Environment Agency with Achim Steiner from the UN Environment Programme at the Thames Barrier In photo from left to right: UN Nick Nuttall, Andrew Pearce, UN Achim Steiner, Howard Davidson, Andy Batchelor, Steve East.

The Environment Agency has opened its free outdoor exhibition at Silvertown’s Thames Barrier for anyone stuck for something to do this summer.

Visitors will be able to find out more on why and how one of the largest moveable flood barriers in the world was built.

It has closed 119 times to protect London from flooding since it was completed in 1982.

Andrew Batchelor, from the Environment Agency, said: “The free exhibition tells the story of the Barrier and London’s tidal defences and also more about our work along the whole of the River Thames, from its source in the Cotswolds and out to the North Sea.

“For younger visitors there will be plenty of fun activities and games on offer to bring the River Thames and our environment to life.”

The exhibition runs until September 9 from 10.30am to 5pm each day.