View from the Millenium Bridge

Viewpoint from the Millennium Bridge

The London audio-guided tour has you take the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian footbridge that spans the Thames to reach the Southwark district. Fans of the Harry Potter saga may recognise it, as it appears in one of the films of the series.

The bridge that closed after two days

Inaugurated in the year 2000, the Millennium Bridge remained open only two days before having to close: designed by the architect Norman Foster, it began to sway dangerously under the steps of pedestrians. Nicknamed for a time the wobbly bridge, it was reinforced before reopening, and now offers a stable and appreciated crossing between the City and the south bank of the Thames.

What there is to see

From the Millennium Bridge, the view is superb: on one side St Paul's Cathedral and its dome, on the other the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, on the south bank. The elegant, streamlined footbridge offers one of the finest perspectives over the Thames. It is an essential crossing to link the two banks on foot, while enjoying the panorama.

Practical information

The Millennium Bridge spans the Thames between St Paul's Cathedral and the Southwark district, in London. Reserved for pedestrians, it can be crossed freely at all hours and on the level. It is one of the finest viewpoints over the river and its banks.

Why did the Millennium Bridge close after two days?

Because it swayed dangerously under the steps of pedestrians; it was reinforced before reopening to the public.

What can you see from the Millennium Bridge?

St Paul's Cathedral on one side, the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre on the other, across the Thames.