Student Life In London – A Guide To Tower Bridge

7th May 2018 Gemma Curtis London Life

Student life in London is never dull. From world-famous sights, museums and galleries to unique entertainment venues, there’s lots to do in the area surrounding Tower Bridge. Rich with history, the space is filled with culture for you to enjoy. Here’s our student-friendly guide to Tower Bridge.

Sights near Tower Bridge

As you’d expect, you’re never far away from a landmark in this area.

Tower of London area

It goes without saying that a guide to Tower Bridge would of course include the Tower of London. If you’ve not yet been, it’s definitely worth a visit. However, if you’re just passing by make sure you see the London Wall that surrounds the Tower and take a walk over Tower Bridge. This is one of London’s most famous bridges with iconic Victorian turrets.

From the bridge, you’ll be able to see HMS Belfast, a 9-deck WWII warship-turned-museum. The ship is permanently moored on the Thames.

Monument to the Great Fire of London

As the name suggests, this tower was built as a reminder of the fire that ravaged the city in 1666. It stands 61 metres high near to the spot where the fire started on Pudding Lane. You can climb 311 spiral steps to reach a viewing platform for fantastic views of London. Those who complete the climb receive a certificate!

Location: Fish St Hill, London, EC3R 8AH

The Gherkin

This is an office block like no other. 30 St Mary Axe is known as The Gherkin due to its bullet shape. Towering above the city, the Gherkin is one of the most recognisable parts of the London skyline. There are swanky bars and restaurants inside if you fancy exploring the building in more detail.

Location: The Gherkin, 30 St. Mary Axe, London, EC3A 8BF

Alphabet Street

One of the most Instagram worthy locations in our guide to Tower Bridge is Alphabet Street. Artist Ben Eine sprayed the shutters of every shop on the street with a different letter of the alphabet. The result is a rainbow display of artwork sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

Location: Middlesex St, London E1 7LB

Shopping near Tower Bridge

If you fancy a change from the bright lights of Oxford Street, try one of these local markets instead.

Petticoat Lane Market

If you’re looking for something to do on a Sunday morning, take a walk up north and head to Petticoat Lane Market. 100’s of stalls make up this weekly market, mostly selling clothing, leather goods and home wear. You can usually find overstock from high street stores and old season designer clothing for a very reasonable price.

Location: Between Middlesex & Goulston Streets, Spitalfields, London, E1 7HT

Old Spitalfields Market

Head a bit further north, and you’ll reach Old Spitalfields Market. This indoor market is filled with local stores, independents and new eateries that don’t exist anywhere else in the world. It’s open every day of the week, so you can’t miss out. Keep an eye on the events which change weekly. There are antiques markets, Sunday morning yoga and free workshops.

Location: 16 Horner Square, London, E1 6EW

Leadenhall Market

Dating back to 1321, this stunning building which was once a meat market now houses designer shops, restaurants and bars. It’s worth a stroll through the market just to gaze at the high arched ceilings and glass roofs. The painted signs of the shops and cobbled floor also take you back in time.

The walkway is open at all times, so why not take a detour on your way home one day?

Location: Gracechurch St, London, EC3V 1LT

Museums and galleries near Tower Bridge

Why not soak up some history on a free afternoon?

Museum of London

A guide to Tower Bridge must also include the Museum of London. If you want to learn about the history of your new city, this is the perfect way to do it. This free museum looks at London right from the very beginning up until today and even peers into the future. See the city through the ages and read about its most famous and ground-breaking moments. This year’s focus marks 100 years since women were given the vote, with exhibitions on the Suffragettes and other women’s rights movements.

Location: 150 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5HN

Jack the Ripper Museum

This area is synonymous with the famous unsolved murders of Jack the Ripper. So, it’s no surprise that there’s a museum in his name. The museum tells the story of the Ripper murders through the rooms of a Victorian house in Whitechapel where the murders happened. The rooms reflect different significant places within the inquiries, including Mitre Square where the first murder occurred, a police station and a victim’s bedroom. The collection on display includes autopsy photos, so this museum is not for the faint-hearted!

Location: 12 Cable St, Whitechapel, London, E1 8JG

Whitechapel Gallery

Described as ‘the artists’ gallery for everyone’, this gallery has celebrated some of the world’s biggest artists including Pablo Picasso, Frida Kahlo and Jackson Pollock. Exhibitions change every few months, so there’s often something new to see. From sculpture and paintings to film, the gallery highlights modern art. Entrance is free.

Location: 77-82 Whitechapel High St, London, E1 7QX

Dennis Severs’ House

This unique museum allows users to become immersed within a fictional story of a family of Huguenot silk-weavers living in a London house between 1724-1914. You follow the rooms to learn about their lives in spaces that look lived-in with candles still burning. There are smells, sights and sounds to stimulate your senses, making this a one-of-a-kind experience. The house is open on set days and time, so visit the site for more information.

Location: 18 Folgate St, London, E1 6BX

Entertainment near Tower Bridge

Our guide to Tower Bridge had to include some student-friendly fun. After all that sight-seeing and culture soaking, wind down with some entertainment.

Wilton’s Music Hall

The oldest grand music hall in the world, this performance space presents theatre productions and live music all year round. It’s a Grade 2 Star listed building, and you can imagine the days of the Victorian music hall acts as soon as you walk through the doors. Inside there are two bars which also serve food, so you can make a whole night of it. Check the listings page to find out what’s on, including workshops.

Location: 1 Graces Alley, Whitechapel, London, E1 8JB

Escape Entertainment

Fancy yourself as a bit of an escape artist? London’s ‘premier escape room games’ will see you locked in a room for 60 minutes. It’s your job to solve the clues and break free within that time. This is the perfect team building exercise so why not invite some people from your course to get to know better?

Location: George Yard, London, EC3V 9DH

Swingers

This is crazy golf with a difference. Self-described as ‘a venue that takes the holy trinity that is crazy golf, street food and amazing drinks and combines them all into one incredible social experience’, you’re sure to have a fantastic night out here. The two courses sit around a clubhouse complete with gin terrace. You can also find street-food vendors, bars and expect nightly DJs at the venue. Grab your pals and get golfing!

Location: 8 Brown’s Buildings, London EC3A 8AL

We hope our guide to Tower Bridge helps you! Visit our Tower Bridge page for more information on student life in London and accommodation in this area. Or see a wider range of student accommodation in London Zone 1.