A trip to Tower Bridge

A trip into London to visit Tower Bridge.  A great way to spent a Sunday afternoon in London with Jackson and Isabel.  But wait, it was also the London Marathon. And Tower Bridge was being used for the route for the marathon.  We had visions of huge crowds, as we attempted to enter the entrance to Tower Bridge.  So undeterred, we set off, on a crowded train.

We arrived at London Bridge Station, and fought our way to the exit, and then along the street. This arcade used to be a dock, with water, and warehouses on both sides.  Now it is a trendy arcade bordered by shops and cafes.

The view from the restaurant where we ate a very relaxing lunch.  The London skyline certainly has changed during the past few years.   Notice the bright blue sky and sunshine.  A glorious day.

The fountains on the South Bank, beside the Mayor's Office.  Jackson and Isabel loved dodging around them, and would have been happy to spend all afternoon there.

Ah, here is Tower Bridge, the beautiful bridge that an American thought he was buying when he bought London Bridge.  Not the same!  There were stalls selling food, drinks and clothes.   There were also two bands, and lots of people sitting and enjoying the sunshine.  Fantastic atmosphere.

Walter taking a moment to soak up the atmosphere or check up on me, to make sure I had not become lost in the crowd.

South Bank.  The Shard standing tall and sharp against the blue sky.  The rounded shape of the Mayor's Office dominating the front of the photograph.

By the time we walked up onto the bridge, the road was being cleaned up.  The last of the runners had passed by, and the crowds had gone.  We entered the tower, paid our money, went up in the lift, and arrived in time to watch the explanation of the building of the bridge.   An engineering feat, without a doubt,  started in 1886 and finished in 1894.

The walkways at the top were designed for people to walk across when the bridge opened up. This did not prove to be popular, people preferred to wait until the bridge was lowered again, rather than face the stairs. Now the walkways are enclosed, and the passageways have exhibitions to look at, as well as fantastic views of the Thames River.

A view of one of the towers, and it was high up at the top.  And many, many steps to walk down.

We then looked at the old engine room, which was included in the ticket price.  This was a beautiful piece of machinary, so well maintained that it moved noiselessly.

After a  very interesting visit to the South Bank and Tower Bridge it was time to join the after marathon crowd, including a few very tired and sore runners, on the train home.