About us

Opened on 30 June 1894, Tower Bridge was built by and is owned and managed by the charity City Bridge Foundation - historically known as Bridge House Estates. It was founded around 900 years ago to maintain the old London Bridge, using income from bridge tolls, rents and bequests. Today, it owns and maintains Tower Bridge and London, Southwark, Millennium and Blackfriars bridges - at no cost to the taxpayer.

Tower Bridge was built to ease road traffic while maintaining river access to the busy Pool of London docks. Built with giant movable roadways that lift up for passing ships, it is to this day considered an engineering marvel and beyond being one of London’s favourite icons.

Since 1982, visitors have been able to see inside Tower Bridge and discover the history of the Bridge and the people who built it.

Visitors can see the panoramic views from the High-Level Walkways, the exciting Glass Floors as well as the Victorian Engine Rooms, which house the beautiful steam engines that once powered the Bridge lifts.

It has been accredited with Visit England's Gold Accolade and has been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence, discover our list of awards and accreditations. 

This must-see attraction is the only way to explore inside London's defining landmark. 

Under the Corporation of London (Tower Bridge) Act 1885, the City of London Corporation is required to raise the Bridge to provide access to and egress from the Upper Pool of London for registered vessels with a mast or superstructure of 30 feet or more.

The service is provided free of charge subject to 24 hours’ notice and is available any time, day or night, 365 days per year. The Bridge is raised around 850 times each year.

Tower Bridge is part of City Bridge Foundation. As well as being a world class bridge owner, it is also London's largest independent charity funder, using surplus from the bridge fund to support organisations working to make London a fairer, more equitable place. Since 1995, City Bridge Foundation has awarded over £840 million to charitable organisations working to tackle inequality and injustice across the capital.

By visiting Tower Bridge, visitors help to support City Bridge Foundation’s work.

It is one of the most famous and instantly recognisable structures in the entire world.

The sole trustee of City Bridge Foundation is the City of London Corporation, the governing body of the 'Square Mile' - the historic heart of London since Roman times.

The City of London Corporation is older than Parliament and its experience and tradition underpin its modern role as the provider of key services. Elected Members, headed by the Lord Mayor, operate on a non-party political basis.

When visiting Tower Bridge, we recommend exploring the Square Mile and all that it has to offer from other attractions like the Guildhall Art Gallery, The Monument as well as their calendar of events. Visit the City of London website for more info.