Image: © The Dogvine/Tower Bridge
Following the longest closure since Tower Bridge opened its doors to the public over 125 years ago, the London landmark has announced plans to attract human and canine visitors back on site.
The venue will reopen on 17th May – the first day permitted by the government’s roadmap to easing lockdown – with the now customary online pre-booking system in place to allocate visitor timeslots.
An incentive scheme for local visitors has also been introduced, offering residents of Southwark, Tower Hamlets and the City of London admission for just £1.
Marketing itself as London’s only major dog-friendly attraction is another way the site is aiming to broaden its post-lockdown appeal, with pooch-focused programming scheduled throughout the coming weeks and months.
“We can’t wait to welcome both locals and visitors from across the UK to Tower Bridge once more, to offer an escape from the routine we have become so used to,” says Chris Earlie, head of Tower Bridge.
“We are excited to reopen with a packed itinerary of guided tours, activities, and family events running well into the summer, to provide our visitors with a fantastic experience of iconic London history.”
What's on?
Tower Bridge Spring/Summer programming includes:
VIPooch Day – Sunday 13 June
Dogs and their owners will be given exclusive access to the East Walkway and Glass Floor across the day, with the first 50 dogs receiving a Free VIPooch treat bag (worth £20)
Tower Bridge Drawing Challenge – 1 June
Kids can test their knowledge of Tower Bridge and take on their family members in a drawing challenge
Semaphore – 19 June
Families can make their own semaphore flags and learn a new way of communicating
A moment of calm – the third Saturday of every month
Anyone who would like to explore Tower Bridge in a calm, tranquil atmosphere, including people with autism and any other needs, can book a visit when there is a guarantee of reduced capacity, no loud soundscapes or videos, and sensory items on hand to help to assist anyone who may be overwhelmed due to the new environment
Ask an Expert – dates throughout the summer
An opportunity to delve deep into Tower Bridge’s history, with experts are on hand to answer questions in the Engine Rooms
Expert Guided Tours – every Saturday and Sunday
Intimate guided tours take visitors through the Towers, Walkway and the Victorian Engine Rooms, led by an expert to bring the iconic structure to life and share stories behind its history and the people who built it
Standard tickets have now been made available from £10.60 for adults and £5.30 for children, with family tickets starting from £18.00.
While plans are advancing at a pace, the attraction – like all in the sector at present – is keen to emphasise that all reopening dates are subject to review, based on the current schedule for the UK Government’s roadmap out of the national lockdown.
