Tower Bridge is possibly the most photographed and painted bridge in the world. It was built in 1894 and took 8 years to construct. It spans the Thames and from its high level walkways (140 feet above the river) you can enjoy panoramic views. We didn't go up there on this visit, but were content just to admire the view of the bridge from Butlers Wharf. You get the best views from either side of the river, if you go down the steps at the side of the bridge and walk along the riverside a little way.

The bridge goes up when the commercial need arises. It is the only Thames bridge which can be raised. It is 60 metres long and the middle section raises to allow large vessels to pass through. Massive engines raise the bridge sections in just over a minute. It used to be raised 50 times a day, nowadays it is raised 4-5 times a week. Unfortunately I have never been there when the bridge went up.

Tower Bridge is impressive any time, but at night it is really spectacular as it is lit up. This makes for a really great photo opportunity.

After we had admired Tower Bridge, we strolled along the banks of the Thames and went past the Tower of London. We didn't go in this time - not really suitable or fun for a 3 year old - but it is an interesting place to visit with years of history and you can see the Crown Jewels. There were crowds of tourists outside the Tower - not sure how busy it was inside. We saw two Beefeaters - or Yeomen Warders to give them their full titles - outside the Tower. They were really friendly and quite happy to pose for photos with a number of foreign tourists.

The closest tube stop to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London is Tower Embankment - this is also a stop for the Docklands Light Railway. We got the number 15 bus from here which took us back to the West End. It is a fun journey, travelling in a red London double decker bus past St Paul's Cathedral, down Fleet Street and finally to the West End where you get a great view of Trafalgar Square and the lions. The journey from Tower Bridge to Regent Street takes about half an hour - try and sit on the top deck for the best views.

The Tower Bridge is a really beautiful structure in England. Just like most things in London, it is an ornate and old structure whose design and architecture is really amazing. You can see it from afar and if you get nearby, it is fun to take a walk along the this beautiful and large bridge. I have also taken a cruise that passes under the bridge and gives some spectacular and cool views of the bridge. It is definitely worth taking one of these cruises if you have the time and budget!

The Tower Bridge seems like it should be much older than it really is. The bridge opened up in 1894, just a bit over a century ago, using some high tech engineering engines to raise and lower the bascules in under a minute.

Inside of the tower bridge is an exhibit called the Tower Bridge Experience. After paying an entrance fee (£5.5 for adults), you go up one of the towers and can see pictures, films, and artifacts on the history of the bridge. This also includes the original Victorian engine rooms.

In the top level, there are two separate walkways that visitors can go through. Each walkway faces a different side of the River Thames and the London skyline. Pictures can easily be taken from small window holes located at regular intervals. There are also telescopes that can be used to get close ups of various sites as well.

To get some good pictures of the Tower Bridge, it is best to go a few hundred yards over to either side of the bridge. Some of the best pictures will come up near sunset when the lights on the bridge come on. Aside from the Golden Gate bridge in San Francisco, the Tower Bridge is probably one of the most photographed bridges in the world.

It is best to combine a visit to this bridge with the Tower of London, since they are within a couple of minutes from each other by foot.

Tower Bridge Exhibition offers a history of the bridge.

Current machinery and control cabins are available for view only if pre-booked on "Behind The Scenes Tour."

Underground - London Bridge, Fenchurch Street or Tower Gateway DLR stations.

Bus 15, 25, 40, 42, 47, 78,100, D1, P11, RV1.

The tower bridge is one of the London 'musts', of course--we were surprised at how much smaller it was than in pictures.

The tower bridge experience, though, was a real let-down. It starts with a 5-minute video, and then you get to walk on the footpath high up on the bridge. Unfortunately, it is completely covered with a wide wooden lattice, and there are no open views at all. You have to squint through little windows. At the end is the machine room, which is nothing but a bunch of old, retired machinery on display.