THE LONDON SERIES N° 2: London's Sights: The Tower Bridge & the Tower of London

Today it's time for the second post of our "London Series", it is about the most significant and famous bridge in the world and the impressive old fortress next to it.

The Tower Bridge, built in the late 19th century in the gorgeous Victorian style, is a magnificent bascule and suspension bridge, that links London's boroughs City of London and Southwark.  Very significent are its two Towers and the pedestrian walkway between them in a height of 143 feet (44 m) above the Thames at high tide. The bridge got t's typical colour scheme in 1977, when it was painted blue, white and red for Queen Elizabeth II's silver jubilee.
The bascules are lifted up and down about one or two times a day, maybe one day you're lucky and will be able to see this! (Here is a link to a page where you can find out the bridge lift times: www.towerbridge.org.uk/BridgeLiftTimes)
The bridge being one of London's iconic sights is a must-see when planning a trip through the city!


The Tower of London, which is located right next to the Tower Bridge on the north bank of the Thames, is a historic castle. As a whole, the Tower is a complex of several buildings set within two rings of defensive walls and a moat. The inner tower, called the White Tower, was built in the late 11th century by William the Conqueror. The castle was used as a prison for a long time, later it served variously as a Royal residence, an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public records office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. The last metioned can still be viewed and guided tours through the whole fortress can be booked.
But nalso from the opposite Thames bank you have a fabulous view of the Tower and especially the so called Traitor's gate, a water gate which the prisoners went trough centuries ago.
A great part of history, dark and bloody, yet beautiful and peaceful, always worth a visit.

The Tower Bridge, seen from the south bank of the Thames

The Tower Bridge, seen from the south bank as well

The Tower Bridge and the Tower of London at night, seen from the north bank

The Tower Bridge at night, seen from the south bank.

Secret Hint:
Maybe you want to visit the London City Hall as well. It is located right next to the Tower Bridge on the south bank. Photos of the Bridge and the City Hall together look great ;-)

The next post will follow soon and will be about The Gherkin & The Shard - London's skyscrapers.