London Guide: Ten Things To Do Near Tower Bridge. If you find yourself near Tower Bridge, check this list to see if you’ve explored all the best places. Go inside the bridge for amazing views across London, explore the Tower of London, St Katharine Docks, Shad Thames and Butler’s Wharf. My Ten Things To Do Near Tower Bridge List includes plenty of places to eat so you’re in for a treat!
Tower Bridge
Ten Things To Do Near Tower Bridge List
10 Things To Do Near Tower Bridge List
1. Walk over Tower Bridge
2. See inside Tower Bridge
3. Visit the Tower of London
4. Relax at St Katharine Docks
5. Stroll through Shad Thames
6. Dine at Butler’s Wharf
7. Eat at One Tower Bridge
8. Investigate London Bridge City
9. Sit down in Potter’s Fields Park
10. Explore Tower Bridge Road shops
Ten Things To Do Near Tower Bridge Details
Tower Bridge: This beautiful bridge was built in 1886-1894. It spans the River Thames which takes you very close to the Tower of London. If you stand on the bridge you get a fantastic view of all the major buildings in London – Tower of London, The City of London, Canary Wharf, City Hall and The Shard.
View From Tower Bridge
Inside Tower Bridge: You can actually go inside Tower Bridge and walk across a glass floor where you can see the traffic below. The views are spectacular which gives you a much better view of the prominent London architecture. Find out more about the people who constructed the bridge and investigate the Victorian Engine Rooms. Read my article Amazing London Views From Inside Tower Bridge.
Tower of London: This magnificent building is Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress. The Tower of London lies on the north bank of River Thames which is close to Tower Hill station. It was founded towards the end of 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England. If you buy a ticket you can admire the Crown Jewels, White Tower, Bloody Tower, prisons, Fusilier Museum and meet the famous Beefeaters. To find out about the opening times and ticket prices go to the Tower of London Website.
Tower of London
St Katharine Docks: On the same side of the river as the Tower of London you can find a luxury central London marina with restaurants and apartments. It’s hidden away behind buildings but is well worth checking out because it is pretty and peaceful. Read my article, St Katharine Docks Waterside Dining to find out more about the restaurants.
Shad Thames: When you cross the bridge to the south side and turn left you will be in an area called Shad Thames. This is a historic street called Shad Thames and the surrounding area is also known by this name (and Butler’s Wharf). This location has an abundance of 19th-century warehouses that are now restaurants, apartments and offices. Originally the warehouses housed tea, coffee and spices. Today, the area is named after these commodities, Cayenne Court, being an example. Look up and you will see walkways crossing the sky from one building to the next. Sir Terrance Conran was instrumental in redeveloping this area.
Shad Thames
Butler’s Wharf: In the Shad Thames vicinity is a historic warehouse, previously a chocolate biscuit factory and then a tea warehouse called Butler’s Wharf. It is now luxury flats and home to famous restaurants, The Chop House and Pont de la Tour. These restaurants have alfresco seating overlooking the Thames. Keep an eye out for Butler’s Wharf Pier.
Butler’s Wharf
One Tower Bridge: If you turn right on the south side of Tower Bridge you will see a new collection of buildings which is known as One Tower Bridge. Here you will find the Bridge theatre, restaurants such as The Ivy plus luxury apartments.
One Tower Bridge Apartments and Restaurants
London Bridge City: In between Tower Bridge and London Bridge you will find an area called London Bridge City. This takes you along the river banks past City Hall (the Mayor of London’s office), The Scoop (outside concert area), HMS Belfast (Warship) and Hay’s Galleria (covered restaurants and shopping area).
City Hall
Potter’s Fields Park: I love this small park which gives you somewhere green to sit. They have some lovely planting which is glorious during the summer months.
Potter’s Fields Park
Tower Bridge Road shops: If you walk down Tower Bridge Road you will eventually find a collection of independent shops which are worth exploring. Kas and Ros sell stunning jewellery. Bespoke and Bound is a leather bookbinding specialist making albums, notebooks and more. Machine is a bike shop which also does bike repairs and sells coffee plus snacks. M Manze is a famous old-fashioned pie, eel and mash shop which has been in existence since 1902.
More Than Ten Things To Do Near Tower Bridge
If you want to explore more, you should also read my Ten Tings To Do In London Bridge article. This tells you about London Bridge, Borough Market, Southwark Cathedral, The Operating Theatre Museum and other interesting things to do. Read my Ten Things To Do In Bermondsey Southwark article as well. I hope you have a wonderful adventure!
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
