Monthly closure of the Thames Barrier

The Thames Flood Barrier is closed once a month for test purposes, where all the gates are closed at the same time.

The closure times vary through the year to match tides, and is a good chance to see the barrier in its impenetrable state.

The full closure is usually about an hour after the event starts - and can be watched from either the southern side, where there's also an exhibition, or the northern side park.

Note - the September closure is for a whole day, so much longer than usual.