Teddington Lock Footbridge (viewed from the river)
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Teddington Lock and Footbridges

4.8
·66 reviews·, United Kingdom

Historic Victorian footbridges offering scenic River Thames views, a vital shortcut, and a glimpse of tidal river life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beautiful sunrise views

CrowdLow
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Teddington Lock Footbridge (viewed from the river)

Teddington Lock and Footbridges

Best Time

Summer mornings

Beautiful sunrise views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Victorian footbridges offering scenic River Thames views, a vital shortcut, and a glimpse of tidal river life.

4.8
(66 reviews)

"Great shortcut to get from one side of the river between Teddington to Kingston, rather go all the way down to the main bridge and then cross."

Vertical photo
TIP

Check Bridge Status

Footbridges may have overnight closures for maintenance. Always check local updates before you go! :information_desk:

Sunrise Spectacle

Visit during summer sunrise for breathtaking views of the lock and river. :sunrise:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Teddington Lock Footbridges

Teddington Lock Footbridges

Over the River Thames

Historic Victorian footbridges offering scenic river views and a unique perspective of the tidal Thames.

River Thames Views

River Thames Views

From the footbridges

Enjoy picturesque vistas of the river, boats, and lush green backdrops, especially stunning at sunrise.

Reddit
Shortcut Between Banks

Shortcut Between Banks

Teddington to Kingston

A convenient crossing point, saving a longer detour to the main bridge, popular with locals and visitors alike.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Bridge Closures & Timing

The footbridges at Teddington Lock are sometimes closed overnight for maintenance. Check local council updates before your visit to avoid disappointment. Planning your visit during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and views. Instagram

River Path Etiquette

Teddington Lock is a popular spot for walkers, dog walkers, and cyclists. Be mindful of others, especially during peak times. While the bridges are a shortcut, they can get busy. Keep an eye out for dog waste left behind by some visitors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Beautiful sunrise views
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, daytime
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

the pub that floods in richmond 📍Richmond, London #richmond #richmonduponthames #thewhitecrosspub #thewhitecross #petershamnurseries #richmondhill #riverthames #tedlassorichmond #richmondvlog #londonguide #whattodoinlondon #thepubthatfloods #londonpubs
@georgeinlondon
8.8K likes • 203.3K views

Check Bridge Status

Footbridges may have overnight closures for maintenance. Always check local updates before you go! Instagram :information_desk:

Sunrise Spectacle

Visit during summer sunrise for breathtaking views of the lock and river. Reddit :sunrise:

❗ Reminder: To take advantage of the fairer weather, we will be undertaking the waterproofing and resurfacing of the two footbridges at Teddington Lock. To do this, we must close the footbridges overnight from 8pm to 6am Monday to Friday on 16-20 September and again Monday to Friday on 23-27 September. We are undertaking the works overnight on weeknights to limit the disruption to commuters and s...
richmond_council
36 likes • 3.7K views
🌉🍃 The Teddington Lock Footbridges are two footbridges over the River Thames in England, situated just upstream of Teddington Lock at Teddington. There is a small island between the bridges. The two footbridges were built between 1887 and 1889, funded by donations from local residents and businesses. They replaced a ferry which gave its name to Ferry Road at Teddington. The southern bridge consis...
bridgesoflondon
57 likes • 531 views

Mind the Dog Poop

Be aware of dog waste on the path and bridges; some visitors leave it behind. Reddit :dog:

Enjoy the Stroll

Perfect for walking, strolling, and relaxing by the riverside. Great for a peaceful escape. Reddit :walking:

Thames Riverboat Connaught passes through Teddington Lock and featuring a look back at both Teddington Lock footbridges. 24 July 2022 #teddingtonlock #teddingtonlockfootbridges #londonsbridges #riverthames #tidalthames #thamespath #teddingtonweir #gpooley #architecture #engineering #infrastructure #superstructure #scenery #thamesriverboats #bargelock #skifflock #launchlock #anglersteddington #ted...
mojo_bridge3
15 likes • 82 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Bridge Status

Footbridges may have overnight closures for maintenance. Always check local updates before you go! Instagram :information_desk:

Sunrise Spectacle

Visit during summer sunrise for breathtaking views of the lock and river. Reddit :sunrise:

Mind the Dog Poop

Be aware of dog waste on the path and bridges; some visitors leave it behind. Reddit :dog:

Enjoy the Stroll

Perfect for walking, strolling, and relaxing by the riverside. Great for a peaceful escape. Reddit :walking:

Wobbly Bridge Fun

Kids might find the bridges less 'wobbly' than expected, but the movement is still noticeable! Reddit :child:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(66 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Teddington Lock's footbridges to be a pleasant and convenient crossing with lovely river views, especially at sunrise. While not as 'wobbly' as some kids might expect, the bridges offer a unique sensation and a great shortcut. Some users note issues with dog waste on the paths, detracting slightly from the otherwise enjoyable riverside experience. Reddit

"The kids were told this was the 'wobbly bridge', they were disappointed it wasn't that wobbly - although you could feel the movement in it a little as you walked accross! As bridges go, this was quite a nice one - great view down the river as well...!"

Andrew Cartwright

"Good pathway for walking, strolling, relaxing and to have a good time by riverside."

