London Bridge Lake Havasu City Arizona

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 20, 2026.

London Bridge is the best-known landmark in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, but its story began more than a century earlier on the River Thames in England. The stone bridge that opened in London in 1831 was purchased by Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCulloch in 1968, dismantled, transported to Arizona and reconstructed across what is now Bridgewater Channel.

Today the historic granite-clad bridge carries vehicles and pedestrians between mainland Lake Havasu City and The Island. Visitors come to see the bridge, walk the waterfront, photograph its arches, explore the nearby English Village area and enjoy boating, dining and recreation along the channel.

• London Bridge Quick Facts
• History In London
• Purchase & Move To Arizona
• Rebuilding The Bridge
• Bridgewater Channel
• Visiting London Bridge
• Visitor Tips
• FAQ

London Bridge Lake Havasu Quick Facts

• Original location: River Thames, London, England
• Designer: John Rennie
• Opened in London: August 1, 1831
• Purchased by: Robert P. McCulloch
• Purchase year: 1968
• Purchase price: $2.46 million
• Reconstructed in Arizona: 1968-1971
• Dedicated at Lake Havasu: October 10, 1971
• Approximate length: 930 feet
• Current waterway: Bridgewater Channel
• Current location: Lake Havasu City, Arizona
• Function today: Vehicle and pedestrian bridge connecting the mainland with The Island

How London Bridge Came To Lake Havasu City

Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCulloch purchased the London Bridge from the City of London in 1968 for $2.46 million. McCulloch and developer C.V. Wood viewed the historic bridge as a distinctive landmark that could bring international attention to their growing community along Lake Havasu.

Moving the bridge required dismantling and identifying thousands of its exterior granite stones so they could be returned to their proper relative positions. The stones were shipped from England through the Panama Canal to Long Beach, California, and then transported by truck across the desert to Lake Havasu City.

Rebuilding London Bridge In Arizona

The London Bridge seen in Lake Havasu City is not a solid reconstruction of the original 1831 masonry structure. Engineers built a modern hollow core of steel-reinforced concrete and used the historic granite facing stones to preserve the appearance of John Rennie's bridge while providing the strength needed for modern traffic.

Each salvaged stone had been numbered during dismantling so it could be positioned correctly during reconstruction. Work continued from 1968 through 1971, and the completed bridge was formally dedicated on October 10, 1971.

Bridgewater Channel & The Island

One of the most unusual parts of the London Bridge story is that the bridge was reconstructed on dry land. After construction was substantially complete, a channel was dredged beneath the bridge and through the peninsula on the Lake Havasu shoreline.

The new waterway became Bridgewater Channel and transformed the former peninsula into what is now known as The Island. As a result, London Bridge became a working crossing rather than simply a decorative monument, connecting central Lake Havasu City with businesses, lodging and recreation on The Island.

History Of The 1831 London Bridge

The bridge now standing in Arizona was designed by Scottish civil engineer John Rennie as a replacement for an earlier London Bridge that had crossed the Thames for centuries. Rennie died before construction was completed, and his sons continued the project. The new five-arch granite bridge opened across the River Thames on August 1, 1831.

During the following century, London traffic changed dramatically. The bridge was widened in the early twentieth century, but by the 1960s it was no longer considered adequate for the volume and weight of modern traffic. London decided to replace it, creating the opportunity for McCulloch to purchase the historic structure in 1968.

Visiting London Bridge In Lake Havasu City

London Bridge remains a functioning road and pedestrian bridge as well as Lake Havasu City's signature historic attraction. Visitors can walk across the bridge, photograph it from the shoreline, explore Bridgewater Channel and visit the English Village area near the bridge.

The Go Lake Havasu Visitor Center is located at 422 English Village near the bridge. The surrounding waterfront area also provides convenient access to restaurants, lodging, boat docks, walking areas and other Lake Havasu recreation.

Things To Do Around London Bridge

• Walk Across The Bridge: View the original granite facing, arches and Bridgewater Channel from the pedestrian walkway.
• Explore The Waterfront: Walk along the channel for additional views of the bridge, boats and shoreline.
• Visit English Village: Stop at the visitor center and explore the area immediately beside the bridge.
• Take A Boat Ride: See London Bridge from the water while cruising Bridgewater Channel and Lake Havasu.
• Photograph The Bridge: Morning, sunset and evening lighting provide very different views of the historic stone arches.
• Visit The Island: Cross London Bridge to reach lodging, restaurants and recreation on The Island.
• Explore Lake Havasu City: Combine the bridge with boating, fishing, beaches and other attractions around Lake Havasu.

London Bridge Visitor Tips

• Walk both the bridge and the waterfront below it for different views of the structure.
• Visit early in the morning or later in the day during summer to avoid the most intense desert heat.
• Bring drinking water and sun protection when walking the waterfront.
• Look closely at the granite stones because numbering used during reconstruction can still be seen on some blocks.
• Allow extra time to explore Bridgewater Channel and The Island rather than viewing the bridge only from the roadway.
• Evening illumination makes the bridge particularly attractive for photography after sunset.

Best Time To Visit London Bridge

Fall through spring generally provides the most comfortable weather for walking around London Bridge and exploring the Lake Havasu waterfront. Winter and early spring are especially popular because daytime temperatures are much milder than during summer.

London Bridge can be visited year-round, but Lake Havasu City becomes extremely hot during summer. Visitors during warmer months should plan outdoor sightseeing for morning or evening whenever possible and carry adequate drinking water.

London Bridge & Lake Havasu Planning Resources

• Lake Havasu City Arizona Guide
• Lake Havasu
• Lake Havasu City Map
• Lake Havasu Boat Rentals
• Lake Havasu Fishing
• Lake Havasu Weather
• London Bridge: London Or Lake Havasu?

London Bridge Lake Havasu FAQ

Is The London Bridge In Lake Havasu The Real London Bridge?

Yes. Original exterior granite stones from the 1831 London Bridge were dismantled, transported to Arizona and used to clad a new reinforced-concrete bridge constructed in Lake Havasu City.

When Was London Bridge Built?

The bridge was designed by John Rennie and opened across the River Thames in London on August 1, 1831.

Who Bought London Bridge?

Lake Havasu City founder Robert P. McCulloch purchased the bridge from the City of London in 1968.

How Much Did London Bridge Cost?

Robert McCulloch purchased the bridge for $2.46 million. Moving and reconstructing it in Arizona added millions of dollars more to the project cost.

When Did London Bridge Open In Lake Havasu City?

The reconstructed London Bridge was formally dedicated in Lake Havasu City on October 10, 1971.

How Was London Bridge Moved To Arizona?

The exterior granite stones were numbered, dismantled and shipped through the Panama Canal to Long Beach, California. They were then transported by truck to Lake Havasu City and used on the reconstructed bridge.

Was London Bridge Built Over Water In Arizona?

No. The bridge was initially reconstructed on dry land. Bridgewater Channel was later dredged beneath it, turning the former peninsula into The Island.

How Long Is London Bridge In Lake Havasu?

The reconstructed London Bridge is approximately 930 feet long.

Can You Walk Across London Bridge?

Yes. London Bridge remains a functioning road and pedestrian bridge connecting mainland Lake Havasu City with The Island.

What Can You Do Near London Bridge?

Visitors can walk the bridge and waterfront, explore English Village and Bridgewater Channel, take boat rides, dine nearby, visit The Island and enjoy other Lake Havasu recreation.

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London Bridge
London Or Lake Havasu

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