Millennium Bridge
The Millennium Bridge, also known as the “Wobbly Bridge,” is a steel suspension bridge that spans the River Thames, connecting St. Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank to Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe on the south bank. Opened in June 2000, it was the first new pedestrian bridge built across the Thames in over a century and it stretches 325 m (1,066 ft). Designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, in collaboration with sculptor Sir Anthony Caro and engineers Arup, the bridge’s sleek and minimalist design quickly became a modern London landmark. Shortly after its opening, the bridge earned its “Wobbly Bridge” nickname due to unexpected lateral swaying caused by the natural movement of pedestrians. The bridge was closed for almost two years to resolve this issue, and it reopened in 2002 after engineers installed shock absorbers to eliminate the vibrations. The Millennium Bridge has been featured in several major films, with its most famous appearance in ’Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ (2009), where it is dramatically destroyed by Death Eaters in a thrilling CGI sequence. The bridge has also appeared in ’Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ’Love Actually’. For tourists, the bridge offers stunning panoramic views of London’s skyline, with St. Paul’s Cathedral on one side and Tate Modern and the Shard on the other. Walking across the Millennium Bridge provides a unique perspective of the city, blending historic and modern London in one short stroll. It has become a popular route for locals and tourists alike, combining iconic landmarks with cinematic history.