London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona is a historic landmark spanning the Colorado River, drawing visitors with its storied past, waterfront setting, and English Village charm.
London Bridge has a history that stretches back to nineteenth-century England. The bridge once spanned the River Thames in London, but by the 1960s it was sinking under the weight of modern traffic. The City of London sold it at auction in 1968, and entrepreneur Robert McCulloch purchased it for Lake Havasu City, a planned community he was developing in the Arizona desert.
The granite facing blocks were numbered, dismantled, and shipped to California, then trucked to the site. Workers reassembled them over a constructed island in Lake Havasu, and the bridge officially opened in 1971. The Colorado River channel beneath it was dredged afterward, making the bridge fully functional over open water.
Today the surrounding English Village gives the area a distinct character, with brick walkways, waterfront dining, and shops clustered at the base of the bridge. Boat tours depart from nearby docks, offering a relaxed way to take in the span alongside the lake's broad shoreline.
London Bridge remains one of the most visited attractions in Arizona, a genuine piece of European history transplanted to the desert Southwest and worth the trip for the sheer improbability of the sight.
Visit during the cooler months between October and April to enjoy walking the bridge and the English Village without the intense summer heat.
Arrive in the early morning for the calmest light on the water and the fewest crowds on the bridge.
Explore the English Village shops and cafes just below the bridge for a relaxed meal with a direct view of the span.
Rent a kayak or paddleboard from a nearby outfitter to see London Bridge from the water for a different perspective.
Check the calendar for the annual London Bridge Days festival in October, which features a Renaissance fair and waterfront activities.
Cruise at golden hour with up to 6 people and watch the sunset from the lake
Spacious travel trailer comfort with an outdoor kitchen and flexible sleeping space
Cruise the Colorado River to London Bridge with time to explore ashore
Golden-hour lake views, canyon scenery and local history from the water