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Bridge Lifts

Tower Bridge lifts around 800 times a year. This page details upcoming Bridge Lift times, which vessels will pass through, and the direction of their travel.

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Tower Bridge lifting for a vessel

105 results

October

Sunday 11 October 2026

20:40 Downriver

Paddle Steamer

Waverley

Saturday 17 October 2026

10:30 Upriver

Sailing Barge

Will

11:15 Downriver

Sailing Barge

Will

15:30 Upriver

Sailing Barge

Will

16:15 Downriver

Sailing Barge

Will

Stories behind Bridge Lifts

Ever wondered how and why Tower Bridge lifts? Discover more about this wonderous sight and the stories behind it.

Browse more stories
A historical painting of Tower Bridge with ships sailing through.

10 interesting vessels to sail through Tower Bridge

10 interesting and iconic vessels that have passed through Tower Bridge since the opening at 1894.
A Bridge Driver standing in the old control room over several large levers in front of dials in the background. The photo is black and white.

What does a Bridge Driver do?

Behind every Bridge Lift, there is a highly skilled Bridge Driver. Take a deep dive into the role and find out what it takes to train for a truly unique job.
An old postcard of Tower Bridge lifting for a large ship

How does Tower Bridge work?

Tower Bridge opens up to let boats through, but have you ever wondered how that works?
Bridge Lift for the Gotheborg of Sweden at Tower Bridge

Why does Tower Bridge open?

Tower Bridge opens to let tall boats pass through. Learn more about why Tower Bridge lifts.
A dark large cavernous space with curved brick stairs.

The Bascule Chambers

One of London’s greatest hidden spaces, the Bascule Chambers were built as an operational area to allow for the movement of Tower Bridge's huge counterweights used during Bridge Lifts. 

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