Thames Barrier Cruises 2020
The Thames Barrier is the second largest movable flood defence in the world (second only to Oosterscheldekering in the Netherlands). The barrier was completed in 1986 and has been closed to protect from flooding over 95 times. From the 30th March 2020 until the 1st November 2020 Thames River Sightseeing will be operating cruises through the Thames Barrier.
Passengers can join a barrier cruise at Westminster, St. Katharine Pier or Greenwich & there are five sailings each day. After departing Greenwich we cruise downriver past the O2 & beneath the North Greenwich Cable Car. We then cruise through the Thames Barrier before turning and cruising back to Greenwich. Pre-booked groups can arrange to embark or disembark at Barrier Gardens Pier next to the Thames Barrier Information Centre. After the barrier cruise passengers can disembark at Greenwich Pier, St. Katharine Pier or Westminster Pier.
The Thames Flood Barrier is one of the largest movable flood defences in the world. Since its completion in 1986 the barrier has been closed 182 times (accurate as of February 2018). 95 of these closures were to protect against tidal flooding & 87 closures were to protect against tidal/fluvial flooding.
The Route
Old Royal Naval College
Old Royal Naval College
The Old Royal Naval College is Sir Christopher Wren’s riverside masterpiece, built in the 17th Century as the Royal Hospital for Seamen on the site of the Tudor Palace of Placentia. The Old Royal Naval College boasts beautiful surroundings & some of the most magnificent interiors in London. The Painted Hall in King William Court is home to the largest painted ceiling in Europe, a Baroque masterpiece by Sir James Thornhill depicting over 300 years of English aristocracy & British Naval Power. The Chapel of St Peter & St Paul in Queen Mary Court has a beautiful interior designed by James ‘Athenian’ Stewart. Visitors to the Old Royal Naval College can enjoy tours of the Painted Hall & the grounds & visit the cafe & gift shop located in King William Court.
The Queens House
The Queens House
Trafalgar Tavern
Trafalgar Tavern
The Trafalgar Tavern was designed by Joseph Kay & built in 1837, the year of the accension of Queen Victoria. The tavern stands on the site of the Old George Inn & is constructed in a Late Regency style with large bay windows, balconies & columns. After serving as a home for seamen & then a working men’s club the tavern was restored in 1965. The Trafalgar Tavern takes its name from the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 & features an extensive collection of maritime paintings. A statue of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson was comissioned for the 200th anniversary of the battle & stands watch outside the tavern.
Optic Cloak
Optic Cloak
The Optic Cloak, by Conrad Shawcross
Isle of Dogs Pumping Station (Temple of Storms)
Isle of Dogs Pumping Station (Temple of Storms)
West India Dock
West India Dock
A Slice of Reality
A Slice of Reality
A Slice of Reality, by Richard Wilson
Virginia Quay Settlers Monument
Virginia Quay Settlers Monument
Trinity Buoy Wharf
Trinity Buoy Wharf
The O2
The O2
The O2 (designed by Richard Rogers) was originally constructed in 2000 for the Millennium Experience and was called the Millennium Dome. After the Millennium Experience ended the dome was developed into a sports & entertainment complex by Anschutz Entertainment Group. The dome was sponsored by o2 & is now home to over 30 bars & restaurants, a bowling alley, cinema, ICON Outlet shopping complex and the O2 arena.
Quantum Cloud
Quantum Cloud
North Greenwich Cable Car (Emirates Airline)
North Greenwich Cable Car (Emirates Airline)
The Emirates Airline Cable Car is the first urban cable car in the United Kingdom & was designed by Wilkinson Eyre. The cable car was completed in 2012 at a cost of £60 million. The cable car travels between Greenwich Peninsula on the South of the River Thames & the Royal Docks on the North with a capacity of 2,500 passengers in each direction every hour.
Thames Barrier
Thames Barrier
The Thames Flood Barrier is one of the largest movable flood defences in the world. Since its completion in 1986 the barrier has been closed 182 times (accurate as of February 2018). 95 of these closures were to protect against tidal flooding & 87 closures were to protect against tidal/fluvial flooding.
Thames Refinery (Tate & Lyle Sugar)
Thames Refinery (Tate & Lyle Sugar)
Tate & Lyle’s Thames Refinery is the largest sugar refinery in Europe & one of the largest in the world. The refinery was built in 1878 & produces over 500,000 tonnes of sugar every year.
Cruises through the Thames Barrier depart Westminster Pier, St. Katharine Pier & Greenwich.
We have five sailings to the barrier each day. click the link below to book tickets to the Thames Barrier.
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