London Bridge
4.7(10K)google
4.2(142)yelp
History
Overview
Originally constructed in 1831 to span the River Thames in London, this massive stone bridge was meticulously dismantled block by block, shipped across the ocean, and reassembled in Arizona in 1971. Today, it spans an artificial channel feeding Lake Havasu, serving as a historic and architectural marvel that anchors an English-themed village filled with quaint shops, fine dining, and diverse waterfront recreational activities.
Practical Info
Every dayOpen 24 hours
Suggested Duration1-2 hours
Best TimeOctober to April is Lake Havasu's golden tourist season, with warm, comfortable weather. Lake Havasu City in summer is one of the hottest places in the U.S. (often over 45°C), so visiting at midday in summer is strongly discouraged
Getting ThereLocated in the core waters of downtown Lake Havasu City; after entering downtown from AZ-95 there are very clear "London Bridge" road signs, and there are large free parking lots near both the bridge head and the English Village
Travel Tips
- This bridge really is the genuine old bridge built in 1831 over the River Thames in London, England! After being bought by an American tycoon in 1968, it was dismantled block by block and numbered, shipped across the ocean, and reassembled here
- Beneath the bridge is a man-made channel, and beside the old bridge now stands an "English Village" full of strong British charm, with many specialty shops, pubs, and restaurants
- If you look carefully at the red-sandstone blocks of the bridge, you can still clearly see the dense bullet marks and craters left by German forces during the London Blitz in World War II—an extremely stunning trace of history
Reviews
Positive
- Moving a real old London bridge to a lakeside in the great American desert—the idea itself is crazy and romantic enough! The water under the bridge is very clear, and it's lovely to drink a beer and soak up the sun in the English Village
- Not only a historic landmark, the current scenery is also well done. Walking on the bridge when the lights come on at dusk, with the lake breeze and yachts at sunset, feels very much like a vacation
Heads up
- Essentially it's just a rustic-looking stone bridge; without knowing the grand history of its dismantling and transport behind it, you might feel after one walk that it's no different from an ordinary bridge