{"id":38558,"date":"2023-11-21T16:38:56","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T15:38:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/?p=38558"},"modified":"2026-03-12T18:16:19","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T17:16:19","slug":"britains-bridges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/things-to-do\/britains-bridges\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover 18 of Britain’s most famous bridges"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bridges are the ultimate enablers. They\u2019re the layers of history that connect us to where we need to be, whether you’re heading off on a family staycation, a romantic weekend, or just nipping across the river for a business meeting.<\/h2>\n

From parading criminals in the old days to protecting towns from invasion, these structures are much more than just practical feats of engineering. They\u2019re a huge part of our visual landscape, and our towns and cities are teeming with them.<\/h4>\n

We\u2019ve rounded up 18 of Britain\u2019s most famous bridges to help you plan your next trip. So, drop your bags at your Travelodge base and go do life.<\/h4>\n
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Clifton Suspension Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"CliftonIsambard Kingdom Brunel called this bridge his “darling,” and it\u2019s easy to see why. It\u2019s Bristol\u2019s most famous landmark. Brunel was only 24 when he was appointed to design it, though it wasn\u2019t actually finished until 1864 when he was in his 50s. At the time, its 412m span over the River Avon was the longest in the world.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> For the best view without the crowds, head to the Rockleaze viewpoint on the Durdham Down side of the gorge. It\u2019s where the locals go for that perfect sunset snap.<\/h4>\n
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Tyne Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"TyneYou can’t think of the North East without picturing this iconic arch linking Newcastle and Gateshead. When King George V opened it in 1928, he was the first to cross in his horse-drawn carriage while local kids got the day off school to watch. It\u2019s actually a prototype for the Sydney Harbour Bridge!<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> Look out for the Kittiwakes nesting on the bridge towers. It\u2019s the furthest inland colony of these seabirds in the world.<\/h4>\n
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Humber Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"HumberThis one is a real heavy hitter. It looks a bit like San Francisco\u2019s Golden Gate Bridge, but ours is actually longer! Spanning 2.22km, it was worth every penny of its \u00a3151m price tag to drivers who used to have to make a 128km detour around the river.<\/h4>\n

It took eight years to build through some famously “British” weather, but that just means it’s built to be one of the sturdiest, most reliable crossings in the country.<\/h4>\n
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The Iron Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"TheTelford\u2019s Ironbridge Gorge is peaceful now, but it was once the beating heart of the Industrial Revolution. This bridge, erected in 1779, was the first in the world to be made of cast iron.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> While you\u2019re in the area, you\u2019ve got to try a traditional Shropshire Fidget Pie. It\u2019s a local gem filled with gammon, apples, and potatoes\u2014perfect fuel for a day of exploring.<\/h4>\n
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Tower Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"\"With its neo-Gothic towers, Tower Bridge is a symbol of London itself. It\u2019s a “bascule” bridge, which is a fancy way of saying it moves to let tall ships through. It used to be powered by steam, with workers pulling 24-hour shifts to keep it moving!<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> You can actually walk across the glass floors in the high-level walkways. It\u2019s a bit of a thrill for the kids (and grown-ups too!).<\/h4>\n
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Pulteney Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"PulteneyBath\u2019s Pulteney Bridge is one of only four in the world to have shops built into it on both sides. It\u2019s a stunning example of Georgian architecture and even had a starring role in the 2012 film Les Mis\u00e9rables.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> Instead of just walking over it, take a Pulteney Cruiser boat trip from the weir right below the bridge. It gives you a completely different perspective of the architecture.<\/h4>\n
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Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"MiddlesbroughThis is a rare bird\u2014one of only three transporter bridges in Britain. It works by carrying cars and people across the Tees in a “gondola” suspended below the main structure. It\u2019s a massive symbol of Teesside\u2019s engineering heritage.<\/h4>\n

