Tower Bridge

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Lonely Planet review

Perhaps second only to Big Ben as London's most recognisable symbol, Tower Bridge doesn't disappoint up close. There's something about its neo-Gothic towers and blue suspension struts that that make it quite enthralling to look at. Built in 1894 as a much-needed crossing point in the east, it was equipped with a then revolutionary bascule (seesaw) mechanism that could clear the way for oncoming ships in three minutes.

Although London's days as a thriving port are long over, the bridge still does its stuff, lifting around 1000 times per year and as many as 10 times per day in summer. (For information on the next lifting ring 7940 3984 or check the website)

The Tower Bridge Exhibition explains the nuts and bolts of it all. If you're not particularly technically minded, however, it's still interesting to get inside the bridge and look out its windows along the Thames.