The Tower Bridge has starred in so many movies, personally I find it hard to pick which appearance has been the most iconic. But who can forget the opening ceremony of the 2012 Olympic Games in London, when James Bond and Her Majesty the Queen flew with the helicopter through the bridge? So no visit to London is complete without a visit to the Tower of London and its neighboring bridge, no matter if it is your first time or any other.
Arriving from the Southwark side of the river River Thames gives you the chance to glimpse the Bridge between the skyscrapers.
first glance of the Tower Bridge @London
Do not forget to turn around though as The Shard looms large just behind you.
The Shard @London
Once you are standing at the shore of the river Thames the Tower and the Bridge can be shot in one frame. A feat that is impossible from the other side.
The Tower and the Tower Bridge @London
The Tower, which has stood in some form here since 1066, looks relatively puny next to the bridge though. The bridge on the other hand looms large over the river Thames and the neighboring castle. No wonder, as the bridge was built at the end of the 19th century and technology was way more advanced than in the 11th and the following centuries. A visit of the Tower is a must, if you have any interest in history and jewels. I have already been here twice and loved it every time.
The historic castle looks even smaller next to all the new buildings of the City.
the City and the Tower @London
Nonetheless, the Tower and the Bridge are huge buildings and the bridge on its own is super impressive. Especially with the Union Jack flying on top.
the Tower Bridge in all its might @London
But it is even better with a dash of color in it.
Pollybert in front of the Tower Bridge @London
Also impressive from this side of the Thames was the City view with the HMS Belfast in front. Unfortunately there was not enough time and interest to visit this Imperial War Museums site, but the ship is coming on my list for next time.
HMS Belfast and the City @London
When it was time to cross the bridge, we just followed all the other tourists.
getting ready to cross it @Tower Bridge
It gets quite busy on the bridge and you really need to think about when you want to stop for a picture.
stopping to take a picture @Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge can also be visited. I am sure it is an architectural marvel, but technical things never interested me much. Once we had crossed over, the Tower became less impressive as the view from this side is limited, to say the least.
The Tower when you stand in front of it @London
Better weather would have helped as well. I liked the Tower from this side more when the sky was completely blue. Not that I could see more from the castle, but at least the white stone popped a lot more in contrast. Yours, Pollybert
The Tower against a blue sky @London