While it\u2019s currently closed for repairs, the visitor centre is open on weekdays, so you can still get up close to this steel giant and learn all its secrets.<\/h4>\n
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The Queensferry Crossing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"TheA modern masterpiece, this bridge joined the Forth Road Bridge in 2017 to link Edinburgh and Fife. It\u2019s the longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world. They used 23,000 miles of cabling to build it\u2014that\u2019s nearly enough to wrap around the whole planet!<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> If you’re staying in Edinburgh, the best view is from the Hawes Pier in South Queensferry. It\u2019s a great spot to see all three bridges from three different centuries side-by-side.<\/h4>\n
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Bridge of Sighs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"BridgeOxford\u2019s version of the famous Venetian bridge connects two parts of Hertford College. Students here probably don’t have as much to sigh about as the convicts in Italy did, but it\u2019s still a beautiful spot for a photo.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> Walk through the archway under the bridge to find the Turf Tavern. It\u2019s a hidden 13th-century pub that\u2019s notoriously hard to find but well worth the effort for a pint in the beer garden.<\/h4>\n
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Menai Suspension Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"MenaiSpanning the strait between Anglesey and mainland Wales, this was the world\u2019s first major suspension bridge when it opened in 1826. Before Thomas Telford built it, crossing the water was a dangerous business with many boats capsizing.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> Visit the Belgian Promenade nearby. It was built by Flemish refugees during WWI and offers a lovely, quiet walk with great views back towards the bridge.<\/h4>\n
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Forth Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"ForthThis distinctive red railway bridge is as much a symbol of Scotland as haggis or kilts. It requires 240,000 litres of paint to keep it that iconic “oxide red” colour. It was the world\u2019s first major steel structure and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> Pop into the Rail Bridge Cellar in South Queensferry for a local dram. It\u2019s a cosy spot that feels like a proper “insider” find.<\/h4>\n
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Infinity Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"InfinityLocated in Stockton-on-Tees, this pedestrian bridge is strikingly modern. Its two asymmetrical arches reflect in the River Tees to create a mathematical infinity symbol.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> You\u2019ve got to see this one at night. The handrails are fitted with custom LED lights that change colour from blue to white as you walk across.<\/h4>\n
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Westminster Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"WestminsterThe green colour of this bridge isn’t accidental\u2014it matches the seats in the House of Commons! It\u2019s been in heaps of films, from 101 Dalmatians to the eerie opening of 28 Days Later.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> For the best “tourist” photo with Big Ben in the background, stand on the steps of the South Bank side of the bridge rather than on the bridge itself.<\/h4>\n
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London Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"LondonWe\u2019ve all heard the nursery rhyme, and it\u2019s true\u2014London Bridge has “fallen down” quite a few times since the Romans first built a timber crossing there in 50 AD. The current version was opened in 1973.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> Head to the “London Bridge Experience” nearby to see the original foundations of the old bridges. It\u2019s a bit spooky but great for a rainy afternoon.<\/h4>\n
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Mathematical Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"MathematicalThere\u2019s a myth that Isaac Newton built this bridge at Queens\u2019 College, Cambridge, without any nuts or bolts. He actually died 22 years before it was built, but it\u2019s still a clever bit of engineering that uses straight timbers to create a perfect arch.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> The best way to see it is from a punt on the River Cam. If you\u2019re lucky, your punter will tell you all the tall tales about why the students can’t put it back together!<\/h4>\n
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Monnow Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"MonnowDating back to 1272, this is the only remaining fortified river bridge in Britain with its gate tower still standing. It was built to protect Monmouth and has survived everything from the Civil War to massive floods.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> Look out for the “Monmouth Cap” in the local museum\u2014it\u2019s a traditional piece of headgear that was famous all over the country in the 15th century.<\/h4>\n
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Gateshead Millennium Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"GatesheadThe world\u2019s first “tilting” bridge! It rotates to let boats pass, looking a bit like a giant eyelid blinking. It\u2019s won heaps of awards for its sleek design and is a must-see if you\u2019re staying in the North East.<\/h4>\n

Insider Tip:<\/strong> Check the “tilt times” online before you go. Watching it move is a proper “ooo” moment for the kids.<\/h4>\n
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Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Carrick-a-RedeNot one for the faint-hearted! This rope bridge in County Antrim was first put up by salmon fishermen in 1755. It\u2019s suspended 30m above the Atlantic, connecting the mainland to a tiny island.<\/h4>\n

While some people find the crossing a bit daunting, the bridge is now made with sturdy wire rope and Douglas fir slats, so you’re in very safe hands for your adventure.<\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Bridges are the ultimate enablers. They\u2019re the layers of history that connect us to where we need to be, whether you’re heading off on a family staycation, a romantic weekend, or just nipping across the river for a business meeting. From parading criminals in the old days to protecting towns from invasion, these structures are […]","protected":false},"author":116,"featured_media":38577,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1361],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38558","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38558","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/116"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38558"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38558\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38577"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38558"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38558"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.travelodge.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38558"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}