Yogesh Bhujbal

"Very busy bridge especially to dog walker and some naughty who just left the poo on the bridge so be mindful of your walk. Look stunning especially when the sun is out or during the dawn"

Dante Ama

What People Like

Scenic river views
Historic footbridges
Convenient shortcut

What People Dislike

Dog waste on paths

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Teddington Lock is accessible via public transport. You can reach the area by train to Teddington Station, followed by a walk. The footbridges themselves connect the banks of the River Thames, making them a key part of navigating the riverside paths. Reddit

Limited parking may be available in the surrounding Teddington and Kingston areas, but it's often best to rely on public transport or walking/cycling to access the lock and its footbridges, especially on busy days. Reddit

Yes, cycling is a popular way to reach Teddington Lock, as it's situated along the Thames Path. Be mindful of other users on the path and the bridges. Reddit

Walking or cycling along the Thames Path is highly recommended. The footbridges offer a unique way to experience the river and connect different parts of the riverside. Reddit

Yes, there are several pubs and cafes in the vicinity of Teddington Lock, offering places to rest and refuel after exploring the area. One notable pub mentioned is 'the pub that floods' in Richmond, a short distance away. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Teddington Lock and its footbridges are free to access and visit. It's a public amenity for everyone to enjoy. Reddit

Teddington Lock and its footbridges are generally accessible at all times. However, the footbridges may be subject to temporary overnight closures for maintenance. Instagram

There are no fees to cross the Teddington Lock footbridges. They serve as public walkways over the River Thames. Reddit

While the area is generally accessible, the footbridges may be closed overnight for maintenance. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience and to avoid potential closures. Instagram

There is no admission fee for viewing or being near the Teddington Lock. It's an operational part of the river system. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise, especially in summer, offers stunning light and views of the lock and river. Golden hour during sunset can also provide beautiful photographic opportunities. Reddit

You can capture scenic river views, the historic footbridges, boats passing through, and the surrounding greenery. The 'wobbly bridge' aspect can also be a fun subject. InstagramReddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on personal photography at Teddington Lock. However, always be respectful of private property and other visitors. Reddit

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. For sunrise/sunset, a tripod can be helpful. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing the bridges and river expanse. Reddit

Yes, photographing boats navigating the lock is a popular activity. You can get great shots from the footbridges or the riverbanks. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

You can walk across the historic footbridges, enjoy scenic river views, watch boats, and stroll along the Thames Path. It's a great spot for a relaxing walk or a short break. Reddit

While some visitors, particularly children, might expect them to be very wobbly, the movement is noticeable but not extreme. It adds a unique sensation to crossing. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy a walk along the river and crossing the bridges. It's a pleasant outdoor activity, though supervision is advised near the water. Reddit

The Thames Path offers excellent walking routes in both directions from Teddington Lock, connecting to areas like Kingston and Richmond. Reddit

You can see the lock from a distance from the footbridges, offering a good perspective of its operation and the river's tidal nature. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Teddington Lock offers a pleasant outdoor experience for families. The walk across the footbridges is engaging, and while not excessively 'wobbly,' the slight movement can be fun for children. Reddit It's a great spot for a family stroll along the Thames Path, offering views of boats and the river. Remember to supervise children closely near the water and be mindful of other users on the path. Reddit

Packing snacks and drinks is a good idea, as amenities might be spread out. The area provides a safe and accessible environment for a relaxed family outing, combining a bit of gentle activity with scenic beauty. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love to walk, Teddington Lock is a gem. It's situated on the picturesque Thames Path, offering miles of scenic walking in either direction. The footbridges provide a unique way to traverse the river and enjoy different perspectives of the waterway and its surroundings. Reddit

Nature lovers will appreciate the riverside greenery, the opportunity to spot various bird species, and the tranquil atmosphere, especially during quieter times. The changing light at sunrise and sunset can be particularly beautiful for photography and quiet contemplation. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Historic Footbridges

The Teddington Lock Footbridges are a pair of Victorian-era structures built between 1887 and 1889. Funded by local donations, they replaced an earlier ferry service that gave the area its name. These bridges are not just functional crossings but also architectural landmarks that have stood the test of time. Instagram

Each bridge spans a section of the River Thames, with a small island situated between them. The design allows for pedestrian traffic to easily move between the Teddington side and the Kingston side, serving as a vital shortcut for locals and a point of interest for visitors. The experience of walking across them, feeling the slight movement, adds to their unique charm. InstagramReddit

While they are a convenient way to cross, it's worth noting that these bridges can undergo maintenance. Visitors should check for any overnight closure notices, particularly during weekdays, to ensure smooth passage. Instagram

Experiencing the Tidal Thames

Teddington Lock is significant as it marks the highest tidal point on the River Thames. This means that upstream of the lock, the river's flow is primarily freshwater and less influenced by the sea's tides, while downstream is tidal. This distinction affects the river's character and the types of boats that can navigate the area. Instagram

Visitors can observe this tidal influence by watching the water levels and the movement of boats. The lock itself is a crucial piece of infrastructure that helps manage boat traffic and water levels, especially for vessels moving between the tidal and non-tidal sections. Seeing boats pass through the lock is a fascinating glimpse into river navigation. Instagram

Walking along the Thames Path near Teddington Lock provides a great opportunity to appreciate the river's dynamic nature. The views from the footbridges offer a unique vantage point to observe the interplay of water, boats, and the surrounding landscape, making it a captivating spot for nature and engineering enthusiasts alike. Reddit

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