to the engine rooms is in the same building as the gift shop. You’ll need to show your ticket to enter. There are also bathrooms here if you need them.
Browse the Gift Shop – This was a fun shop to spend time in (but I could say this about most museum gift shops in London!). There are classics like books for children, Christmas ornaments, magnets, tea towels, and more.
Good To Know: It took us about 60 minutes to visit the bridge (using the stairs). If you want to read all of the info panels, I’d plan on 90 minutes on the bridge. We spent an additional hour visiting the engine rooms, using the toilets, and browsing the gift shop. In total, we spent about 2 hours on the tour.
Tower Bridge with Kids – Logistics
Toilets – The mens toilet is on the northern staircase, the womens and family toilet is on the southern staircase, and there are more toilets in the engine rooms.
Strollers – The Tower Bridge is stroller-friendly. You just need to use the elevators (lifts).
Diaper Changes – You can change diapers in the family toilet on the southern stairwell.
I hope this has helped you decide if a visit to the Tower Bridge is right for your family or that it’s helped prepare you for your visit. Enjoy!
If you’re visiting London with kids, you may want to check out
Harry Potter Studio Tour – Our Experience
Tower Bridge FAQ
Yes! It doesn’t happen as often as you think, though – especially in the winter. I was told by staff that around 800-900 vessels pass through each year, and the majority of them in the summer months. You can check the website for upcoming bridge lifts. While you can be on the bridge when it lifts, the best viewpoint is from Potters Fields Park, just southwest of the bridge.
Yes, there are plenty of staff in all areas of the bridge. I found the people working at the Tower Bridge to be extremely friendly and helpful.
