Regeneration news
Thames Barrier Park Awarded Green Flag for Ninth Year Running
Thames Barrier Park has once again been recognised with a prestigious Green Flag Award, officially marking it as one of the country's best parks. The award celebrates the park's high standards of maintenance, biodiversity and visitor experience.
One of the Royal Docks' most distinctive green spaces, the park combines stunning landscape design with expansive riverside views and a unique position alongside the iconic Thames Barrier.
From chemical works to green and serene
Opened in 2000 on the site of former industrial land, Thames Barrier Park is a strong example of how regeneration can transform underused spaces into thriving green environments.
What was once a chemical works has been reshaped into a 22‑acre park, bringing planting, open space and wildlife back into the area. Today, it balances carefully designed landscapes with natural habitats, creating space for both people and nature.
A meadow of wildflowers at Thames Barrier Park supports biodiversity and provides a haven for pollinators. Image credit: Tian Khee Song
Designed with nature in mind
Across the park, planting has been carefully considered to support biodiversity throughout the year. Wildflower areas, grasses and structured gardens provide shelter and food for birds, bees and other pollinators.
One of the park's most distinctive features is the Green Dock, a sunken garden that creates a sheltered microclimate, protecting plants from wind and allowing a wide range of species to thrive. It’s also a subtle reference to the area’s dockland history, blending heritage with environmental design.
Thames Barrier Park offers uninterrupted views of the Thames Barrier from its riverside walkway. Image credit: Tian Khee Song
Where nature meets engineering
Thames Barrier Park sits alongside the Thames Barrier, one of the world's largest movable flood barriers. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of this iconic landmark, named one of London's most underrated tourist attractions.
The barrier's 10 steel gates help protect around 125 square kilometres of central London and more than one million people from tidal flooding, making it a vital part of the capital's infrastructure.
Together, the Thames Barrier and Thames Barrier Park showcase the Royal Docks at its best, combining innovative engineering, award-winning landscape design and stunning riverside views.
Creativity in the landscape
New additions continue to shape the park, including a forthcoming community mural by local artist, Gaurab Thakali that will bring creativity and local voices into the space. The project will reflect the identity and stories of the Royal Docks while adding another layer to the park’s evolving landscape. Read more about the community mural.
With Milk, the independent café at the centre of Thames Barrier Park. Image credit: Tian Khee Song
With Milk cafe: a local favourite
Located at the centre of Thames Barrier Park, With Milk is an independent café that has become a favourite with park visitors and local residents alike. Founded by two sisters, Hana and Lela Mamma, the café combines speciality coffee and locally sourced food with flavours inspired by their North African heritage and Tottenham roots.
From iced matcha and speciality coffee to cakes, light bites and ice cream, With Milk is the perfect place to pause during a visit to the park.
Visit Thames Barrier Park
Discover why Thames Barrier Park has been recognised as one of the country's best parks for the ninth consecutive year.
Thames Barrier Park
North Woolwich Road
London E16 2HP
