London, the historic city of England, has been the bearer of British culture and the century-long history of Europe. The Romans built this marvelous city around the famous River Thames, which links the city’s northern and southern areas. Apart from being the capital of England, London has some of the most outstanding monuments in the world.
For that reason, you can see many beautiful and iconic bridges around London. Some of these bridges date back centuries and represent the proud history of the British Empire. These world-renowned bridges have also become an integral part of English heritage as they help attract millions of tourists annually. So, take a look at some of the most famous bridges in London that perfectly reflects the prominent legacy of England.
1. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is the true icon of London and is considered one of the most famous bridges in the world. This historic bridge is the landmark of this city and is one of the most renowned areas in London. Many People often confuse Tower Bridge with London Bridge, but it’s more decorated and massive than London Bridge.
This incredible bridge, opened in 1894, consists of two fairytale-looking towers standing 65 meters tall that symbolize the beautiful city skyline. This 244-meter-long bridge was named after the famous Tower of London because of its structural similarities. Another unique fact of Tower Bridge is its middle section can be raised for the smooth passing of river boats and ships. Millions of visitors come to London to witness this amazing scene, especially at night, as the bridge looks stunning under artificial lighting.
2. London Bridge
Although it looks comparatively simple, London Bridge is the oldest in London and holds great significance in England’s history. Initially, this bridge was built by the Romans in 50 AD, but it has been destroyed and rebuilt several times across history. That’s why it’s also the origin of the famous children’s rhyme, “London Bridge is falling down.”
The latest version of the bridge was opened in 1973, replacing the medieval structure with more modern and practical technology. Even with its simple look, it remains one of London’s most famous bridges and the main tourist attraction.
3. Westminster Bridge
Connecting Lambeth with Westminster, this beautiful-looking bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in London. Westminster Bridge offers some of the most impressive sights in London, such as the London Eye and Big Ben.
This bridge is painted light green to match the color of the UK Chamber of Parliament seats, and it looks incredible. This famous bridge was featured in several Bond movies, and Tv shows because of its beautiful surroundings.
4. Millennium Bridge
As the name suggests, this beautiful steel suspension footbridge was designed by Norman Foster and built in 2000 to welcome the new Millennium. Located near St Paul’s Cathedral, this unique bridge is a great tourist attraction in central London. This bridge is also known as the “Wobbly Bridge” to common Londoners because of some structural problems seen right after its opening. But after years of repair, Millennium Bridge reopened for the public and is back to its original form.
While taking a stroll at Millennium Bridge, you can see some great landmarks of London, like the Tate Modern museum or St. Paul’s Cathedral.
5. Lambeth Bridge
Built-in 1932, Lambeth Bridge is of the famous bridges in London and is located beside the Houses of Parliament. The entire bridge is painted red to match the seats of the House of Lords, and it looks gorgeous.
As the name implies, this bridge is named in honor of the Lambeth Palace-the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This bridge connects Lambeth Palace with Westminster, and you get excellent views of prominent landmarks like the Victoria Tower.
6. Southwark Bridge
Open in 1921, Southwark Bridge is one of London’s famous bridges and links central London with the Southwark district. This bridge contains a significant history of London’s glory days and recently received Grade II heritage status. Since it has less traffic compared to other bridges, Southwark Bridge is surprisingly comfortable for walking and cycling. Besides, with a total length of 800 feet, this bridge has a dedicated cycling path frequently used by most bikers in London.
7. Albert Bridge
Although this famous bridge looks relatively modern, Albert Bridge was built in 1873. It is one of the main tourist attractions in London. Painted in green, blue, and pink, this bridge connects the southern Battersea Park with the central borough of Chelsea. From an aesthetic point of view, this bridge looks impressive, especially at night, with 4000 LED lights. When it gets dark, the whole area becomes shiny with the bright and beautiful lighting of this Albert Bridge.
8. Richmond Bridge
Open in the 18th century, Richmond Bridge is a spectacular landmark known as one of the oldest bridges in London. It was constructed in 1777 and is located in the London Borough of Richmond. The fascinating fact about Richmond Bridge is that even after renovations and enhancements, it kept its original design. It’s a perfect sport to escape the bustling city noise and enjoy a peaceful time in the London suburb.
9. Hammersmith Bridge
Like the Millenium Bridge, Hammersmith Bridge is another suspension bridge connecting the Hammersmith borough with Fulham. Hammersmith Bridge is also known as London’s lowest bridge, only 12 feet above the water. The construction of this bridge was completed in 1827, and at that time, it was the first bridge in London with suspension technology.
Because of its weak structure and vulnerability, it was closed for people’s safety and is currently under repair. But with rich green color and beautiful design, Hammersmith Bridge remains one of London’s most visited places.
10. Kingston Bridge
Opened in 1825, Kingston Bridge links Kingstone with Hampton Court, a well-known bridge in west London. This bridge is considered the first and the oldest bridge in west London. Although there is some confusion regarding its history, its structure and design look beautiful.
Built in the 18th century, Kingston Bridge has great historical significance and has played a crucial part in the development of this town. The authority widened it multiple times to make the bridge convenient for all, and it now has bicycle lanes.
11. Chelsea Bridge
Located in west London, the famous bridge of Chelsea was constructed in 1937, connecting Battersea with Chealse. At that time, it was the first self-anchored suspension bridge in England and is still famous for its stunning structure. The current bridge replaces the old “Victoria Bridge,” built in 1858. While constructing the new Chelsea bridge, a treasure chest was found in the area containing Celtic and Roman weapons. That’s why it’s considered the area where Julius Caesar supposedly crossed the Thames during the Roman invasion in 54 BC. So this bridge creates an excellent exploration opportunity for history buffs as well.
12. Waterloo Bridge
The great Waterloo bridge was named in remembrance of the Battle of Waterloo, where the British coalition fought against Napoleon’s French army. It is also the war where Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated, and that’s why the bridge holds great historical significance.
This famous bridge was constructed in 1817, and after multiple phases of reconstruction, it was opened to the public in 1942. With beautiful views and rich historical background, Waterloo Bridge remains one of the most famous bridges in London and Westminster.
13. Putney Bridge
Located in the western position of the city, Putney Bridge links the southern part of Fulham with the Putney district. The intriguing fact about this bridge is that two famous churches are located at the two ends of the bridge. So technically, this bridge connects the All Saints Church in Fulham with the St Mary’s Church in Putney.
The first version of this bridge was opened back in the 17th century. Later, it was reconstructed and opened to the public in 1886. You can see the famous boat races between Cambridge and Oxford from this bridge.
14. Hungerford Bridge & Golden Jubilee Bridges
Hungerford Bridge is currently a railway bridge previously designed as a footbridge. On each side of the Hungerford Bridge, two pedestrian bridges have been added recently called the Golden Jubilee Bridges. These beautiful walkways are named in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s fiftieth anniversary, and they’re also one of London’s most attractive tourist spots.
This bridge has a festive mood where you can see a variety of street performers and artists showcasing their talents. On both sides of the bridge, you get to witness some of the best landmarks of London, like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the House of Parliament, and Big Ben. You can also get the perfect view of the London Eye and see how this city comes to life at night.
Conclusion
London has been blessed with some of the most monumental bridges that attract many tourists worldwide. Exploring these famous bridges in London can be a fun and budget-friendly way to taste this amazing city. These bridges mentioned above are also prime examples of the structural and architectural excellence of Great Britain.
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