Connecting the City with Southwark over the River Thames, one of London's oldest bridges is an historic site.
A Short History of London Bridge
Often confused with the much grander Tower Bridge nearby, London Bridge has been around in various forms and materials since around 53AD. It did enjoy the most restful of starts, as it was destroyed along with most of the rest of the city by Queen Boudicca just seven years later.
Its next famous collapse was not until the 11th century, when King Olaf suggested to King Ethelred the Unready that taking down the bridge would be a good way to stop the invading Danes.
The first stone bridge was built in 1190, and stood for some 622 years. Famously, the heads of executed wrongdoers were displayed on the bridge; among them William Wallace and peasant revolt leader Wat Tyler. The view these days is slightly more pleasant for guests at London Bridge hotels, who can enjoy a pleasant panorama of the Thames and the City.
In 1973, the bridge was bought by American Robert Paxton McCulloch as part of a $4.6m plan to relocate it to Arizona. Popular rumour has it that McCulloch thought he was buying Tower Bridge.
The South Bank
Heading south across the bridge takes you onto the lively South Bank, one of the most exciting areas of attractions in London. Of course, Tower Bridge is not too far away, and is arguably a more impressive structure that is certainly worth a visit.
London Bridge Experience is a fun family day out, detailing much of the history already outlined on this page, but in accessibly melodramatic detail that will surely keep children entertained.
Other attractions include fascinating war ship
HMS Belfast, another famous vessel reconstructed in the form of Sir Francis Drake's Golden Hinde, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the always popular
Tate Modern art gallery. Hypothetically, if you carried on following the Thames beyond here you would eventually reach the London Eye and Westminster Bridge.
City Side
If you find yourself on the north side of London Bridge, then the financial hub of the City awaits. The Bank of England is a ten-minute walk away,
St Paul's Cathedral roughly twice that. The iconic Tower of London is of course just a short walk to the east.
Getting to London Bridge
London Bridge tube station is a prominent point along the Northern and Jubilee lines, and can provide direct access to destinations such as Kings Cross, Waterloo, Westminster and the O2 Arena. Other tube stations found within a short distance of the bridge include Monument, Cannon Street, Tower Hill (all Circle and District Lines) and Borough (Northern Line).
London Bridge is also probably the second most important train station south of the Thames, after Waterloo. It serves stations to the south of London.
Hotels near London Bridge
There is a vast array of London Bridge hotels to choose from both north and south of the Thames. If you want to be as close to the tube station as possible, try
London Bridge Hotel, while further South Bank highlights include
Novotel London Tower Bridge and the pleasant serviced apartments at
Think London Bridge.
On the north bank of the river,
London City Hotel is a good option, while slightly further away you can enjoy the magnificent 5*
Threadneedles, one of the finest places to stay in London.
Pubs and Bars near London Bridge
London Bridge is surrounding by exciting areas, so it is no surprise to find a great selection of pubs and bars available to choose from. If cocktails are your thing, The Old School Yard is found behind the train station and enjoys a glowing reputation. For wine, hit the unique
Vivat Bacchus, where you will find rooms dedicated to red
wine, white wine and cheese, and can liaise with the staff to create the perfect wine and cheese experience. Draft House Tower Bridge is the place to go if you are enthusiastic about beer, their menu is large and lovingly crafted.
Restaurants near London Bridge
To the north, sumptuous steakhouse
Gaucho is your best option, found in the direction of the Tower of London. To the south, sample the seafood at Wright Brothers and you will not leave disappointed. Elsewhere, Magdalen is ideal for French food, while you could also push the boat out for the best of British at Roast.
Parking near London Bridge
Helpful
NCP car parks are found right throughout London, and visitors in cars have options north and south of London Bridge. Thames Exchange (EC4R 3TB) in the City is most convenient if that is where you wish to explore, while if you would rather be near the South Bank then London Bridge (SE1 3RU) is the place for you. The latter is also £10 cheaper per night at £20.