What do proposals and weddings, pet dogs and cats, and yogis and acrobats all have in common? They’ve all taken to the spectacular Glass Floors situated 42 metres above the river at London’s defining landmark, Tower Bridge, in the ten years since they were installed.
To celebrate a decade of Tower Bridge’s Glass Floors, the first of which was unveiled on 10 November 2014, an image gallery showcasing momentous events and visitors is available here. The gallery also includes shots of the initial installation and the cleaning process – which means a person being suspended beneath the Bridge’s Walkways – plus breath-taking views through the Glass Floors, such as London Marathon runners and vessels sailing through as the Bridge opens to let them pass.
Since the Glass Floors were fitted in Tower Bridge in late 2014, more than 7,258,000 visitors have traversed the High-level Walkways. And as one of the capital’s only dog-friendly major attractions, upwards of 4,500 tickets for VIPs – that’s very important pooches – have also been issued.
Spanning the North and South Towers, the Bridge’s Walkways offer breath-taking panoramic views of London. A decade ago, a team of 20 workers spent six weeks installing the 11.5-metre-long Glass Floors. Ideally positioned to offer a unique bird’s-eye view of the world-famous Bridge’s lifts as well as people crossing the Bridge below, and the boats sailing under it, the Glass Floor in the West Walkway opened to the public on 10 November 2014, and the East Walkway Glass Floor was unveiled on 1 December 2014.
Chris Earlie, Tower Bridge Director, said: “The Glass Floors are a huge hit with visitors to Tower Bridge, they take being able to explore such an iconic landmark to a whole new level. For many visitors. the experience is an incredible opportunity to see our great city from a truly unique viewpoint, and for some it’s akin to a white-knuckle ride. Either way, for locals and tourists alike, being able to walk across Glass Floors suspended 42 metres above the Thames makes for a truly memorable day out. We look forward to continuing to welcome visitors across the Glass Floors for decades to come.”
Tower Bridge Glass Floor facts:
- The installation of each Glass Floor took six weeks and a team of 20 workers.
- The Glass Floors are situated 42 metres above the River Thames and 33.5 metres above the road level within the High-level Walkways that connect the North and South. Towers.
- The Glass Floors measure 11.5 metres long and 1.8 metres wide.
- Each of the Glass Floors comprises of six panels weighing 530 kilograms each. Each of these panels is 70mm thick and is comprised of six layers.
- One Glass Floor can hold the weight of four London black cabs or six elephants.
Tickets to visit Tower Bridge and experience the Glass Floors are available from £13.40 per adult and £6.70 per child (dogs visit for free). Residents of Southwark, Tower Hamlets or the City of London can visit for just £1. For more information about Tower Bridge and its Glass Floors, or to book tickets, please visit towerbridge.org.uk/your-visit/glass-floor.
