Thames Barrier

Thames Barrier

The Thames Barrier is located on the River Thames in London, near Greenwich, and is primarily used to defend against tidal surges from the sea. The Thames Barrier is one of the world’s largest movable flood barriers. Spanning 520 meters across the River Thames, it safeguards a 125-square-kilometer area of central London from flooding.

The River Thames is the mother river of London and a symbol of this international metropolis. However, historically, the Thames has breached its banks and flooded multiple times, threatening the lives and property of Londoners. The severity of these disasters served as a serious wake-up call. To prevent the river’s water levels from rising into central London again, engineers continuously drafted flood barrier designs. After numerous submissions and rejections, the Greater London Council began constructing the Thames Barrier in 1974. Ten years later, on May 8, 1984, the then multi-billion-pound Thames Barrier was finally completed, with the Queen herself presiding over the inauguration ceremony.

The Thames Barrier features an innovative design that combines aesthetics with practical functionality. The UK Environment Agency has hailed it as the “Eighth Wonder of the World” and stated that its protection for London will last well beyond 2030. Its ten steel gates can be raised to a certain position, spanning the entire width of the river. When raised, the main gates stand as tall as a five-story building and are as wide as London Bridge. The Thames Barrier Information Centre is generally open to the public and also serves as a great spot for outdoor picnics and children’s play.

Thames Barrier

Must-visit reason: One of the world’s largest movable flood barriers

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Britain[Britain]

Province/State where the attraction is located: Greater London [Greater London]

City where the attraction is located: London [London]