Westminster Bridge

The Westminster Bridge is a lovely 820 foot long bridge in London that crosses over the River Thames to connect Westminster with Lambeth. The bridge was completed in 1750 and is open to cars as well as foot traffic.
During our visit in London we took Rick Steves’ «Westminster Walk». Our walk started on the Westminster Bridge, where we could spot several landmarks including, the Thames River, Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben), the London Eye, and Westminster Abbey.
I highly recommend visiting this bridge for beautiful views of London. We took some beautiful photos here and best of all it was free, unlike the London Eye that costs over 20 pounds.

Had the opportunity to walk across this bridge coming from the London eye to big ben. Lovely bridge.

An exceptional landmark in London.
So, starting off my first day in London I decided to head over to Westminster Bridge in order to take some photos of Big Ben, the London Eye, and Westminster. The views from even the side of the bridge did not disappoint. I got some great shots. Also the River Thames is more impressive in person than I imagined.
Views from the center of the bridge were also excellent. Now, prior to coming to London, my concern was that I would be in a mass group of tourists, waiting around to get even a picture. However, I found the bridge and the surrounding areas near it to be more than accommodating for all of the tourists coming around.
One other thing that I liked. On each side of the bridge there are little souvenir shops. Unlike many other tourist attractions, there won’t be any endless array of salespeople to follow you around and bother you. You can just go about at your own pace and buy something if you decide you want to. Very cool way to do things.
Overall, I think that Westminster Bridge is an amazing landmark in London that is accessible and lots of fun to take photos at.

Always many tourists on this bridge, picture with Big Ben and London Eye.
It’s beautiful view standing on the bridge looking at the water.
Many great places to check it out near the bridge.

It’s a bridge. It’s historical and I do think that you should see it. There are great river views and you can look upon the London Eye.

Really beautiful place; views of London are incredible. However, of course be careful, it often gets pretty busy and there’s a lot of people trying to force you to get a caricature drawn.
TOP TIP FOR THOSE WITH CHILDREN; Walk towards the side with the London eye, on your left, you’ll see stairs going down towards a mcdonalds.
Just before the mcdonalds is a mysterious entrance to an old building.
Head straight through and there’s an arcade that feels like you’ve gone back to the eighties ITS HUGE.
I’m talking bumper cars, tickets and prizes, definitely the best way to liven up a touristy trip for kids, and you can grab a mcflurry after!
I also recommend a reading of Wilfred Owens ‘Composed upon Westminster Bridge…’, his love sonnet to the city, whilst ON the bridge (Especially if its morning), if you look out across the water you can still see some of the things he talks about– truly magical!
Earth hath not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth, like a garment, wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare,
Ships, towers, domes, theatres and temples lie
Open unto the fields, and to the sky;
All bright and glittering in the smokeless air.
Never did sun more beautifully steep
In his first splendor, valley, rock, or hill;
Né’er saw I, never felt, a calm so deep!
The river glideth at his own sweet will:
Dear God! The very houses seem asleep;
And all that mighty heart is lying still!
Composed Upon Westminster Bridge, September 3 1802, Wilfred Owen.

Great views from the westminster bridge. You can see the big ben, london eye, westminister abbey, parliament. If your a photographer this is a great place to get some shots or if you want to take some touristy shots lol. Its a big spacious bridge so your not bumping into people also if your worried about people being in your picture. There is also a waffle, ice cream, etc. snack cart place at the end if i remember correctly. Brits are gonna hate me for saying this but if you are there at the right time you’ll get to see the penis architecture come alive lmao.
Oh, and as always be aware of pick pocketed, robbed, etc. It s still a touristy area.

Tout le monde passant à Londres, franchi à un moment donné le Westminster Bridge.
Placé sur la Tamise, ce pont offre une ample et imparable vue de la ville sur différents points de vues. La principale étant bien entendu Big Ben et le Palais de Westminter.
Son dessin s’adapte parfaitement à celui des maisons néogothiques du parlement. Sur son l’extrémité sud s’élève la statue dédiée à la reine Boadicée tandis que du coté opposé on aperçoit la silhouette du London Eye.

When you’re flanked by Big Ben on one side and the London eye on the other, it’s already pretty cool. Though the walk over the water and seeing down stretches of the river on either side is the added bonus. It does get a bit crowded but we didnt have to really squeeze by anyone. Particularly during sunset this area is quite stunning. The only drawback is crossing any of the intersections on either end is a bit time consuming.

What an AMAZING view! From this bridge you are steps away from the Westminster Underground, Big Ben, Parliament, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and much more! Stand here and enjoy the views from either side of the bridge, including the people watching. Whether you’re here by day or by night, you’re in for a great sight. At night the London Eye has blue lights turned on, so it’s worth seeing the view in the light and in the dark.
**Be careful and aware of your surroundings at all times. It has become common for people to run a 3 cup and 1 ball gambling game at the bridge and walk by at your own risk. People in the crowds have reported being robbed and tricked out of their money. You’re best not to play at all and move quickly through the crowd. Guard your belongings and keep moving. If you see something suspicious let the police know ASAP.

I love the view, but it’s always bloody crowded up there.

