Itinerary for Visiting Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, and Tower Bridge
The Tate Modern, situated on the South Bank of the Thames in London, offers an impressive collection of contemporary art housed in a converted power station, providing a striking contrast to the city’s historic landmarks. Just a short distance away, Tower Bridge stands as a symbol of London’s architectural heritage, with its iconic twin towers and panoramic views of the river. Together, these landmarks highlight London’s blend of modern creativity and historical grandeur.
A one-day photography tour in London to capture Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern, and a sunset at Tower Bridge is definitely manageable. Here’s a suggested itinerary to make the most of your day:
Late Morning:
- Start at Millennium Bridge (around 10:00 AM):
- Arrive in the late morning when the light is good, but the bridge is not overly crowded.
- Take your time to capture different angles and perspectives of the bridge and the views it offers, including the iconic view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Midday:
- Explore Tate Modern:
- Walk across Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern (located at the southern end of the bridge).
- Spend a few hours inside Tate Modern capturing both the exterior architecture and the interior spaces. The museum is a treasure trove of photographic opportunities with its vast, industrial spaces and varied exhibitions.
Early Afternoon:
- Lunch Break:
- Take a break for lunch. There are numerous cafes and restaurants around Tate Modern and along the South Bank.
Afternoon:
- Further Exploration:
- After lunch, you can explore more of the South Bank or revisit Millennium Bridge and its surroundings for different lighting and angles.
- Consider visiting nearby attractions such as the Globe Theatre or Borough Market for additional photo opportunities.
Late Afternoon:
- Head to Tower Bridge (around 5:00 PM):
- Make your way to Tower Bridge to scout out the best spots for your sunset shots.
- Explore the area around the bridge, including the views from both the north and south banks of the Thames.
Evening:
- Capture Sunset at Tower Bridge (sunset times vary, but generally around 8:00-9:00 PM in summer):
- Set up well in advance to secure a good spot and experiment with different compositions as the light changes.
- Capture the golden hour and the sunset itself, making sure to get a mix of wide shots and details.
Detailed directions from 37 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SE to Day-3’s destinations:
1. From 37 Tavistock Place to Millennium Bridge
Walk to Russell Square Station:
- Head west on Tavistock Place towards Marchmont Street.
- Turn left onto Marchmont Street.
- Turn right onto Bernard Street to reach Russell Square Station. (Approx. 5-minute walk)
Take the Piccadilly Line:
- Board the Piccadilly Line towards Heathrow or Hammersmith.
- Travel 2 stops to Leicester Square Station.
Transfer to the Northern Line:
- At Leicester Square Station, transfer to the Northern Line.
- Take the Northern Line (southbound) towards Morden.
- Travel 1 stop to Embankment Station.
Walk to Millennium Bridge:
- Exit Embankment Station and walk east towards Victoria Embankment.
- Turn left onto Victoria Embankment and walk along the river.
- Turn right onto Northumberland Avenue.
- Continue to Trafalgar Square.
- Walk down Strand and turn right onto Peter’s Hill.
- Follow Peter’s Hill straight to the Millennium Bridge. (Approx. 10-minute walk from Embankment Station)
2. From Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern
Walk to Tate Modern:
- Cross Millennium Bridge southward towards Tate Modern.
- The bridge leads directly to the front entrance of Tate Modern. (Approx. 5-minute walk)
3. From Tate Modern to Tower Bridge
Walk to Southwark Station:
- Exit Tate Modern and walk east along the Thames Path.
- Turn left onto Southwark Street.
- Walk to Southwark Station. (Approx. 10-minute walk)
Take the Jubilee Line:
- Board the Jubilee Line at Southwark Station towards Stratford.
- Travel 1 stop to London Bridge Station.
Walk to Tower Bridge:
- Exit London Bridge Station and follow signs for Tooley Street.
- Walk east along Tooley Street.
- Continue straight until you reach Tower Bridge. (Approx. 10-minute walk)