Come and Visit!

This year there is a Summer Exhibition in a riverfront marquee next to the Barrier, with lots to see and do for all the family. The FREE exhibition is open every day from 26th July to 9th September 2012.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the Information Centre and The View café, which are open all year round and overlook the Thames Barrier and the river. There is also an outside picnic area and children’s play area.

Summer Exhibition 2012

This free exhibition tells the story of the Barrier and London’s tidal defences – exploring why and how the Thames Barrier was built, and how it protects central London from flooding from the sea. You can also find out more about the Environment Agency’s work along the whole of the River Thames, from its source in the Cotswolds out to the North Sea; and how they have supported the London 2012 Games. For younger visitors, activities and games will help to bring the River Thames and our environment to life.

Opening hours and admission

The Summer Exhibition is open from 10.30am to 5pm, seven days a week, and admission is free. The following admission charges apply outside this period:
Adults – £3.50 (£3 for disabled adults*)
Seniors (60 and over) – £3.00 (£2 for disabled seniors*)
Students (16-18 or in full-time education) – £3.00 (£2 for disabled students*)
Children under 16 – £2 (£1.50 for disabled children*)
Children under 5 – Free

*Carers accompanying disabled visitors will be admitted free of charge.

Groups: If you are bringing a group of more than 10 people, please contact the team to book your visit and pre-order any food for your group. Please call 020 8305 4188 or via email. Pre-booked group talks are available for a small fee. Please see the Group Talks page for more information.

Information Centre and The View cafe

Visiting our Information Centre is a great way to learn more about the Thames Barrier. Find out how the Thames Barrier was designed and built, and how it works. You can also learn about the history and environment of the River Thames. Pause for refreshment at The View café and enjoy spectacular views of the Barrier and the River Thames.

Disabled access

There are three parking bays in the car park where blue-badge holders can park free of charge. There is also have a drop-off point for taxis and minibuses. Access to the riverfront is restricted, as there are steep steps leading down from the bank. This is because the bank is a flood defence levee, and any ramps could compromise the integrity of the defence. There is a toilet for disabled people that requires a radar key, which can be provided on request.

Directions and parking

The address is: Thames Barrier Information Centre, 1 Unity Way, Woolwich, London, SE18 5NJ. The pay-and-display carpark is open from 7.30am to 5.30pm, seven days a week.

Parking fees until 25th July 2012:
£1.50 per day
Free parking for coaches if booked in advance.

Parking fees from 26th July to 9th September 2012:
Cars: £5.00 per day
Free parking for blue badge holders
Coaches: £20.00 per day

Further information is available here.

Boat trips

No scheduled boat services stop at the Thames Barrier. If you would like to visit the Thames Barrier by boat, you will need to book this through Thames River Services, which operates passenger boat services on the River Thames.