Explore the glass floors of Tower Bridge and enjoy a balcony view over London.

 

I once jumped off a bridge in New Zealand, way back in the ‘80’s when bungy jumping was a new sport. The Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown offered the highest jump in the world at the time, a breathtaking 43 m over a dramatic rocky chasm.

Literally walking the plank above the void, ankles tied tightly together so that I could do no more than shuffle,  I tried to avoid looking down at the rushing waters of the Shotover River below.

Every instinct screamed danger, an insistent voice of sanity warning turn around, don’t do it. Yet I had to tell myself to ignore the feelings, to override the primordial instinct of self preservation, to actually jump.

I was reminded of this recently when I visited Tower Bridge, one of the instantly recognizable iconic sights of London. In 2014, someone had the brilliant idea of inserting 6 large glass panels, 11 m long, in both floors of the upper walkways, transforming a mundane visit into something unforgettable.

Strangely enough, the walkways are almost exactly the height of my long ago bungy jump: 42 m above the arms of the bridge, I looked down on scurrying humankind like an Olympian god. Though each panel can support an elephant, I still had to steel myself to take that initial step into the void and onto the glass. Others edged past gripping the handrail, not daring to look down.

I can give you more details: after 8 years of building, it opened in 1894 to relieve the congestion of London Bridge. A combined suspension and bascule bridge, the bascales take about a minute to raise to 86 °. They were originally powered by steam but today oil and electricity are used. The original engines are still pumping away: I know nothing about these but as you will see when you visit the engine room, they are very big and glossy and painted in an attractive green livery.

The upper walkways were closed down in 1910, because human nature being what it is, people preferred to wait for the bridge to close rather àn climb upstairs with heavy loads. One other interesting fact: in 1952, the number 58 bus had to jump the bridge when it started opening unexpectedly!

But you are really here for the view! This breathtaking walkway has magnificent views both up and down the Thames. Nearby is the Tower of London under whose walls an artillery regiment was practising a 21 gun salute in preparation for a state visit. The glassy heights of the Shard catch the eye above HMS Belfast and other tower blocks jostle for position. To the west the golden top of the Monument is just visible: it marks the place where the great fire of London started in 1666.

 

The visit concludes with a visit to the engine rooms on the south side and there is a shop with some cool things: I liked the chess set whose pieces were famous London landmarks. Admire the great heights of the bridge from the embankment before you walk back over – just don’t forget to look up to see who’s looking down on you through those glass panels!

Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, London SE1 2UP.  Book in advance on Groupon for half price tickets. It is also possible to buy a combined ticket with the Monument so you can fit in two great views in a day and it is an interesting walk between the two.

 

If you can, plan your visit to coincide with a bridge opening – times can be found here.