Royal Albert Bridge
A railway bridge designed by Brunel and opened in 1859, with two lens-shaped trusses spanning the River Tamar and linking Devon with Cornwall.
The Royal Albert Bridge was the last great work of the Victorian engineer Brunel. It was opened in 1859 by Prince Albert, and its two huge lens-shaped wrought-iron trusses span the River Tamar. The bridge gate bears the inscription “I. K. BRUNEL ENGINEER 1859”. It still carries trains on the London–Cornwall main line, so it cannot be walked across. The best viewpoints are the pedestrian walkway on the nearby road bridge, the Tamar Bridge (free), and the riverside path at Saltash on the opposite bank. Taking the train west from Plymouth across the bridge is also an experience. It takes about 20 minutes by car or bus from the city centre and can be combined with Cotehele or the Tamar Valley.
Opening hours
All day (exterior only)
Nearby sights
- Antony House
- Royal William Yard
- Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
- Drake's Island
- Crownhill Fort
- The Box
- Kingsand & Cawsand
- Plymouth Hoe & Smeaton's Tower