Thames Barrier
The Thames Barrier has been described as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Barrier looks like a surrealistic vision of the future, but its purpose is rather more mundane; it was built to control flooding on the Thames. It is composed of a series of hidden underwater gates that pivot up when needed.
You cannot actually go inside the Barrier, but you can take a 25 minute boat trip around this amazing structure. On the bank there are visual displays, a riverside walk, and viewing platforms.
The Barrier is one of the largest movable flood control devices in the world. It stretches 520 metres across the river, and helps control water levels against tidal sures, protecting some 125 square kilometres of Greater London against flooding.
The Barrier opened in 1982, with a series of 10 steel gates that can be raised and lowered as needed, according to water and tide conditions. Each of the main gates weighs in at a whopping 3,300 tonnes, and when they are fully raised the gates are as high as a 5 storey building.
Getting There
You can reach the Barrier by road, rail, boat, or tube - the easiest by far from central London is by DLR to Pontoon Dock station, but realise that this is the north bank of the river, and the visitor centre is on the south bank! There is no readily accessible rail or tube on the south bank, so car or taxi may be the easiest. See the official Environment Ageny website for transport details.
I took the easy way out and opted to take the DLR to Pontoon Dock. This lets you out at the edge of Thames Barrier Park, a lovely green space running down to the river, with clipped hedges resembling waves flowing.
The visitor centre on the Woolwich (south) bank is open from Tuesday-Saturday for the general public, and at other times for groups.
The Barrier is one of the largest movable flood control devices in the world. It stretches 520 metres across the river, and helps control water levels against tidal sures, protecting some 125 square kilometres of Greater London against flooding.
The Barrier opened in 1982, with a series of 10 steel gates that can be raised and lowered as needed, according to water and tide conditions. Each of the main gates weighs in at a whopping 3,300 tonnes, and when they are fully raised the gates are as high as a 5 storey building.
Getting There
You can reach the Barrier by road, rail, boat, or tube - the easiest by far from central London is by DLR to Pontoon Dock station, but realise that this is the north bank of the river, and the visitor centre is on the south bank! There is no readily accessible rail or tube on the south bank, so car or taxi may be the easiest. See the official Environment Ageny website for transport details.
I took the easy way out and opted to take the DLR to Pontoon Dock. This lets you out at the edge of Thames Barrier Park, a lovely green space running down to the river, with clipped hedges resembling waves flowing.
The visitor centre on the Woolwich (south) bank is open from Tuesday-Saturday for the general public, and at other times for groups.
Pontoon Dock - 0.7 miles (straight line) - Zone: 3 
