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London Bridge (natural arch) facts for kids

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London Bridge
London Bridge, Torquay.jpg
London Bridge
Map showing the location of London Bridge
Map showing the location of London Bridge
Location in Devon
Location Torquay, Devon, England
Coordinates 50°27′15.5″N 3°31′7.2″W / 50.454306°N 3.518667°W / 50.454306; -3.518667
Formed by Coastal erosion
Geology Middle Devonian limestone

London Bridge is a cool natural arch found on the coast of Torquay in Devon, England. It's not the famous bridge in London city, but a natural rock formation shaped by the ocean!

London Bridge: A Natural Wonder in Torquay

What is London Bridge?

London Bridge is a natural arch made of rock. It's located right on the coast of Torquay in Devon, England. This amazing arch was formed over many years by the power of the ocean waves crashing against the rocks. It's made from a type of rock called limestone, which is very old, dating back to the Middle Devonian period.

How it Got its Name

People have called this natural arch "London Bridge" for hundreds of years. It's a name that has stuck around for a long time!

Finding London Bridge

London Bridge is located on the eastern side of Torquay. It sits next to an old, unused limestone quarry. You can find it below the South West Coast Path, which is a long walking trail.

You can reach the arch by taking a short detour from the main path. This smaller trail leads you down through some trees to the arch itself. You can also see London Bridge from a viewpoint above the old Dyer's Quarry, which is also on the coast path. Many other spots around Torquay offer great views of this natural landmark.

A Look Back in Time

Gurney-036-98304 (cropped)
An 1854 drawing of the arch, by Richenda Gurney

London Bridge was a very popular spot for visitors in the past. This was especially true in the 1800s. During that time, and even after, many artists drew and painted pictures of the arch. It was a famous sight to capture in art!

Fun Activities at London Bridge

London Bridge is a popular place for different outdoor activities.

Rock Climbing and Deep Water Soloing

The arch is a well-known spot for rock climbing. It's also famous for something called deep water soloing. This is a type of climbing where you climb cliffs above water without ropes. If you fall, you just splash into the sea!

Coasteering Adventures

The arch and the area around it, including the old Dyer's Quarry, are popular for coasteering. This activity involves exploring the coastline by climbing, jumping, and swimming. It's a great spot because it's a bit hidden but still close to Torquay. There are many places to jump into the water, and some people say they are the best jumps in the area!

Scuba Diving and Fishing

There's also a scuba diving spot nearby called 'The Pipes'. It got this name because there are a bunch of pipes on the seabed. These pipes fell from a sunken boat nearby. It's known as a great place for new divers to practice.

You can also find lots of fish near the arch, like Ballan wrasse and conger eel. This makes it a favorite spot for people who enjoy fishing.

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