I see the Thames Barrier has several closures scheduled throughout this
year, but only one of them is a "full tidal closure." Is it worth trying
to go during the full tidal closure, or will I not notice the difference
going some other time?

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk...62880/?lang=_e

(Originally posted in uk.local.london, which appears to be useless.
Since the Thames Barrier is important to navigation I think it falls
under "transport."
--
Michael Hoffman

Michael Hoffman wrote:
I see the Thames Barrier has several closures scheduled throughout
this year, but only one of them is a "full tidal closure." Is it worth
trying to go during the full tidal closure, or will I not notice the
difference going some other time?

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk...62880/?lang=_e

The normal monthly test closures are for 2.5 hours around low tide, so
they are not very interesting.

There is usually one all-day test closure every year, which this year is
on 8th October, from 08:15 to 18:15 BST. This will prevent the
afternoon high tide from reaching central London, which would otherwise
have been 7.4 metres at London Bridge, one of the highest of the year.
This is only about half a metre below the level that would trigger a
barrier closure "in anger", so it's a chance to see the barrier actually
holding back a high tide. High water at the barrier on 8th October is
at around 15:00 BST.

--
Richard J.
(to e-mail me, swap uk and yon in address)

On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 00:16:29 +0100, Michael Hoffman wrote:

I see the Thames Barrier has several closures scheduled throughout this
year, but only one of them is a "full tidal closure." Is it worth trying
to go during the full tidal closure, or will I not notice the difference
going some other time?

Is "go" by land or water?

The river is likely to be closed for some distance around it during a
closure, so no trips are likely to run. 3 or 4 sections are often set
closed so the effect is visable on the greenwich-barrier-greenwich trip at
any time.

Steve

Steve wrote:
On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 00:16:29 +0100, Michael Hoffman wrote:


I see the Thames Barrier has several closures scheduled throughout this
year, but only one of them is a "full tidal closure." Is it worth trying
to go during the full tidal closure, or will I not notice the difference
going some other time?


Is "go" by land or water?

The river is likely to be closed for some distance around it during a
closure, so no trips are likely to run. 3 or 4 sections are often set
closed so the effect is visable on the greenwich-barrier-greenwich trip at
any time.

I just want to see the Thames Barrier at some point, and want to know
when the best time and manner to do so is. Do you suggest going by water
instead?
--
Michael Hoffman

On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:54:50 +0100, Michael Hoffman wrote:

I just want to see the Thames Barrier at some point, and want to know
when the best time and manner to do so is. Do you suggest going by water
instead?

Well I would, I think theres some kind of visitors center there if your on
foot, but there not much else. If you havn't done the thames before go
from westminster, and stop off in greenwich
http://www.westminsterpier.co.uk/barrier.htm

Sunny days are better, but less people on the boats on cloudy days.

A few piccys I took here

http://www.puppet-head.co.uk/B1.JPG
http://www.puppet-head.co.uk/B2.JPG
http://www.puppet-head.co.uk/B3.JPG
http://www.puppet-head.co.uk/B4.JPG

Steve

Steve wrote:
On Sun, 16 Apr 2006 18:54:50 +0100, Michael Hoffman wrote:

I just want to see the Thames Barrier at some point, and want to know
when the best time and manner to do so is. Do you suggest going by water
instead?

Well I would, I think theres some kind of visitors center there if your on
foot, but there not much else. If you havn't done the thames before go
from westminster, and stop off in greenwich
http://www.westminsterpier.co.uk/barrier.htm

Sunny days are better, but less people on the boats on cloudy days.

A few piccys I took here

http://www.puppet-head.co.uk/B1.JPG
http://www.puppet-head.co.uk/B2.JPG
http://www.puppet-head.co.uk/B3.JPG
http://www.puppet-head.co.uk/B4.JPG

Steve


With plenty of time (and sensible shoes) it might be interesting to
walk from Greenwich, via the peninsula. You can stay on the riverside
for most of it.

Not much else to see on the South side maybe, but on the North side of
the river is Thames Barrier Park, a really beautiful place and a fine
view of the Thames Barrier. Easy to get to - just take the DLR to
Pontoon Dock. Everyone I have taken there has said its one of the best
places in London. You can also walk back to Custom House DLR via the
bridge over Royal Victoria Dock which has some stunning views over the
Docklands area.

Rob