Thames Barrier
1 Unity Way, Woolwich, London SE18

The Thames Barrier, built to prevent the possibility of catastrophic flooding in London, was one of the greatest construction achievements of the 20th century. 

London has been flooded by the Thames on many occasions in its history.  In 1236 the water rose so high that people rowed across Westminster Hall in boats.  Further flooding occurred in 1663 and 1928, and in 1953 a tidal surge caused great damage in the Thames estuary below London. To prevent further disasters in 1965 the Greater London Council (GLC) invited proposals to solve the problem and nine years later work started on the Thames Barrier. 

The barrier is made up of a series of separate movable gates, positioned end to end across the river.  Each gate is pivoted and set between concrete piers that house the operating machinery and control equipment.  When not in use the ten gates remain hidden from view piers. 

If a high tidal surge threatens, the gates rotate through 90 degrees from their riverbed position and close the barrier.  The gates rise 6 feet above that the level reached by the tidal surge of 1953, and the raised barrier seals part of the upper Thames from the sea, with a steel wall facing downstream to stem the tide. 

The barrier is 1,706 feet from bank to bank, with four main openings having a span of 200 feet. Completed in 1982, the Thames Barrier is a major advance in environmental control. 

The barrier has been raised more than 20 times since its completion and, if sea-level rises as the result of global warming, it will certainly be used more often in future. 

The Visitors' Centre has an audio-visual presentation and working models explaining how the Barrier was built.

Nearby is the Thames Barrier Park, at North Woolwich Road, E16, the first new park in London in recent history. With fountains, playground and a tea pavilion, the park is popular with families

The Thames Barrier is usually raised once a month - telephone 020 8305 4188 for details. 

For the best view of the Barrier visit by boat.

Admission charge

Opening Times