Behind-the-Scenes Tours with British Sign Language Interpretation

This fascinating tour will take you on a rare and extended look around Tower Bridge. This tour is specifically designed for BSL users. Led by one of our expert guides, a member of our Technical team who keeps Tower Bridge running and accompanied by a BSL interpreter, you will discover the fascinating history of Tower Bridge and visit the behind-the-scenes operational areas which are normally out of bounds to the public.

This tour will begin at the Victorian Engine Rooms where you can get up close to the the original steam engines, accumulators and boilers. You will then go behind-the-scenes to the Bridge’s operational areas including the Control Cabin, Machinery Room and the immense Bascule Chambers, which house the enormous 420-ton counterweights that form the unseen part of the iconic Bridge Lifts. Finally explore the Towers and take in the unparalleled views of London from the spectacular Glass Floors and High-Level Walkways.  Please allow 2 hours for the tour.

This exclusive tour is a thrilling experience not to be missed. The tours are conducted in English with live interpretation into British Sign Language.

Areas covered by the tour:

• Engine Rooms
• Control Cabin
• Machinery Room
• Bascule Chambers
• Towers
• Walkways
• Glass Floors

Tower Bridge’s Behind-the-Scenes Tour is a unique experience with access to operational areas not normally open to the public.

The tour visits both indoor and outdoor areas which are naturally dirty as part of everyday Bridge operations. There are uneven floors and some of the spaces are damp and cold, especially those located underneath the Bridge and below river level - some of these are considered confined spaces and have no windows and no natural light.

The Bascule Chambers are accessed via 115 steep steps, of which 35 are a spiral staircase.

• Attendees must wear comfortable footwear and practical, warm clothing.
• Attendees must be of sound health in the event of an emergency evacuation from these areas.
• Due to the operational nature of some of the spaces, this tour is not fully accessible.
• The tour will take around 2 hours.
• Attendees must be 14 years or older; those aged 14 to 17 years must be accompanied by an adult.
• Tours are conducted in English only.
   

⚠️Attendees are required to sign a waiver before the tour. Please read the Behind-the-Scenes Tour waiver before booking. 

Please note the tours starts at the Engine Rooms. It is located under the southern approach of the Bridge, and next to Potters Field Park. 

Explore further information to plan your trip.

Get a first look of the tour and see what Liam O'Dell and Sam (Deaf Chef) says about the Behind-the-Scenes Tour with BSL in their Instagram posts.

Discover more about accessibility when visiting Tower Bridge.

If you can't find the information you require, please contact us on +44(0)20 7407 9191 or bookings@towerbridge.org.uk.