Millennium Bridge

Cross the Thames on London’s iconic “Blade of Light”

The London Millennium Footbridge offers a stunning pedestrian-only crossing that connects two of London’s most iconic attractions—St Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern—while providing breathtaking panoramic views of the River Thames and the London skyline.

Highlights

• Walk across the sleek “Blade of Light” suspension bridge while enjoying unparalleled views of St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, and the London skyline.
• Capture Instagram-worthy photos from multiple vantage points with St Paul’s Cathedral to the north and the Tate Modern to the south.
• Experience the unique lateral suspension design that earned the bridge its infamous “wobbly” nickname during its opening weekend in 2000.

Opening Hours

The Millennium Bridge is open 24 hours a day, allowing visitors to experience it at different times of day, from the soft glow of sunrise to the twinkling lights of the London skyline at night.

This accessibility makes it perfect for early morning photographers seeking crowd-free shots or evening strollers wanting to see London illuminated after dark.

What to See and Do

Here are the top things to do at the London Millennium Footbridge that make it worth more than just a quick crossing.

Marvel at the Innovative Design

The Millennium Bridge isn’t just any crossing—it’s an architectural marvel. Designed by Sir Norman Foster (Foster and Partners) in collaboration with sculptor Sir Anthony Caro and engineers Arup, this sleek pedestrian suspension bridge stretches 325 meters across the Thames with a distinctive shallow profile.

What makes it truly unique is its lateral suspension design, with supporting cables positioned below the deck rather than above. This clever engineering creates the impression of a thin ribbon of steel—earning it the poetic nickname “Blade of Light.”

I’m always struck by how different it looks from London’s other bridges. While most are ornate or industrial, this one’s minimalist and futuristic. The eight suspension cables below the deck are practically invisible from a distance, making the bridge appear to float above the water.

Photograph St Paul’s Cathedral from the Perfect Angle

Walking north across the bridge provides one of London’s most iconic photo opportunities.

The bridge lines up perfectly with St Paul’s Cathedral, creating a stunning architectural frame. About halfway across, you’ll find the sweet spot where the massive dome appears perfectly centered at the end of the bridge.

Top tip: For the best lighting, come in the late afternoon when the sun illuminates the cathedral’s western façade. Early mornings can also be magical, especially on clear days when mist sometimes rises from the river, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

And if you’re into photography, bring a wide-angle lens—you’ll want to capture both the bridge’s sleek lines and the cathedral in one shot.

Enjoy Panoramic Thames Views

The Millennium Bridge offers some of the best vantage points for taking in London’s riverside landmarks.

From its deck, you can spot several iconic structures: The Shard rising dramatically to the east, the Tower of London in the distance, the Houses of Parliament peeking between buildings to the west, and the London Eye standing proud on the South Bank.

What I love most about this view is how it combines centuries of London architecture in one sweeping panorama.

You’ve got Christopher Wren’s 17th-century masterpiece (St Paul’s) alongside the industrial-chic Tate Modern (formerly Bankside Power Station) and modern glass-and-steel skyscrapers. It’s like viewing London’s architectural timeline all at once.

Visit the Tate Modern’s Free Viewing Platform

While not technically on the bridge, this nearby gem is worth including in your bridge visit.

After crossing to the south side, head into the Tate Modern and take the lift to the 10th floor viewing platform. This free attraction offers spectacular panoramic views of the Thames, including the Millennium Bridge from above.

On clear days, you can see for miles across London’s skyline. The viewing platform gives you a completely different perspective on the bridge—from here, you can truly appreciate its elegant design and how it fits into the broader London landscape.

Plus, it’s a great way to escape if the weather takes a sudden turn (which, let’s be honest, happens frequently in London).

Spot Film Locations

Pop culture fans will recognize the Millennium Bridge from several famous films and music videos.

Most notably, it features in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” where Death Eaters dramatically destroy the bridge. It also appears in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” during a high-octane chase scene.

Music video enthusiasts might spot it in videos from One Direction’s “Midnight Memories,” Taylor Swift’s “Endgame,” and several Bollywood productions.

I always get a kick watching tourists try to recreate the dramatic Harry Potter scene—pointing wands at the bridge and pretending to make it collapse.

Listen to Street Musicians

The acoustics underneath and around the bridge are surprisingly good, which hasn’t gone unnoticed by London’s street performers.

