Westminster Bridge, London

Westminster Bridge is the bridge that nobody initially wanted. Back in the day, the Church, the City, and especially the watermen (who were not too keen on losing their river taxi business) all threw shade at the idea. But once it was finally built-with 15 graceful semi-circular arches-it was hailed as the first proper stone bridge across the Thames in over 500 years. Suddenly, everybody loved it-especially artists like Samuel Scott, Canaletto, and Claude Monet, who all went watercolor-wild, capturing its curves.

But then came the drama. In 1831, the old, crumbling London Bridge was torn down, which-surprise!-changed the river鈥檚 flow and started eroding Westminster Bridge鈥檚 foundations like a soggy biscuit. Something had to be done, so Parliament passed an Act in 1853, handing over the bridge to the Commissioners of Public Works. It was at that point that Thomas Page, the engineer, came along with Sir Charles Barry, fresh off designing the new Houses of Parliament (after the great fire of 1834), who was brought in to make sure that the new bridge would match Parliament鈥檚 fancy new Gothic threads.

The result was a beauty unveiled on Queen Victoria鈥檚 43rd birthday, May 24, 1862-complete with a 25-gun salute for her 25 years of ruling the realm. The bridge stretches 827 feet across the Thames and flaunts seven elliptical cast-iron arches, gray granite abutments, and more neo-Gothic flair than a Victorian novel. As for the green paint, that鈥檚 a cheeky nod to the House of Commons (which, conveniently, is the closest part of Parliament to the bridge). And if you look closely, the ornate ironwork is dripping with UK symbolism: portcullises, roses, thistles, shields, and St. George鈥檚 cross.

The view from the middle of the bridge is a postcard waiting to happen. You鈥檝e got the Palace of Westminster on the one side, the London Eye on the other, and the Thames doing its timeless shimmer underneath. North, south, east-there鈥檚 not a bad angle in sight. So go on-strike a pose, soak in the skyline, and cross like a monarch.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Westminster Bridge
Sight Location: London, England (See walking tours in London)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in London, England

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Creating your own self-guided walk in London is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
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Kensington/Knightsbridge Walking Tour

Situated just below Hyde Park, Knightsbridge and South Kensington are two adjacent neighborhoods with grand Victorian homes and leafy garden squares. Home to London鈥檚 most expensive homes, Knightsbridge has some of the highest density of millionaires in the world. This is clearly reflected in the selection of stores & restaurants in the area, including the famous Harvey Nichols and Harrods... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.5 Km or 2.8 Miles

London's Historic Pubs Walk

If there鈥檚 any more iconic symbol for London than Big Ben or the London Eye, then it must be the traditional English pub. And London sure is full of them, dating from pre-Victorian times to just about five minutes ago.

With so much history surrounding London there is no shortage of historic pubs to choose from. Whether you fancy half-timbered, rambling watering holes or small but perfectly... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.6 Km or 3.5 Miles

Walk around Buckingham Palace

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles

Covent Garden Walking Tour

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Once a slum area, today the north of the district is given over to independent shops centered on Neal's Yard and Seven Dials. Both places offer... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Jack the Ripper, an unidentified serial killer who terrorized the British capital in 1888, became notorious for the series of brutal and gruesome murders that he carried out in the East End of London. The primary setting for the Jack the Ripper attacks was Whitechapel, at the time a poverty-stricken and crime-ridden district, known for its dark alleys and narrow streets.

The name "Jack the... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles

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