London's Most Iconic Viewpoint
Standing on Westminster Bridge, with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben rising majestically beside you and the Thames flowing beneath, is to experience one of the world's most recognisable cityscapes. This iconic viewpoint has inspired poets, painters, and photographers for over two centuries.
The current bridge, painted in the same green as the leather benches in the House of Commons, is actually the second bridge on this site. But the views it offers—and the emotions they evoke—are timeless.
The original Westminster Bridge, completed in 1750, inspired one of the most famous sonnets in the English language. On 3 September 1802, William Wordsworth crossed the bridge at dawn and was moved to write "Composed upon Westminster Bridge":
"Earth has not anything to show more fair:
Dull would he be of soul who could pass by
A sight so touching in its majesty:
This City now doth, like a garment, wear
The beauty of the morning; silent, bare..."
The poem captures the profound peace of early morning London, a city stripped of its usual bustle, revealing an unexpected tranquility.
For centuries, London Bridge was the only crossing of the Thames in central London. The first Westminster Bridge, opened in 1750, was only the second bridge to span the river in the capital. Its construction was fiercely opposed by the watermen who ferried passengers across, and by the City of London, which feared competition with London Bridge.
That original bridge, built of Portland stone, began sinking into the riverbed within years of completion. Despite numerous repairs, it was eventually demolished and replaced by the current iron bridge in 1862.
The present Westminster Bridge was designed by Thomas Page and opened in 1862. Its seven elegant iron arches span the Thames with a grace that belies their strength. The bridge was designed to complement the new Houses of Parliament, completed just a few years earlier.
The distinctive green colour was chosen to match the green leather benches of the House of Commons, just as the red Lambeth Bridge nearby matches the Lords' red benches.
The classic view of Parliament, with Big Ben rising against the sky. At sunset, the building glows golden, reflected in the river below. The Victoria Tower stands sentinel at the far end, flying the Union Flag when Parliament is sitting.
A more modern panorama unfolds: the London Eye dominates the South Bank, with the spires of the City visible beyond. The contrast between the Gothic Parliament and the sleek observation wheel captures London's blend of old and new.
Access: Open 24 hours, pedestrian and vehicle access
Best Time: Early morning for Wordsworth's view, sunset for photos
Nearby: Westminster Pier for Thames cruises
Nearest Tube: Westminster (Jubilee, District, Circle lines)
Westminster Bridge has become inseparable from London's identity. It appears in countless films, photographs, and news broadcasts. When the world thinks of London, this is often the image that comes to mind—the green bridge, the Gothic towers, the great bell striking the hour.
Whether you're crossing it at dawn like Wordsworth, watching the sunset paint Parliament gold, or simply pausing to take in one of the world's great views, Westminster Bridge offers a connection to centuries of London's history and the continuing story of this remarkable city.
