Day 2: 7/13, Saturday Itinerary: Millennium Bridge, Tate Modern & Tower Bridge, London | Post was published on 7/2 but photos were added on 7/30, 2024

Posted by: Ping

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.

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)