I hate this bridge!
I admit my mind has been distorted by the noisy, heavy traffic, crowds of tourists you have to try and get through, risking your life as the crowd spills on to the speeding traffic.
I am sure the view is fantastic, but I just want to escape or jump onto a bus to ‘get the hell out of there’. I have managed to avoid Westminster Bridge for a while. Also I hate the tourist Chinese made ‘British ’ tat they sell there, what low standards we have.
I would only there on a Sunday evening. I don’t want to be trampled to death!
I think traffic should be banned at certain times so the people can enjoy this bridge, and take photos without being shoved.
Bridge Addict Verdict: ²⁄₁₀ If it was quiet and safer, it would get a lot more marks.

Hier ist ganz schön viel los! Bin auf dem weg zum London Eye drüber gelaufen.
Man hat einen schönen Ausblick auf die Themse.

Great view of the Thames. You can watch the boats go all day.

Wunderschönes Fotomotiv vom anderen Ufer der Themse aus (mit Big Ben und Buckingham Palace im Hintergrund). Ist auf jedenfall ein Besuch wert.

De ce pont, nous avons une très belle vue sur Big Ben et sur le London Eye.
Point d’accès vers Westminster Abbey.

Mythique. Fait parti du cliché londonien. Le traverser c’est être accomplir la mission du touriste à Londres.
(Voir photo ci-​dessous)

A lovely bridge with gorgeous views in both directions. Its at its best if you walk across from the south towards the Houses of Parliament. It can get fairly busy with tourists trying to get good photos or maybe trying to commit suicide by taxi. I even like the little booth at the start of the bridge selling overpriced touristy crap.

Westminster Hall is the starting place and end of Houses of Parliament Summer Opening 2009. Dating back to 1099 it is still one of the largest mediaeval structures in existence. It has the largest surviving single span mediaeval timber roof in Northern Europe and has witnessed pivotal events in British History. There are brass plaques set into the floor to commemorate those who have laid in state such as The Queen Mother. Impressive stained glass window. Features an informative exhibition. Friendly staff who engage and are interested in your thoughts on your experience.

A lovely bridge with spectacular views. If you are feeling fit and healthy then you shoud make a point of walking acros this bridge. Remember to pack your camera, take a friend and do not forget your water bottle. You can see great views of parliament and the London Eye. A real mix of old and new. A must for all Londoners!

What can i say its a bridge!!!

There’s nothing spectacular in itself about Westminster Bridge but there is a great view all around it.
Crossing from the Parliament side, the east side of the bridge had for a year been boarded up and undergoing repair but the view is now clear. On my last visit it seems they were doing parts of the west side.
The Bridge does get very busy with tourists all stopping to either photograph Big Ben or the london Eye. Often i’ve seen tourists step into the road to cross the bridge because the footpath is taken up with snappers! Beware, our buses will mow you down!
Beware of the mad woman who likes to try and sell you a tinfoil flower for a pound on the Bridge. I don’t know where the money goes but I doubt its ‘for the kiddies’.
She talks like she’s straight out of ‘My Fair lady’ but unfortunately looks nothing like Audrey!

One of the best places for a postcard view of london in every direction.
It was a beautiful day today so it was pretty busy with tourists practically throwing themselves under cars in an attempt to get a good shot of them in front of the Houses of Parliament or the London Eye. The views are fabulous though, so maybe it’s worth a near fatal collision with oncoming traffic.
Last week it was miserable weather when I crossed the bridge and it seemed to sum up the terrific moodiness of London, reminding me of great writers who have written about living in this city– like Woolf and Orwell. a very arty farty moment.
I’m sure there’s a great deal of tremendous history about it but I have to go for a walk while it’s still sunny so you can look it up on Wikipedia yourself.

I added Westminster Hall separately from the Houses of Parliament because I’ve only visited Westminster Hall, and because I think the Hall deserves its own entry. I visited the Hall during Open House weekend (what a fantastic event!), and was blown away. Westminster Hall was begun in 1097 (yes, you read that right), and much of the Hall dates from the 14^th century. It has a magnificant hammerbeam roof, and the size of the hall is overwhelming. The Hall is the site of many many historic events, including the divorce trial of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon.
Don’t miss seeing Westminster Hall. It is worth taking a tour of the Houses of Parliament just to see the Hall!

Ein paar Mal war ich schon an der Westminster Bridge.
Mit dem Boot auf der Themse bin ich auch gefahren. Per Lautsprecher wird unter anderem die Geschichte der Westminster Bridge erklärt.
Ein Muss in London wie das London Eye — very British, gehört einfach zu einem Londonbesuch dazu. Deshalb volle Punktzahl! Of course.

I find there is a rather special feeling about Westminster Bridge. If you can cope with the appalling access (hey it’s old) and all the hundreds of people who would mow you down without a second glance, it’s a great view point.
I like the view of the South Bank, you can see the food stalls and the hawkers, but also some of the entertainers.
In recent years the London Eye has lent it’s own character to the scene.
The other way of course, is the Houses of Parliament and St Michael’s tower. This view has been captured in paint and photos so many times.
To me, Westmister Bridge means I’ve just got off a river tour
or I’m either heading to or from Waterloo station, or the National Theatre. It has also symbolised driving a relative to their hotel after a they performed at the RFH.
A truly great bridge