Queen Alexandra Bridge
A historic steel truss bridge spanning the River Wear, connecting Sunderland's past and present with scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Queen Alexandra Bridge
Best Time
Golden hour light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic steel truss bridge spanning the River Wear, connecting Sunderland's past and present with scenic views.
"A big fancy steel bridge that will last forever, not like modern ones. "
📸 Photography Hotspot
Capture stunning shots of the bridge and river, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Friendly
Walk across for great views; traffic and pedestrian routes are well separated.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Steel Truss Structure
Spanning the River Wear
An impressive feat of engineering, this historic steel truss bridge offers panoramic views of the River Wear and Sunderland.
River Wear Vistas
From the bridge deck
Enjoy sweeping views of the Sunderland skyline, the docks, and the surrounding coastline. Perfect for photography enthusiasts.
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Historical Significance
Bridge and surrounding area
Learn about its past as a railway bridge and its role in connecting Sunderland's industrial past.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Crossing the Wear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Hotspot
Capture stunning shots of the bridge and river, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Friendly
Walk across for great views; traffic and pedestrian routes are well separated.
🚗 Traffic Considerations
Be aware of potential traffic, especially during peak hours. Plan your journey accordingly.
💡 Local History
Discover its past as a railway bridge and its WWII connections.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Hotspot
Capture stunning shots of the bridge and river, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian Friendly
Walk across for great views; traffic and pedestrian routes are well separated.
🚗 Traffic Considerations
Be aware of potential traffic, especially during peak hours. Plan your journey accordingly.
💡 Local History
Discover its past as a railway bridge and its WWII connections.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally appreciate the Queen Alexandra Bridge as a functional and historically significant landmark. Its robust steel structure and role in connecting Sunderland are often praised, with many noting its enduring quality. While some find it a straightforward crossing, its scenic views and photographic potential are frequently highlighted.
"Traffic and pedestrian routes are well separated, takes around five minutes to cross on foot.
Much better than the alternative which would be swimming."
L Kaohsiung
"Lovely bridge, took som fashion photos under it"
Craig M
"The Queen Alexandra Bridge is a road traffic, pedestrian and former railway bridge spanning the River Wear in North East England, linking the Deptford and Southwick areas of Sunderland. The steel truss bridge was designed by Charles A. Harrison (a nephew of Robert Stephenson's assistant). It was built by Sir William Arrol between 1907 and 1909 and officially opened by The Earl of Durham, on behalf of Queen Alexandra on 10 June 1909.
In 1899 the North Eastern Railway and the Sunderland Corporation agreed to build the bridge to improve communications across the river and to connect the coalfields of Annfield Plain and Washington with Sunderland's south docks. Before the completion of the bridge, road traffic crossing the river had to use one of two ferries which crossed below near to where the bridge is today."
trevor hanson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Queen Alexandra Bridge is easily accessible by car, with several parking options nearby. Public transport, including buses, also serves the area, connecting you to the city center and surrounding regions.
Yes, numerous bus routes stop near the Queen Alexandra Bridge, making it convenient to reach via public transportation from various parts of Sunderland.
Absolutely! The bridge has dedicated pedestrian and cycle paths, offering a pleasant way to cross the River Wear and enjoy the views.
Major roads like the A1018 and A1231 provide direct access to the Queen Alexandra Bridge. Follow local signage for the clearest routes.
While direct parking on the bridge is not available, there are several car parks and on-street parking areas in the vicinity of both the Deptford and Southwick sides.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, crossing the Queen Alexandra Bridge is free for pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
The Queen Alexandra Bridge is open 24/7 for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
There is no admission fee to access or cross the Queen Alexandra Bridge.
Yes, the bridge is accessible at all times, though visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best views and safety.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visitors, but always adhere to traffic and pedestrian safety guidelines.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with golden hour and sunset providing stunning backdrops.
The bridge itself, the River Wear, and the Sunderland skyline are prime subjects. Consider viewpoints from both banks of the river.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. Always check and comply with aviation authority rules before flying a drone in the area.
Experiment with shots from below the bridge, from the riverbanks, and from the bridge deck itself to capture its scale and architecture.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the bridge's span, while a telephoto lens can be useful for details and distant views. Tripods are recommended for low-light photography.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
It typically takes about five minutes to walk across the Queen Alexandra Bridge, depending on your pace.
From the bridge, you can see the River Wear, the Sunderland docks, the city skyline, and the surrounding industrial and residential areas.
Yes, the bridge has well-defined pedestrian walkways, ensuring a safe crossing experience.
While the bridge itself is primarily a crossing, there are amenities like cafes and shops in the nearby Deptford and Southwick areas.
Originally a railway bridge, it was built to improve river crossings and connect industrial areas. It also has connections to WWII history.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a small picnic to enjoy on one of the riverbanks near the bridge, or combine your visit with a trip to a nearby park. The historical aspect, like its past as a railway bridge, might also spark curiosity in older children.
🚶♀️ Pedestrian & Cyclist Explorers
Redditors often highlight the ease of crossing and the separation from vehicle traffic, making it a pleasant experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Bridge Through Time: History and Engineering
+1 Its steel truss design was a marvel of engineering for its time, built with British steel, reflecting a commitment to quality and durability that some Redditors contrast with modern construction. Beyond its primary function, the bridge also holds wartime significance. It's noted that guns were stationed there during World War Two, adding another layer to its historical importance.
Today, it continues to serve as a vital road and pedestrian link across the River Wear, a testament to its robust construction and enduring utility. The bridge's longevity is often highlighted by locals as a point of pride. For those interested in industrial history or impressive engineering, the Queen Alexandra Bridge offers a tangible connection to Sunderland's past. Its presence is a constant reminder of the city's manufacturing prowess and its strategic importance.
Capturing the Icon: Photography Tips
For the best results, aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and warm, casting a beautiful glow on the steel structure. Consider different vantage points to capture the bridge's grandeur. Shots from the riverbanks on either side of the Wear can provide a sense of scale, while walking across the bridge offers unique perspectives of the city skyline and the river traffic below.
When planning your photography session, be mindful of the weather. Dramatic skies, whether clear and crisp or moody and overcast, can add significant impact to your images. The bridge's robust steel structure also lends itself well to black and white photography, emphasizing its lines and textures.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit