Tamar Bridge
Iconic suspension bridge connecting Plymouth and Cornwall, offering breathtaking river views and a vital transport link.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Tamar Bridge
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic suspension bridge connecting Plymouth and Cornwall, offering breathtaking river views and a vital transport link.
"The views from Plymouth's Tamar Bridge are simply stunning. Devon and Cornwall in full glory."
🚗 Toll Booth Hassles
Be prepared for potential traffic delays at the toll booths . Consider alternative routes if time is critical.
🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
For the best views and photo ops, walk or cycle across the bridge .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic River Views
Top of the bridge
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the River Tamar, Plymouth, and Cornwall. A true highlight for any visitor.
Engineering Marvel
Base of the bridge
Appreciate the impressive suspension bridge structure, a testament to engineering from the 1960s .
Tamar Valley Line Train
Adjacent railway line
Take a scenic train ride from Plymouth for unique perspectives of the bridge and surrounding landscapes .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Tamar Bridge
Capturing the Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Toll Booth Hassles
Be prepared for potential traffic delays at the toll booths.
Consider alternative routes if time is critical.🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
For the best views and photo ops, walk or cycle across the bridge.
🚂 Scenic Train Ride
Hop on the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth for stunning bridge and river views.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch the bridge bathed in golden light during sunset for unforgettable photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Toll Booth Hassles
Be prepared for potential traffic delays at the toll booths.
Consider alternative routes if time is critical.🚶♀️ Walk the Bridge
For the best views and photo ops, walk or cycle across the bridge.
🚂 Scenic Train Ride
Hop on the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth for stunning bridge and river views.
🌅 Sunset Spectacle
Catch the bridge bathed in golden light during sunset for unforgettable photos.
🚴♂️ Cycling Caution
Cyclists should be wary of the A38 approach due to high speeds and no hard shoulder.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise the Tamar Bridge for its stunning panoramic views of the River Tamar, Plymouth, and Cornwall, calling it a 'heavenly' experience.
The engineering marvel itself is appreciated, and the adjacent scenic train line offers a unique perspective. However, some find the toll process frustrating and experience significant traffic delays.What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tamar Bridge is easily accessible from Plymouth by car, bus, or train. Driving will involve crossing the bridge itself, which has toll booths.
Public transport options include local bus services and the scenic Tamar Valley Line train, which offers great views.While technically legal, cycling on the A38 approach to the Tamar Bridge is not recommended due to high speeds and the absence of a hard shoulder.
Dedicated cycling paths may offer a safer alternative for accessing the bridge itself.Yes, pedestrians can walk across the Tamar Bridge, offering excellent vantage points for photos and enjoying the scenery.
It's a popular activity for visitors looking to experience the bridge up close.Parking availability can vary. There are typically parking facilities on both the Plymouth and Cornwall sides of the bridge, though they can fill up quickly during busy periods. Check local signage for specific parking areas.
Several local bus routes serve the areas around the Tamar Bridge. Additionally, the Tamar Valley Line train stops at stations offering views of the bridge, such as Calstock.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a toll to cross the Tamar Bridge. The toll is collected at toll booths on the Plymouth side. Be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak times.
The Tamar Bridge is generally open to pedestrians and cyclists 24/7, though access might be restricted during specific maintenance or event periods. It's always a good idea to check for any temporary closures.
Information on discounts for frequent users or specific passes is usually available through the official Tamar Crossings website. It's worth checking their site for the most up-to-date details on toll charges and potential savings.
Toll payment methods typically include cash and card. It's advisable to have a mix of payment options available, as systems can sometimes experience technical issues. Check the Tamar Crossings website for the most current accepted payment methods.
There is no specific entry fee to view or walk across the Tamar Bridge itself. The primary cost is the toll for vehicular traffic. Viewing the bridge from nearby vantage points is free.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning photos, consider walking or cycling across the bridge for close-up shots of the structure.
Nearby viewpoints on both the Plymouth and Cornwall sides offer panoramic vistas, especially during sunrise and sunset.Drone usage near the Tamar Bridge may be subject to regulations and airspace restrictions. Always check with local authorities and aviation guidelines before flying a drone in the area.
Early mornings offer soft, golden light and fewer crowds, while sunsets provide dramatic skies and beautiful reflections on the water.
Night photography can also be striking with the bridge illuminated.Look out for the Tamar Valley Line train crossing the nearby viaducts, which makes for a classic railway photograph.
You might also spot wildlife like dolphins in the River Tamar.A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the bridge, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or capturing distant views. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light photography during sunrise or sunset.
🚇 🚗 Traffic & Travel
Traffic on the Tamar Bridge can be heavy, especially during peak commuting hours and on weekends. There have been instances of significant delays due to accidents or incidents at the toll booths.
It's advisable to check live traffic updates before your journey.The actual crossing time is usually short, but can be significantly extended by traffic congestion at the toll booths.
During off-peak hours, it might only take a few minutes, while peak times could see delays of 15-30 minutes or more.Road closures or diversions are usually scheduled for maintenance or significant events. Information about planned closures is typically published by Tamar Crossings. Unforeseen incidents can also lead to temporary closures or diversions.
The speed limit on the Tamar Bridge is generally 40 mph, but this can be reduced during periods of heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions. Always adhere to posted speed limits for safety.
You can usually find live traffic updates for the Tamar Bridge on local news websites, traffic information apps, and the official Tamar Crossings website. Social media channels may also provide real-time information.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cyclists and Bikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Construction of the Tamar Bridge
Recent years have seen ongoing maintenance and remedial works, including work on the cable stays, highlighting the continuous effort required to preserve such a vital piece of infrastructure. The bridge's painting is also a complex and lengthy process, involving specialized teams and equipment.
Beyond its functional purpose, the Tamar Bridge has become an iconic landmark, symbolizing the connection between two regions and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Experiencing the Tamar Valley Line
The train provides a relaxed way to appreciate the landscape, with stops at charming villages like Calstock. It's a popular choice for photographers and those seeking a tranquil travel experience, offering glimpses of the bridge from different angles.
This railway line is not just about the views; it's also a vital transport link for local communities and a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Community and Events at the Tamar Bridge
Educational initiatives, such as the 'Engineering Her Future' event, also take place at the bridge, inspiring the next generation of engineers and showcasing the site's significance. These events highlight the bridge's role in bringing people together and fostering community engagement.
Furthermore, the bridge has been a backdrop for awareness campaigns, demonstrating its importance not just for transport but also for social causes.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit