Bridges of brilliance

Spanning the centuries, these amazing feats of engineering have become icons

- CAROLINE BED DOW

Among the finest in the world are to be found in Britain, and many are now tourist attractions in their own right. 

They include London's iconic Albert Bridge, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary.

The bridge is lit up by 4,000 lights, which twinkle over the Thames at night. The brainchild of Prince Albert, it still has its original toll booths. But maybe it's not bridge-building at its best, as it was once nicknamed the Trembling Lady for its shakiness!

UNESCO World Heritage site 
The Forth Bridge

Instantly recognisable by its distinctive red paint, Scotland's Forth Bridge, just outside Edinburgh, was the world's longest cantilever bridge when it opened in 1890. At just under a-mile-and-a-half long, it's one of three bridges spanning the Firth of Forth. Stroll the circular five-mile Forth Bridges Trail, book a cruise with forthtours.com, or catch a train at North Queensferry or Dalmeny stations to cross the bridge.

SPLENDID SUSPENSION
The Humber Bridge