On busy days, particularly weekends, you might encounter talented music students practicing or seasoned street musicians performing near the bridge’s entrances.

The south bank side tends to attract more performers, creating a lively atmosphere that adds to the whole experience. Sometimes I’ll grab a coffee from the nearby Tate Modern café and just sit for a while, enjoying the impromptu soundtrack to the river views.

Directions

The Millennium Bridge is conveniently located in central London and has excellent public transportation options.

The nearest Underground stations include Blackfriars (just a 4-minute walk), St. Paul’s (8-minute walk), Southwark (9-minute walk), and Cannon Street (8-minute walk). London Bridge train station is approximately a 12-minute walk away.

Multiple bus routes serve the area, including routes 4, 11, 15, 23, 25, 26, 45, 63, 100, 242, 381, and 344.

For those driving, the nearest car park is located on Bell Wharf Lane off Upper Thames Street, approximately a 5-minute walk from the bridge.

Nearby Places

St. Paul’s Cathedral: Christopher Wren’s masterpiece sits just a 5-minute walk from the north end of the bridge.

This iconic dome has dominated London’s skyline for over 300 years and offers visitors spectacular interior views, including the chance to climb to the Golden Gallery for panoramic views of London.

Tate Modern: Just a 4-minute stroll from the south end of the bridge, this world-class modern art gallery is housed in the former Bankside Power Station.

The vast Turbine Hall hosts large-scale installations, while the permanent collection features works by Picasso, Warhol, and Rothko—all with free entry.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre: Located a short 2-minute walk along the South Bank from the bridge, this faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare’s original theater offers authentic performances of the Bard’s plays.

Even if you don’t catch a show, the exhibition and theater tours provide fascinating insights into Elizabethan entertainment.

Borough Market: A short walk from the south side of the bridge, this historic food market dates back to the 13th century. It’s a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread to international street food and specialty ingredients.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. The Millennium Bridge earned its “Wobbly Bridge” nickname when it noticeably swayed on its opening day due to a phenomenon called “synchronous lateral excitation”—essentially, pedestrians unconsciously walked in step, amplifying the bridge’s movement.
2. Despite its modern appearance, the bridge opened two months late and £2.2 million over budget, with final construction costs reaching £18.2 million.
3. The bridge’s eight suspension cables are strong enough to support up to 5,000 pedestrians simultaneously, though it’s rare to see quite that many people on it at once.
4. Several famous music videos have featured the bridge, including One Direction’s “Midnight Memories,” Taylor Swift’s “Endgame,” and Bollywood film “Jab Tak Hai Jaan” with scenes featuring Shah Rukh Khan and Katrina Kaif.
5. The Millennium Bridge sits precisely between Southwark Bridge and Blackfriars Railway Bridge, creating a perfect line of sight between St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern that didn’t exist before its construction.

History

An architectural timeline of London’s iconic Millennium Footbridge:

• 1996: The Southwark Council announces a competition to design a new footbridge across the Thames, eventually won by a team comprising architects Foster + Partners, sculptor Sir Anthony Caro, and engineers Arup.
• 1998: Construction begins on what will become London’s first new Thames crossing in over a century.
• June 10, 2000: The London Millennium Footbridge opens to great fanfare as part of London’s millennium celebrations, with an estimated 90,000 people crossing on its first day.
• June 12, 2000: Just two days after opening, the bridge is closed to the public after pedestrians experience alarming swaying motions, earning it the nickname “The Wobbly Bridge.”
• 2000-2002: The bridge undergoes extensive modifications, including the installation of 91 dampers to control motion at a cost of £5 million.
• February 22, 2002: After nearly two years of structural adjustments, the Millennium Bridge reopens to the public with its wobble fixed.
• 2007: The bridge becomes one of London’s most photographed modern landmarks, attracting millions of visitors annually.
• 2009: The Millennium Bridge features prominently in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” where it’s dramatically destroyed in the opening scene, significantly boosting its popularity.
• 2018: The bridge appears in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout” during a chase scene, further cementing its place in pop culture.
• 2022: The Millennium Bridge celebrates its 22nd anniversary, having firmly established itself as an iconic part of London’s architectural landscape.

FAQ

Map & Address

Location: London Millennium Footbridge, Thames Embankment, London, UK

The bridge spans the River Thames, connecting St. Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank (City of London) to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the south bank (Bankside).