August 21, 2012 visit a different kind of monument go on by Antonia Leslie Ever find yourself stuck in the far corners of South East London, I know it is unlikely if you are visiting London but just incase, do not hesitate to visit the Thames Barrier. Built to control the possible very dangerous flooding that could easily happen with the very tidal Thames river, it is a handsome technical monument found at the Woolwich end of the river. The best way to see it is by riverboat as you actually go past and can take in it's size. You can get on the boat in Greenwich and see the last of the industrial part of the Thames and it is very wide at this point. It has a very special atmosphere and is not at all like the part from London Bridge to Greenwich which is full luxury balconied apartments and dockland lofts. Is is worth the visit even if it is a bit far out. See more pictures